Although our winters are usually mild here in Charleston, we do occasionally experience a hard freeze that can damage or even kill landscape plants. We've put together a few tips for avoiding plant damage and caring for plants after a freeze event.

The first and best way to guard against cold damage is to select plants that are appropriate for our growing region. Nearly all of the varieties we grow and stock at our nursery fall into this category. If temperatures are expected to be at or below freezing for an extended period - one or more hours - precautions taken to protect hardy landscape plants will lessen the likelihood of wilted or brown leaves and damaged flower buds.

Prior to the arrival of freezing temperatures, add mulch to cover plant roots, water if there's been a lack of rainfall (be careful to water the root zone, not the foliage), and cover plants with a "frost cloth." Frost cloth can be purchased or fashioned from a bed sheet. Be sure to cover plants to the ground and secure to prevent plants from being exposed to cold air/wind.

Of course, it's hard to deny the beauty of certain colorful tropicals such as the Tropical Hibiscus. Tender plant varieties are often treated as annual container plantings throughout the warm season with the expectation that they may not survive a cold winter. However, these and other annual flowers can be protected from freezing temperatures by bringing them into a covered area such as a garage. If containerized plants are too heavy to move, water them in place and cover with a frost cloth. Note: Containerized plants left outside may not survive hours of cold exposure even if watered in and covered.

​After a cold snap has passed, allow ice or snow to melt away naturally. It can take days or longer for cold damage to become visible. Freeze damage will likely present itself as wilted or brown leaves, browned and/or fallen flower buds, or splitting/cracks in the bark of shrubs and trees. 

Clean up cold damage on hardy perennial plants by removing any mushy, wilted foliage immediately. You may also strip crispy, brown foliage from deciduous woody ornamentals and trees at this time if desired.

Resist pruning damaged shrubs and trees right away. Instead, wait until warmer weather arrives and temperatures have stabilized to prune away dead wood. This will prevent stimulating the plants to produce new growth too soon.

​Living near the coast in Charleston, South Carolina, offers beautiful views and a mild climate, but it also brings unique challenges for landscaping - especially when it comes to soil and salt exposure. Salt tolerance is a key factor to consider when selecting plants that will thrive, particularly for gardens near the shore or areas with brackish soil. Fortunately, there are many trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses that not only withstand salt but bring beauty and resilience to your landscape. Here are eight salt-tolerant plants that will add structure, color, and texture to your Charleston garden, all while standing up to the coastal elements. 

Visit our Garden Center with photos, measurements, and any ideas you have, and let our Nursery Professionals help you find the right plant for the right place. Whether you're looking to create a lush privacy screen, add vibrant color, or troubleshoot a particular spot in your landscape, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

If you're dreaming of an outdoor retreat that combines elegance, comfort, and functionality, this recent Mt. Pleasant landscaping project will inspire you to take the next step toward transforming your own backyard. At Brownswood Nursery & Landscape, our  landscape design team works to create personalized outdoor spaces that extend your home’s living area and match your lifestyle. Whether it’s a cozy spot to gather with family, a luxurious poolside oasis, or a serene garden escape, we bring our expertise to every project.

This Mt. Pleasant backyard transformation was designed with a focus on seamless outdoor living. A Bluestone patio with Old Carolina® brick accents became the perfect setting for a custom outdoor fireplace, offering a cozy ambiance for cool evenings. The Belgard® Dublin Cobble® pool deck, framed by a Weston Stone™ wall, added a touch of sophistication while maintaining durability for high-traffic areas. Steel-edged Plantation Mix walkways connected the space, offering functionality and charm.

Lush, newly landscaped garden beds brought this outdoor retreat to life with a diverse mix of trees, shrubs, and perennials that thrive in Mt. Pleasant’s coastal environment. Key plantings included Magnolia, Crape Myrtle, Japanese Blueberry Trees, and Nelly Stevens Holly for structure and shade, complemented by vibrant flowering plants such as Hydrangeas, Drift® Roses, Bougainvillea, and Salvia. Additional accents like Sweet Grass, Shenandoah Switch Grass, and Variegated Shell Ginger added texture and movement to the design, creating a dynamic yet cohesive look. These thoughtful plant selections not only enhance the landscape’s beauty but also ensure low-maintenance growth and sustainability.

To complete the transformation, Empire Zoysia sod created a lush, welcoming lawn, while updated irrigation and lighting systems ensured long-lasting health and functionality for the landscape. Custom lighting elements, including uplights and path lights, enhanced the design, creating a magical ambiance for nighttime enjoyment. With every detail tailored to the client’s needs, this Mt. Pleasant landscape design delivers a perfect blend of aesthetics and practicality.

Are you ready to transform your outdoor space into the ultimate retreat? Brownswood Nursery & Landscape has been the trusted choice for Mt. Pleasant landscapers for years, delivering expert design and installation services to create beautiful, functional landscapes. Let us help you bring your vision to life.

Plan now to create your dream outdoor living space by scheduling an in-yard design consultation today.