If you’ve lived in the Lowcountry long enough, you know camellias are more than just plants - they’re part of Charleston’s story. These graceful evergreens bring timeless Southern beauty to our gardens, with glossy foliage and blooms that brighten even the grayest winter days. At Brownswood Nursery & Landscape, we carry a wide selection of camellias - sasanqua, japonica, sinensis, and hybrids - each with its own character and best use in the landscape. Let’s walk through the options so you can pick the perfect fit for your Charleston garden.

Camellias are hardy but reward proper planting and care with decades of beauty. Here’s how to set them up for success:

• Site Selection: Choose a location with partial shade (morning sun, afternoon shade is best). Protection from harsh winds helps preserve blooms.
• Soil: Camellias prefer slightly acidic, well-draining soil.
• Planting: Dig a wide, shallow hole—camellias don’t like being planted too deep.

Whether you want the early flush of sasanquas, the bold winter color of japonicas, the fragrance and history of sinensis, or the novelty of hybrids, camellias are truly the queens of the Charleston garden. With the right selection and care, they’ll be a legacy in your landscape - bringing beauty for generations.
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Visit us at Brownswood Nursery & Landscape and let our team help you find the camellia that speaks to your garden’s story.

When space is limited but your landscape goals are big, dwarf shrubs are the answer. These compact powerhouses are perfect for foundation plantings, low hedges, and mid-layer accents in garden beds. They also shine in containers, offering color, structure, and texture year-round. Whether you’re designing a small courtyard or simply want low-maintenance plants with high visual impact, these “tiny but mighty” selections pack a punch.

Below, we’re spotlighting some of our favorite dwarf shrubs that thrive in the Lowcountry’s climate and look stunning in both formal and relaxed garden designs.

Charleston summers are no joke. Between the rising temps, high humidity, and long stretches without rain, your landscape has to be tough to thrive. Fortunately, our growing region is home to a wide variety of plants that don’t just survive the summer - they shine in it.

Whether you’re refreshing your foundation plantings or creating a brand-new landscape design, these heat-tolerant selections are ready to handle whatever Charleston’s summer throws at them.

Even the toughest plants need a little extra care when the temperatures soar. Here are five essential tips to help your landscape beat the heat:
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1. Water Deeply and Early
   Water in the early morning to reduce evaporation. Aim for less frequent but deep watering to encourage strong root systems.
   
   
2.  Add a Layer of Mulch
   Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce weed competition. Apply 2–3 inches around your plants (but keep mulch away from trunks and stems).
   
   
3. Watch for Signs of Stress
   Wilting, scorched leaves, or leaf drop can be signs your plants are struggling. Adjust your watering schedule or provide temporary shade to help them recover.
   
   
4. Avoid Fertilizing During Peak Heat
   Fertilizing in mid-summer can stress plants and encourage new growth that may burn in the heat. Wait for a break in the weather or fertilize earlier in the season.
   
   
5. Plan Ahead with the Right Plants
   Choose heat-tolerant, Charleston-tested varieties like the ones above to set your landscape up for success. Right plant, right place = happy plants all summer long.