Salt-Tolerant Plants for Charleston Landscapes

Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, and Grasses that Stand Up to Salt

​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. 

​Southern Magnolia
​Salt tolerance: High
Gorgeous and grand, Southern Magnolia trees offer handsome foliage throughout the year and bright, white fragrant blooms spring through fall. These native trees are salt-tolerant and tolerate moist soils - an ideal blend of characteristics for Lowcountry landscapes! Mature size depends on variety. Part to full sun. Deer non-preferred.

Yaupon Holly
​​Salt tolerance: High
​​Our native Yaupon holly comes in various forms. As an upright shrub or tree, it provides loads (LOADS!) of fruit for songbirds. These bright red candy-colored berries contrast beautifully with the small leaves of this evergreen. Our upright shrub grows to approximately 10-15' tall. Part to full sun. ​Deer non-preferred.

Podocarpus (Japanese Yew)
​Salt tolerance: High
Available in shades of solid green, variegated, or the lovely two-toned color mix of Mood Ring™ (shown), Japanese Yew offers excellent coverage as a privacy screen or hedge. Mature size depends on variety. Mood Ring™ mature size is approximately 10-15' tall x 3-4' wide. Part to full sun. Deer non-preferred.

Wax Myrtle
Salt tolerance: High
Regarded for their adaptation to coastal salt spray, sandy soils, heat, and drought, Wax Myrtles are useful as privacy screens, informal hedges, or small trees. Wax Myrtles grow quickly to size, providing shelter and food for birds (female Wax Myrtle shrubs produce berries). 15-20' tall and wide.  Part to full sun. Deer non-preferred.

Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile)
​​Salt tolerance: Moderate
Agapanthus blooms offer cool shades of white, blue, and purple to the summer landscape, pleasing pollinators and passers-by alike. Don't let their dainty look fool you - these are some of the toughest perennials we know! Part to full sun. Mature size depends on variety.

Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
​Salt tolerance: High
This pollinator-attracting native perennial comes in a variety of warm hues (yellows, reds, and oranges) and tolerates a long list of adverse conditions once it's established (namely heat, drought, and salt). Full sun. Mature size: 1-1 1/2' tall x 1/2-1' wide.

Muhly Grass (Sweet Grass)
​Salt tolerance: Moderate
A Lowcountry favorite that stands up to heat and drought once established. Best suited to well-draining sunny locations, this perennial grass remains an attractive shade of green throughout spring and summer, then offers showy, cotton-candy-pink plumes in fall. Mature size: 3-4' tall and wide. Full sun. Deer non-preferred.

Miscanthus (Maiden Grass)
​Salt tolerance: High
An excellent companion planting for Sweet Grass, Maiden Grass offers silvery cream blooms in fall that shimmer in the breeze. Allow plumes to dry in place for added interest in the winter landscape. Size varies depending on variety, but all have beautiful blooms. On average, matures to 3-4' tall and wide. Full sun. Deer non-preferred.

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.

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For Planting Success:

We highly recommend amending the soil in your planting area with a Brownswood Premium Planting Mix as well as a starter fertilizer such as Espoma Organic Bio-tone® Starter Plus to give your new plants their best start. You can find our Planting Guide at the link below. It provides planting instructions and helpful information about watering and getting new plants established. We look forward to seeing you at the Garden Center!

Download Our Planting Guide

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