This question is often asked of me. “Matt, I saw a great plant on my vacation. It was small with pink flowers. You know what it is?” Well, after a question and answer session we typically nail it down or at least come close. Why is it that many of the plants we use have difficulty in coastal areas? What are those plants that seem to do better there? Can we plant them successfully here? Let’s take a look.

Three primary factors make it hard to grow plants successfully along the coast. First, the makeup of the soil, is challenging. While we have heavy clay soil,which is good for holding water and nutrients, soil near the coast is sandy. Sand obviously doesn’t hold water or nutrients.

A second factor is the salt. Salt inhibits water absorption. As a result, soil in coastal regions does not retain moisture or nutrients well.

Another factor is the on-going wind. Although the wind feels good to us, it dries plants down quickly. I know what you are thinking. You have been complaining for years about that clay soil in
your yard that has made it hard for some of your plants to do well. Now you know that it could be worse!

Plants Commonly Used in Coastal Areas

Agapanthus – This evergreen blue or white-flowering perennial is a winner and actually thrives in our area, again, when planted in the right location. In a recent trip to the beach I noticed it planted en masse along the roadsides. Here, I like to plant it around trees or in other tough spots where the soil dries down nicely.

Indian hawthorn – Most of us are familiar with hawthorn. The main complaint I hear is that they develop leaf spot or occasionally even rot out. This is one of those plants that simply does better under the well-drained coastal conditions.

Oleander – These plants grow upwards of 12 feet tall and provide pink or white flowers much of the summer. I know of several very beautiful Oleander trees in Columbus. If you want to try one,
though, make sure the soil is well drained and that you plant it in a protected spot. Oleander is a tropical plant and therefore is susceptible to cold temperatures.

Pittosporum – This is a shrub we use that, like Indian hawthorn, simply does better in coastal areas. I love variegated pittosporum but am always cautious when planting, as I know it doesn’t like wet feet and is susceptible to disease.

Sago palm – Many palm varieties are planted all over coastal areas but this one is noteworthy since it does well here, too. The sago palm has a shrub-like habit and is quite tough. Severe cold may turn the foliage brown, but more times than not you can cut them back and get a flush of new growth the following spring.

St. Augustine –We see this variety of grass primarily in older yards around town as these days we tend to prefer Zoysia or Bermuda. If St. Augustine is your sod of choice, make sure to add a layer of sandy soil before planting.

Exploring the diversity of plants and soil conditions between our area and nearby coastal regions is just one of the things that make the job of a horticulturist fun. Remember the factors that make the coast unique. Through the manipulation of those factors and with a little extra care, you may very easily be able to use the “plant with the pink flower” that you loved so much. Consult with a landscape professional first.

Matt Whiddon is a graduate of the University of Georgia school of horticulture and is the owner of Columbus in Color Landscape Group and PlantWorks Professional Horticultural Services.

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