If you live in a coastal area, gardening can be a challenge. The salty ocean breeze and sandy soil can make it difficult for plants to thrive. However, there are certain plants that are more tolerant of these conditions and can still grow beautifully in coastal gardens.
One of the best choices for coastal gardens is the Santolina, also known as Cotton Lavender. This evergreen shrub has aromatic silver-gray foliage that tolerates full sun and well-drained soil. It is also resistant to wind and salt, making it an ideal choice for coastal locations.
Another great option is the Mexican Orange Blossom, also known as Choisya Ternata. This compact shrub features glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers that bloom from late spring to late summer. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate full sun or partial shade.
The Holly is a popular choice for coastal gardens due to its glossy, evergreen foliage and ability to tolerate salty air. This versatile plant grows well in a variety of soil types and can be used as a hedge or specimen tree. It also produces bright red berries that add splashes of color to the garden in the winter months.
If you’re looking for a grass that can withstand coastal conditions, Stipa Gigantea is a great choice. Also known as Golden Oats, this ornamental grass features tall golden flower spikes that sway in the wind. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate sandy or gravelly soils.
These are just a few examples of the many coastal plants that can thrive in gardens near the ocean. By choosing plants that are hardy and can tolerate the salty air and sandy soil, you can create a beautiful garden that will last for years to come.
Coastal plants
When it comes to gardens near the ocean, it is important to choose plants that can withstand the harsh coastal environment. Coastal areas are often exposed to strong winds and salty air, which can be detrimental to many plants. However, there are a variety of coastal plants that are well-suited for these challenging conditions. Here are 10 excellent choices for coastal gardens:
1. Artemisia maritima
This hardy coastal plant, also known as “Sea Wormwood,” has silver-green foliage that is tolerant of wind and salt. It can grow up to 2 feet tall and is a great choice for borders and sunny areas.
2. Holly
Holly is a versatile coastal plant that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It is known for its glossy green foliage and vibrant red berries that appear in the winter. Holly can be grown as a hedge or used to add structure to the garden.
3. Lavender
Lavender is a popular choice for coastal gardens due to its tolerance of salty air. This aromatic plant produces beautiful purple flowers and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is often used in English gardens and can also be grown in containers.
4. Santolina
Santolina, also known as “Lavender Cotton,” is a tough coastal plant with silver-gray foliage. It is highly tolerant of wind and salt and can thrive in poor soil conditions. Santolina is often used as a border or in rock gardens.
5. Mexican feather grass
This self-seeding grass is well-suited for coastal gardens. It has a feathery appearance and can tolerate windy conditions. Mexican feather grass is known for its graceful movement in the wind and can add texture and interest to the garden.
6. Sea holly
Sea holly is a native coastal plant that has spiky blue flowers and silvery foliage. It is highly tolerant of salt and can thrive in sandy or gravelly soil. Sea holly is often used in seaside gardens to create a natural look.
7. Sedum
Sedum is a drought-tolerant coastal plant that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It has fleshy, succulent leaves and produces clusters of star-shaped flowers in the summer. Sedum is often used in rock gardens and is a favorite of pollinators.
8. Stipa
Stipa, also known as “Feather Grass,” is a perennial grass that is well-suited for coastal locations. It has feathery, green foliage and produces tall, airy seed heads in the summer. Stipa is highly tolerant of wind and salt and can add movement to the garden.
9. Cordyline
Cordyline, also known as “Cabbage Palm,” is a tropical-looking plant that is well-suited for coastal gardens. It has large, strap-shaped leaves and can tolerate wind and salt. Cordyline is often used to add height and interest to the garden.
10. Agapanthus
Agapanthus, also known as “Lily of the Nile,” has beautiful blue, white, or purple flowers that bloom in the summer. It is a hardy coastal plant that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. Agapanthus is often used in borders and containers.
When choosing plants for your coastal garden, it is important to consider their tolerance to wind, salt, and sandy soil. These 10 coastal plants are well-suited to the ocean environment and will thrive in coastal gardens. Whether you are looking for colorful flowers, interesting foliage, or low-maintenance options, there is a wide variety of coastal plants to choose from.
1 Lavender
Lavender is a popular choice for coastal gardens due to its ability to tolerate the windy and salty conditions near the ocean. It is an ideal plant for those living in coastal locations, as it not only thrives in the sandy and gravel soil often found near the coast, but it also adds a touch of elegance and beauty to any garden.
There are many varieties of lavender to choose from, including English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), French lavender (Lavandula stoechas), and Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas). All of these varieties have their own unique characteristics and are suited to different gardening needs.
Lavender plants have thick, evergreen foliage that is often gray-green in color. The leaves are waxy and have a thick texture, which helps protect them from the salt and wind. The plants also produce beautiful fragrant flowers, typically in shades of purple, pink, or white, which attract bees and butterflies to the garden.
Lavender is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including hot and dry summers. It prefers well-drained soil and is drought tolerant, making it a great choice for coastal areas with sandy or gravel soil.
One of the best things about lavender is that it blooms for a long period of time, usually from late spring to early summer. This means you can enjoy its beautiful flowers and fragrance for months on end.
If you are looking to create a hedge or border in your coastal garden, lavender is a great choice. It grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet and can be pruned to maintain its shape. It also works well in rock gardens, as it can be planted in crevices or cracks in the rocks.
When planting lavender, it is important to space the plants about 2 to 3 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation. This will help prevent any issues with mildew or other diseases that can occur in humid coastal areas.
In summary, lavender is an excellent choice for coastal gardens due to its ability to tolerate the harsh conditions near the ocean. Its thick foliage and beautiful flowers make it a visually appealing plant, while its drought tolerance and adaptability to various soil types make it a practical choice for coastal locations.
2 Sea holly – Eryngium ‘Sapphire blue’
Sea holly, also known as Eryngium ‘Sapphire blue’, is a popular choice for coastal gardens. These plants are well-suited for the windy and salty conditions found near the ocean.
This hardy perennial can grow up to 2 feet in height and prefers full sun. Sea holly has waxy and spiky foliage, making it tolerant of drought and wind. It thrives in well-drained soil, making it a great choice for sandy and gravelly areas.
The ‘Sapphire blue’ variety of sea holly features vibrant blue flowers that bloom throughout the summer. The flowers attract bees and butterflies, adding beauty and pollination to the coastal garden.
Sea holly is also tolerant of coastal conditions, making it a good choice for gardens near the ocean. Their evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, and they are also able to withstand periods of salt spray.
One expert gardening team explains that sea holly is a great choice for coastal gardens because it is not invasive, unlike some other coastal plants. Its dense foliage can also create a windbreak or hedge, providing additional protection for other plants in the garden.
Some other coastal plants that work well with sea holly include santolina, artemisia, and stipa. These choices are often seen in coastal gardens and are known for their ability to tolerate wind, salt spray, and poor soil conditions.
When choosing plants for a coastal garden, it’s important to consider the specific conditions of the area. Coastal gardens can vary in terms of sun exposure, wind intensity, and soil content. Sea holly and other coastal plants are ideal choices for these environments as they are able to thrive in these challenging conditions.
If you live near the ocean and want to create a beautiful and resilient garden, consider adding sea holly and other coastal plants to your landscape. These plants will not only survive but also thrive in the coastal environment, bringing color and life to your outdoor space.
3 Sea thrift – Armeria maritima
Sea thrift, also known as Armeria maritima, is a great choice for coastal gardens. These plants are well-suited for the windy conditions and salty air near the ocean. Sea thrift has a variety of cultivars to choose from, and some are more tolerant of certain growing conditions than others.
Sea thrift is a perennial plant that forms clumps of grass-like foliage. The leaves are green and glossy, adding a pop of color to the garden even when the flowers aren’t in bloom. The flowers, which appear in late spring and early summer, are small and usually pink or lavender in color. This plant is evergreen, so it will provide year-round interest in your garden.
Sea thrift prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is highly tolerant of poor soil conditions and low water content, making it an ideal choice for gravel gardens and exposed areas near the ocean. Sea thrift can also tolerate some shade, but it will not thrive in heavy shade.
These plants are low-maintenance and require little attention once established. They are drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of dry weather. Sea thrift is also deer-resistant, making it a good option for gardens where deer may be a problem.
One popular cultivar is Armeria maritima ‘Splendens’, which has bright pink flowers and a more compact growth habit. Another option is Armeria maritima ‘Alba’, which has white flowers. Sea thrift is also available in dwarf forms, such as ‘Dusseldorf Pride’, which grows to only 6 inches tall.
It’s important to note that sea thrift can be invasive in some areas, so it’s a good idea to check with local experts or your local cooperative extension office before planting it in your garden. Additionally, sea thrift can be divided every few years to prevent overcrowding and keep the plants healthy.
4 Artemisia
The artemisia plant is a great choice for coastal gardens. It prefers sunny and dry conditions, making it an expert in tolerating wind and salty soils. This hardy evergreen plant has a variety of foliage, from silver-gray to green, and its glossy leaves add texture and interest to the garden.
Artemisia can be used as a hedge or planted in groupings for a more dramatic effect. It works well with other coastal plants like lavender and santolina, while also providing contrast to grasses and gravel areas. This plant is a good choice for gardens in zones 4 to 9.
One popular variety is Artemisia maritima, also known as “Seafoam.” This plant thrives in full sun and is drought tolerant. It grows well in sandy or gravelly soil and can even be planted in crevices or rock gardens. Seafoam artemisia has silver-gray leaves that add a splash of color to any garden.
Artemisia is also a favorite among gardeners who have homes near the ocean. Its tolerance for salt and windy conditions make it an ideal choice for coastal gardens. Whether planted in the ground or in containers, artemisia is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal watering and upkeep.
From July to fall, artemisia produces small yellow flowers that add bursts of color to the garden. These flowers provide an aged look to the plant and can be left on for winter interest. Pruning in the spring can help maintain a compact shape and encourage new growth.
If you’re looking for a plant that can thrive in coastal conditions, consider adding artemisia to your garden. Its hardy nature and variety of foliage make it a versatile choice, while its tolerance for wind and salty soils ensures that it will continue to thrive in coastal areas.
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5 Mexican feather grass – Stipa tenuissima
One of the certain choices for a coastal garden is Mexican feather grass, also known as Stipa tenuissima. This grass is well-suited to coastal conditions and can thrive in the windy, salty air near the ocean.
The foliage of Mexican feather grass is its standout feature. The fine leaves of the stipa grass create a soft and feathery look that sways gracefully in the wind. This variety of grass is often used in garden designs to add movement and texture to the landscape.
The grass grows in clumps and reaches a height of 2-3 feet. It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care once established. Mexican feather grass is known for its ability to grow in dry, well-drained soil, making it an ideal choice for coastal areas with sandy or gravelly soil.
One thing to note about Mexican feather grass is that it is invasive in some areas. The grass can self-seed and spread quickly, so it’s important to be mindful of planting it responsibly. Some gardeners choose to plant it in containers or use it as a hedge to prevent its spread.
In terms of planting, Mexican feather grass is best suited to sunny areas. It can tolerate some shade, but full sun will encourage the best growth and flowering. The grass is also deer resistant, which is a bonus for coastal homes where deer may be a problem.
If you’re looking for a grass that adds movement and a touch of elegance to your coastal garden, Mexican feather grass is an excellent choice. Its wavy foliage and waxy flower spikes make it a standout in any landscape. The grass also pairs well with other coastal plants such as lavender, artemisia, and sea holly.
6 Sea campion – Silene uniflora
Sea campion, also known as Silene uniflora, is a popular choice for coastal gardens. This plant is a work of art that can thrive in areas with salty and windy conditions. It is an expert in adapting to coastal environments, making it a top choice for those living near the ocean.
Sea campion has glossy green leaves that form a thick foliage, providing a full and eye-catching display. Its waxy foliage helps it tolerate the salty air and sandy soils that are common in coastal areas. This evergreen plant can grow up to 2 feet in height and produces beautiful white flowers in the summer months.
One of the best things about sea campion is that it is low-maintenance and can be grown in a variety of soil types. Whether you have sandy soil or heavy clay, sea campion will thrive. It is a versatile plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions.
Sea campion is often used as a ground cover or in rock gardens. Its compact growth habit makes it a perfect choice for filling in large areas with its green foliage. It can also be grown as a border or hedge plant, providing a natural and attractive barrier.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, sea campion is a favorite among gardeners for its ability to attract pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and other insects are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to create a pollinator-friendly garden.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance and attractive plant for your coastal garden, sea campion is an excellent choice. Its ability to thrive in coastal environments and its beautiful flowers make it a popular option for those living near the ocean.
With its compact growth habit, glossy leaves, and delicate flowers, sea campion adds a touch of elegance to any coastal garden. Give it a try and enjoy the beauty it brings to your outdoor space.
7 Redhot poker – kniphofias
The Redhot poker, or kniphofias, are a great choice for gardens near the ocean. They are known for their tall flower spikes that can add a splash of color to any garden. The Redhot poker is a hardy and evergreen plant that thrives in sandy and well-drained soils, making it ideal for coastal locations.
These plants are often found in windy and exposed areas, where they can tolerate the salty conditions and strong ocean winds. They have waxy or hairy leaves that protect them from drying out in the harsh coastal environment. The Redhot poker is a low-maintenance plant that can grow in full sun or partial shade.
The Redhot poker comes in a variety of colors, including shades of red, orange, and yellow. They are known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, adding an extra touch of beauty to your coastal garden.
If you choose to plant Redhot poker in your garden, make sure to give them enough space to spread. They can grow up to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide, so planting them in borders or as a hedge can be a great idea. They also look great when planted in groups or mixed with other coastal plants.
When it comes to soil, Redhot poker prefers well-drained and slightly acidic soil. You can improve the soil’s drainage by adding organic matter, like compost or aged manure. In terms of watering, these plants are relatively drought-tolerant once established, but they will benefit from regular watering during hot and dry periods.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant with vibrant flowers that can withstand the coastal conditions, Redhot poker is a great choice. It’s a popular plant among coastal gardeners and a trendy choice for those who want to create a seaside-themed garden.
8 Santolina
Santolina, also known as lavender cotton, is a popular choice for gardens near the ocean. While not invasive, santolina has a wide, waxy, and salty-tolerant leaves that make it well-suited to coastal locations. It prefers full sun and well-drained sandy soils, making it a perfect choice for sandy beach gardens.
One of the most common varieties is Santolina chamaecyparissus, also known as gray santolina or cotton lavender. This variety has glossy, silver-gray foliage and small yellow flowers. It can grow up to 2-3 feet tall and wide, making it a great choice for adding some green to your coastal garden.
Santolina can tolerate windy conditions, making it an ideal choice for gardens that experience strong ocean winds. It is also deer and rabbit resistant, making it a low maintenance option for coastal gardeners. It pairs well with other coastal plants like stipa grasses and artemisia.
If you choose to plant santolina in your coastal garden, make sure to give it a good watering during the summer to help it cope with the salty air. It is also a good idea to work some organic matter into the soil before planting to improve drainage. Prune santolina regularly to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged growth.
With its hardy nature and tolerance to coastal conditions, santolina is a great choice for gardens near the ocean. Its sunny yellow flowers and silver-gray foliage add a splash of color and interest to your garden all year round. So next time you’re planning your coastal garden, consider adding santolina to your list of plant choices.
9 Griselinia littoralis
Griselinia littoralis, commonly known as New Zealand broadleaf or kapuka, is a popular choice for coastal gardens. This evergreen shrub is native to New Zealand and can tolerate salty and windy conditions, making it well-suited for coastal locations.
The expert team at Coastal Plants explains that Griselinia littoralis prefers full sun or partial shade and is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11. It is a versatile plant that can thrive in a wide range of soil types, including sandy soils.
One of the standout features of Griselinia littoralis is its glossy, waxy leaves that add a touch of elegance to any garden. In summer, it produces small, inconspicuous flowers, but it is primarily grown for its foliage.
Griselinia littoralis is often used as a hedge plant, thanks to its dense growth habit. It can be trimmed to form a tidy, well-maintained hedge that provides privacy and adds structure to the garden. Its tolerance to salt and wind also makes it an ideal choice for coastal homes.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Griselinia littoralis is also a practical choice for coastal gardens. Its dense foliage provides shelter to other plants and helps to reduce wind speed, creating a more sheltered microclimate and protecting more delicate plants from strong coastal breezes.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in coastal areas, Griselinia littoralis is definitely worth considering. Its salt tolerance and ability to withstand windy conditions make it a reliable choice for gardens near the ocean.
10 Euonymus japonicus
Euonymus japonicus, also known as Japanese spindle or Japanese euonymus, is a versatile coastal plant that is well-suited for gardens near the ocean. This evergreen shrub has glossy, dark green foliage that adds beauty and texture to any garden.
One of the reasons Euonymus japonicus is a popular choice for coastal gardens is its salt tolerance. It can withstand the salty air and splashes from the ocean, making it the perfect plant for homes in beachfront areas. Additionally, the dense and waxy foliage of this plant helps protect it from strong winds, making it an excellent choice for windy coastal locations.
Euonymus japonicus is hardy in USDA zones 6-9, which means it can thrive in a wide range of climates. It is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil, making it a low-maintenance option for coastal gardens.
There are several varieties of Euonymus japonicus to choose from, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your coastal garden. Some popular varieties include:
- Euonymus japonicus ‘Lavender Lace’ – This variety has delicate lavender-colored flowers that bloom in summer, adding a pop of color to your garden.
- Euonymus japonicus ‘Green Spire’ – This variety has a narrow, upright growth habit, making it a great choice for creating hedges or privacy screens near the ocean.
- Euonymus japonicus ‘Microphyllus’ – This variety has small leaves and a compact growth habit, making it suitable for smaller gardens or container planting.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal and salt tolerance, Euonymus japonicus is also loved by gardeners for its versatility. It can be used as a standalone plant, in mass plantings, or as a component of mixed borders and coastal gardens.
Although Euonymus japonicus is a popular choice for coastal gardens, it is important to note that it can become invasive in some areas. Make sure to check with your local gardening experts or your local plant policy before planting Euonymus japonicus to ensure it is well-suited for your location.
What plants do well at the coast
- Coastal areas are often sunny, with sandy soil and salty ocean content, making them ideal for growing a wide variety of coastal plants.
- One choice for coastal gardens is Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima), a native grass that thrives in sunny, windy conditions. Its delicate leaves add a touch of green to borders and hedges.
- Age-old choices like lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) are also well-suited to coastal gardens. This evergreen shrub tolerates the salty sea air and prefers full sun.
- Another option is sea pinks (Armeria maritima), which have charming pink flowers and thrive in sandy soils.
- Artemisia is a great choice for windy coastal areas. This silver-leaved plant prefers full sun and tolerates salty soil, making it a perfect addition to any coastal garden.
- Hollies (Ilex) are known for their glossy evergreen foliage, and certain varieties, such as English holly (Ilex aquifolium), can tolerate coastal conditions.
- Invasive plants should be avoided in coastal gardens, as they can cause problems for the local ecosystem. Instead, choose native plants that are well-adapted to the local coastal environment.
- Coastal gardens can benefit from a mix of plants that provide splashes of color throughout the year. Alongside the choices mentioned above, consider plants like Mexican sage, beach aster, beach morning glory, and seaside goldenrod.
- It’s a good idea to create a windbreak in exposed coastal areas to protect plants from the harsh ocean winds. This can be done with the help of hedges, fences, or walls.
What vegetables grow near the sea
When it comes to growing vegetables near the sea, there are certain considerations to keep in mind. The coastal areas can pose unique challenges such as strong winds, salt content in the air, and sandy soil. However, with the right selection of vegetable varieties, it is still possible to enjoy a bountiful vegetable garden near the ocean.
1. Peppers
Peppers are a great choice for coastal gardens because they are known for their ability to thrive in hot and sunny conditions. They prefer well-drained soil and can handle the salty air near the sea.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are another versatile vegetable that can do well near the ocean. They need full sun and well-drained soil, and certain varieties are more suited for coastal gardens. Choose varieties that are known for their disease resistance and tolerance to salty conditions.
3. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a popular choice for coastal gardens because they are fast-growing and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions. They do well in both sunny and partially shaded areas, making them a flexible choice for coastal gardeners.
4. Beans
Beans are an easy-to-grow vegetable that thrives in well-drained soil. They are also resistant to salty conditions, which makes them a great choice for coastal gardens. Be mindful of providing support for the plants as they grow.
5. Lettuce
Lettuce varieties that have thick and waxy leaves, such as romaine lettuce, are better suited for coastal gardens. The waxy leaves help to reduce water loss and protect the plant from the salty air and wind. It is best to grow lettuce in the cooler months of the year, as they tend to bolt quickly in hot summer weather.
6. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a hardy leafy green that can do well in coastal gardens. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, making it a good choice for areas with exposure to strong winds. Swiss chard comes in a variety of colors, adding visual interest to your coastal garden.
7. Radishes
Radishes are a quick-growing vegetable that can tolerate sandy soils and salty conditions. They are an ideal choice for coastal gardens, as they can mature in as little as three to four weeks. Radishes can be grown throughout the year, but they tend to prefer cool weather.
8. Carrots
Carrots can be grown successfully in coastal areas as long as you choose a variety suited for these conditions. Look for carrots that have shorter maturity periods and are resistant to bolting. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
9. Zucchini
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be grown in coastal gardens. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil but can tolerate sandy conditions. The fast-growing nature of zucchini makes it a great choice for coastal gardeners.
10. Spinach
Spinach is a leafy green that can do well in coastal gardens with partial shade. It prefers cool weather, and varieties such as New Zealand spinach are better suited for coastal areas. It is important to provide adequate water to prevent the leaves from becoming tough and bitter.
By choosing the right vegetable varieties and providing them with the necessary growing conditions, you can have a successful vegetable garden near the sea. Remember to check the specific growing requirements for each vegetable variety and adjust your gardening practices accordingly. Happy coastal gardening!