Good Plants for Landscaping in North Carolina

Swamp Mallow

• Swamp mallow, sometimes called swamp hibiscus, is native to North Carolina's swamps and marshes. It performs well in wet parts of the garden, but also grows well in shrub borders or anywhere in the landscape where it can receive regular watering. It quickly grows to a height of up to 7 feet and dies to the ground in winter, then reshoots in spring. The flowers are usually about 6 inches across, and some cultivars have flowers that are a foot in diameter. Species flowers have white or light pink petals with dark crimson centers, and cultivars come in a wide range of colors. Swamp mallow likes a rich, organic soil and full sun. Fertilize regularly and mulch well to help the soil retain moisture.

Redbud

• Redbud is a small tree that grows up to 30 feet in height. It is named for the reddish purple, pea-shaped flowers that bloom along the length of the branches in early spring. The flowers are followed by seed pods that attract birds to the garden. Nectar insects such as bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers. Redbud is native to North Carolina and grows well throughout the state. It needs full sun or partial shade and a moderate to rich, well-drained soil.

Eastern Red Columbine

• Eastern red columbine is known for its showy red and yellow flowers that hang from the stems. The tubular flowers have an abundance of long, yellow stamen and attract butterflies and nectar insects including the columbine duskywing skipper. Eastern red columbine grows to a height of about 2 feet and prefers shade or partial shade. It grows well in any well-drained soil, however flowers are reduced in number when grown in a rich soil.

Winter Daphne

• Gardeners love winter daphne for the fragrant blossoms that appear in late winter when few other plants are showing any signs of life. Plant it where people gather so they can enjoy the powerful fragrance. The small, reddish-purple florets bloom in clusters and make excellent cut flowers that will perfume an entire room. This rounded shrub grows 3 to 4 feet tall and is attractive year round. Winter daphne resists transplanting and doesn't like to have its roots disturbed. When planting, remove it from the container carefully and plant it in a permanent place where it won't be disturbed. Winter daphne grows well in any well-drained soil and prefers partial shade. This plant is sometimes a challenge to established but well worth the effort. It grows well in all parts of North Carolina.