Gorgeous Plants for Mild-Climate Coastal Gardens
These trees, shrubs, grasses, perennial flowers and succulents thrive in sandy soils and sea air
Life along the coast may be laid-back in most respects, but it can be a tough climate for common garden plants. Constant exposure to sun and salty marine winds, combined with quick-draining sandy soil, establishes a pretty demanding environment for many of our go-to shrubs and perennials.
If you live along the seacoast in a region with a mild climate, such as California or the Pacific Northwest — or wish to create a beachy garden in similar growing conditions inland — take a look at this roundup of tough trees, sturdy shrubs, ornamental grasses and colorful bloomers that all thrive in marine conditions.
If you live along the seacoast in a region with a mild climate, such as California or the Pacific Northwest — or wish to create a beachy garden in similar growing conditions inland — take a look at this roundup of tough trees, sturdy shrubs, ornamental grasses and colorful bloomers that all thrive in marine conditions.
Cabbage Tree
(Cordyline australis)
This palm-like subtropical tree is useful for getting a tropical hit on a smaller scale than a full-scale palm tree. Native to New Zealand, cabbage trees have graceful, strappy leaves that grow in floret-like clusters from ribbed trunks. Cream-colored blossom panicles appear in spring.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (zones 8 to 11)
Origin: New Zealand
Water requirement: Moderate; low once established
Light requirement: Full sun to partial sun
See how to grow cabbage tree
(Cordyline australis)
This palm-like subtropical tree is useful for getting a tropical hit on a smaller scale than a full-scale palm tree. Native to New Zealand, cabbage trees have graceful, strappy leaves that grow in floret-like clusters from ribbed trunks. Cream-colored blossom panicles appear in spring.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (zones 8 to 11)
Origin: New Zealand
Water requirement: Moderate; low once established
Light requirement: Full sun to partial sun
See how to grow cabbage tree
Shrubs
Most shrubs that thrive in coastal gardens have small leaves or leaves with a fuzzy or waxy coating. These adaptations help the plants conserve water (and dissuade grazers) in sunny, dry coastal conditions.
Pride of Madeira
(Echium candicans)
Native to the rocky cliffs of Madeira, a Portuguese island off the northwest coast of Africa, this shrub grows best in coastal conditions with rocky, fast-draining soil and low water. The velvety silver-green leaves and dramatic 2- to 3-foot-long purple flower spikes make this a knockout coastal garden plant. Its flowers attract bees. Plant it at the back of the bed or on slopes where it can reach its full sprawling size of 5 to 6 feet tall and up to 10 feet wide. Skip irrigation in summer and provide low water in the cool season.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (zones 9 to 10)
Origin: Madeira
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full sun
See how to grow pride of Madeira
Most shrubs that thrive in coastal gardens have small leaves or leaves with a fuzzy or waxy coating. These adaptations help the plants conserve water (and dissuade grazers) in sunny, dry coastal conditions.
Pride of Madeira
(Echium candicans)
Native to the rocky cliffs of Madeira, a Portuguese island off the northwest coast of Africa, this shrub grows best in coastal conditions with rocky, fast-draining soil and low water. The velvety silver-green leaves and dramatic 2- to 3-foot-long purple flower spikes make this a knockout coastal garden plant. Its flowers attract bees. Plant it at the back of the bed or on slopes where it can reach its full sprawling size of 5 to 6 feet tall and up to 10 feet wide. Skip irrigation in summer and provide low water in the cool season.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (zones 9 to 10)
Origin: Madeira
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full sun
See how to grow pride of Madeira
Coast Rosemary
(Westringia fruticosa)
This drought-tolerant evergreen Australian native is a versatile landscape shrub for coastal and low-water gardens. All coast rosemary shrubs have tiny leaves and subtle but attractive white or pale lavender flowers. Grow coast rosemary as a clipped topiary — it’s great as a boxwood substitute in windy or salty areas — or allow it to grow naturally in a loose, mounding form that reaches 3 to 6 feet tall and 5 to 10 feet wide. Variegated forms, such as W. fruticosa ‘Morning Light’, add bright accents to mixed shrub beds.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (zones 9 to 10)
Origin: Australia
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
(Westringia fruticosa)
This drought-tolerant evergreen Australian native is a versatile landscape shrub for coastal and low-water gardens. All coast rosemary shrubs have tiny leaves and subtle but attractive white or pale lavender flowers. Grow coast rosemary as a clipped topiary — it’s great as a boxwood substitute in windy or salty areas — or allow it to grow naturally in a loose, mounding form that reaches 3 to 6 feet tall and 5 to 10 feet wide. Variegated forms, such as W. fruticosa ‘Morning Light’, add bright accents to mixed shrub beds.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (zones 9 to 10)
Origin: Australia
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Banksias
(Banksia spp.)
Banksias (as well as other members of the Protea family) are dramatic Australian natives, grown for their attractive leaves and stunning, bottlebrush-like flowers. In costal conditions, flowers often bloom nearly year-round, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. Many banksias reach 6 to 12 feet tall and nearly as wide; some grow larger, into small trees. It’s best to plant them at the back of the border. Banksias thrive in poor, quick-draining rocky soil; avoid fertilizing and summer watering.
Where it will grow: Hardiness varies by species; many are hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (zones 9 to 11)
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Full sun
(Banksia spp.)
Banksias (as well as other members of the Protea family) are dramatic Australian natives, grown for their attractive leaves and stunning, bottlebrush-like flowers. In costal conditions, flowers often bloom nearly year-round, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. Many banksias reach 6 to 12 feet tall and nearly as wide; some grow larger, into small trees. It’s best to plant them at the back of the border. Banksias thrive in poor, quick-draining rocky soil; avoid fertilizing and summer watering.
Where it will grow: Hardiness varies by species; many are hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (zones 9 to 11)
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Full sun
Perennials
Bring long-lasting color to seaside gardens with perennial bloomers and flowering ground covers. Many coastal natives are on the smaller side, perfectly adapted to growing on wind-whipped bluffs or between the cracks of cliffs.
Mediterranean Spurge
(Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii)
Drought-tolerant and forgiving, spurge is a great plant for adding a bright swath of chartreuse to coastal planting beds. Native to the Mediterranean, spurge thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates low water (although it will look lusher with moderate water). Bright green bloom structures (technically bracts around inconspicuous flowers) cover the plants like frothy sea foam from spring through early summer.
Caution: Its milky white sap is irritating to skin and toxic if ingested. Gardening gloves are a must.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 5 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 20.6 degrees Celsius (zones 6 to 9)
Origin: Mediterranean
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Bring long-lasting color to seaside gardens with perennial bloomers and flowering ground covers. Many coastal natives are on the smaller side, perfectly adapted to growing on wind-whipped bluffs or between the cracks of cliffs.
Mediterranean Spurge
(Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii)
Drought-tolerant and forgiving, spurge is a great plant for adding a bright swath of chartreuse to coastal planting beds. Native to the Mediterranean, spurge thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates low water (although it will look lusher with moderate water). Bright green bloom structures (technically bracts around inconspicuous flowers) cover the plants like frothy sea foam from spring through early summer.
Caution: Its milky white sap is irritating to skin and toxic if ingested. Gardening gloves are a must.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 5 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 20.6 degrees Celsius (zones 6 to 9)
Origin: Mediterranean
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Mexican bush sage pops against a dusty red backdrop.
Sages
(Salvia spp.)
Beloved by bees, butterflies and nectar-eating birds, sages make beautiful and wildlife-friendly additions to garden beds. Salvia is a wide genus with hundreds of species and hybrids to choose from. A few top choices for coastal climates: California native Cleveland sage (S. clevelandii), purple-flowering Mexican bush sage (S. leucantha), aptly named California native hummingbird sage (S. spathacea) and small-leaved autumn sage (S. greggii).
Where it will grow: Hardiness varies by species; many are hardy to minus 5 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 20.6 degrees Celsius (zones 6 to 10)
Origin: The species is native to regions around the world, including Central and South America, Asia and the Mediterranean.
Water requirement: Moderate to regular
Light requirement: Full sun
Sages
(Salvia spp.)
Beloved by bees, butterflies and nectar-eating birds, sages make beautiful and wildlife-friendly additions to garden beds. Salvia is a wide genus with hundreds of species and hybrids to choose from. A few top choices for coastal climates: California native Cleveland sage (S. clevelandii), purple-flowering Mexican bush sage (S. leucantha), aptly named California native hummingbird sage (S. spathacea) and small-leaved autumn sage (S. greggii).
Where it will grow: Hardiness varies by species; many are hardy to minus 5 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 20.6 degrees Celsius (zones 6 to 10)
Origin: The species is native to regions around the world, including Central and South America, Asia and the Mediterranean.
Water requirement: Moderate to regular
Light requirement: Full sun
Lavender Cotton
(Santolina chamaecyparissus)
This fragrant Mediterranean native forms a low mound of silver foliage, covered in button-like yellow flowers in summer. The foliage is finely textured and aromatic; site this plant along pathways where you can brush against it to appreciate the smell. It grows best in quick-draining, sandy soil and reaches a mature size of 1 foot to 2 feet high and 2 to 3 feet wide. Cut back yearly before spring growth emerges to prevent lavender cotton from getting too woody.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 5 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 20.6 degrees Celsius (zones 6 to 9)
Origin: Mediterranean
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Full sun
See how to grow lavender cotton
(Santolina chamaecyparissus)
This fragrant Mediterranean native forms a low mound of silver foliage, covered in button-like yellow flowers in summer. The foliage is finely textured and aromatic; site this plant along pathways where you can brush against it to appreciate the smell. It grows best in quick-draining, sandy soil and reaches a mature size of 1 foot to 2 feet high and 2 to 3 feet wide. Cut back yearly before spring growth emerges to prevent lavender cotton from getting too woody.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 5 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 20.6 degrees Celsius (zones 6 to 9)
Origin: Mediterranean
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Full sun
See how to grow lavender cotton
Sea Thrift
(Armeria maritima)
Native to sea bluffs of North America and parts of Europe, sea thrift is a charming ground cover for seaside gardens. Well-adapted for coastal conditions, the plants grow best in sandy soils and can tolerate a moderate amount of salt exposure. They form tight clumps of grass-like foliage 6 inches to a foot tall. The pink or white flowers are held on delicate stems and bounce like tiny pingpong balls above the plant with the slightest breeze.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 31.7 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 8)
Origin: Europe and North America
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full sun
(Armeria maritima)
Native to sea bluffs of North America and parts of Europe, sea thrift is a charming ground cover for seaside gardens. Well-adapted for coastal conditions, the plants grow best in sandy soils and can tolerate a moderate amount of salt exposure. They form tight clumps of grass-like foliage 6 inches to a foot tall. The pink or white flowers are held on delicate stems and bounce like tiny pingpong balls above the plant with the slightest breeze.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 31.7 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 8)
Origin: Europe and North America
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full sun
Succulents
Most succulents thrive in coastal conditions, where they appreciate the mild climate, quick-draining sandy soil and moisture from marine fog. With the diversity of colors and forms available, succulents can be used to create an entire seaside garden. Go a step further and create an underwater look-alike landscape by choosing succulents that resemble different types of soft coral or sea stars and planting them among boulders.
Most succulents thrive in coastal conditions, where they appreciate the mild climate, quick-draining sandy soil and moisture from marine fog. With the diversity of colors and forms available, succulents can be used to create an entire seaside garden. Go a step further and create an underwater look-alike landscape by choosing succulents that resemble different types of soft coral or sea stars and planting them among boulders.
Foxtail Agave
(Agave attenuata)
This showy succulent adds drama to garden beds with its bold blue-green, star-like rosettes. In coastal gardens it really thrives — often growing rosettes as large as 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, with many pups forming at the base of the plant. Plant foxtail agaves in mixed plantings where you don’t mind their stealing the show or as stand-alone specimen plants in the entryway.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (zones 9 to 11)
Origin: Mexico
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Full sun in coastal areas; light shade inland
(Agave attenuata)
This showy succulent adds drama to garden beds with its bold blue-green, star-like rosettes. In coastal gardens it really thrives — often growing rosettes as large as 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, with many pups forming at the base of the plant. Plant foxtail agaves in mixed plantings where you don’t mind their stealing the show or as stand-alone specimen plants in the entryway.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (zones 9 to 11)
Origin: Mexico
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Full sun in coastal areas; light shade inland
Blue Chalk Sticks
(Senecio mandraliscae)
This South African ground cover forms a sprawling, low-growing mound of succulent silvery-blue foliage, reaching up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Plant it along pathways in coastal gardens or as a cool blue underlayer for upright trees and shrubs. It stays smaller in containers than in the landscape; plant it at the edge of a pot to cascade over the side.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (zones 9 to 12)
Origin: South Africa
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Full sun in coastal climates; partial shade inland
See how to grow blue chalk sticks
(Senecio mandraliscae)
This South African ground cover forms a sprawling, low-growing mound of succulent silvery-blue foliage, reaching up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Plant it along pathways in coastal gardens or as a cool blue underlayer for upright trees and shrubs. It stays smaller in containers than in the landscape; plant it at the edge of a pot to cascade over the side.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (zones 9 to 12)
Origin: South Africa
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Full sun in coastal climates; partial shade inland
See how to grow blue chalk sticks
Ornamental Grasses
Grasses, as well as grass-like plants such as sedges and rushes, are excellent plants for seaside gardens, swaying gracefully with the slightest sea breeze. For gardens close to dunes and sensitive coastal habitats, take care to plant only native grasses or those that will not reseed.
Sanddune Sedge
(Carex pansa)
Native to coastal areas from Southern California to British Columbia, sanddune sedge, also called California meadow sedge, is a useful cool-season grass for coastal gardens. Plant it en masse as a low-water lawn alternative, keeping it mowed or allowing it to form tufty mounds up to 8 inches tall.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (zones 8 to 11)
Origin: California north to British Columbia
Water requirement: Moderate; low once established
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
For other regions of the U.S., consider Pennsylvania sedge (C. pensylvanica), native to the eastern and central U.S., and Texas sedge (Carex texensis), native to Texas and other areas of the southern U.S.
Grasses, as well as grass-like plants such as sedges and rushes, are excellent plants for seaside gardens, swaying gracefully with the slightest sea breeze. For gardens close to dunes and sensitive coastal habitats, take care to plant only native grasses or those that will not reseed.
Sanddune Sedge
(Carex pansa)
Native to coastal areas from Southern California to British Columbia, sanddune sedge, also called California meadow sedge, is a useful cool-season grass for coastal gardens. Plant it en masse as a low-water lawn alternative, keeping it mowed or allowing it to form tufty mounds up to 8 inches tall.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (zones 8 to 11)
Origin: California north to British Columbia
Water requirement: Moderate; low once established
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
For other regions of the U.S., consider Pennsylvania sedge (C. pensylvanica), native to the eastern and central U.S., and Texas sedge (Carex texensis), native to Texas and other areas of the southern U.S.
New Zealand Wind Grass
(Anemanthele lessoniana)
This striking New Zealand native grass is noninvasive and adds a rich gold-bronze color to coastal gardens. The plants grow well with moderate water in quick-draining soil. At maturity, they will form clumps 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. New Zealand wind grass is particularly stunning planted among dark green shrubs and perennials or next to blue-green succulents, such as foxtail agave (Agave attenuata).
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (zones 8 to 10)
Origin: New Zealand
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Full sun to partisl shade
See how to grow New Zealand wind grass
More
Lay of the Landscape: Coastal Garden Style
Beachfront Garden Stands Up to the Elements
(Anemanthele lessoniana)
This striking New Zealand native grass is noninvasive and adds a rich gold-bronze color to coastal gardens. The plants grow well with moderate water in quick-draining soil. At maturity, they will form clumps 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. New Zealand wind grass is particularly stunning planted among dark green shrubs and perennials or next to blue-green succulents, such as foxtail agave (Agave attenuata).
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (zones 8 to 10)
Origin: New Zealand
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Full sun to partisl shade
See how to grow New Zealand wind grass
More
Lay of the Landscape: Coastal Garden Style
Beachfront Garden Stands Up to the Elements
Trees that thrive in seaside conditions may not grow quite like they do in other garden settings. Expect them to be a bit stunted in growth, with shorter branches and often wind-twisted trunks.
Canary Island Date Palm
(Phoenix canariensis)
Native to the Canary Islands, as the name implies, this date palm is remarkably tolerant of salty sea spray. Slow-growing to up 50 feet tall or taller, it can be planted in central garden areas to cast shade and instantly establish a beachy look. The palms produce clusters of dates (edible but very fibrous) that can create a mess — its’s best if they fall in garden beds rather than on hardscape.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (USDA zones 9 to 11; find your zone)
Origin: The Canary Islands
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Full sun