Georgia Native Plant Guide

Why Native Plants Matter
Incorporating native plants into your landscaping is one of the best ways to support your local environment. Georgia’s native plants are well-adapted to the state’s climate, soil, and wildlife. They require less water, are more resistant to pests and diseases, and help create habitats for local pollinators like bees and butterflies. Native plants are a crucial element of sustainable landscaping because they naturally thrive in their surroundings, minimizing the need for harmful fertilizers or
excessive water use.

Sustainable Landscaping Practices
At City Garden Company, we have a deep understanding of our region’s ecology and are committed to implementing sustainability in every aspect of our landscaping design projects. Our approach prioritizes the use of native plants to ensure that your garden is not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible. By choosing plants that thrive in Georgia’s unique climate, you’ll reduce your water consumption, attract local wildlife, and create a vibrant landscape that requires minimal maintenance. Check out our Georgia Native Plant Guide below AND click the banner to get your FREE downloadable version.

Spring in Georgia
Spring in Georgia brings warm temperatures and plenty of rain, making it an ideal season for planting. It’s the perfect time to introduce native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees that will thrive in the coming summer months. Spring plants in Georgia benefit from the cooler nights and warm days, allowing them to establish strong root systems before the heat of summer arrives.

Summer in Georgia
Georgia summers are hot and humid, which can be tough on many plants. However, native species are naturally adapted to these conditions and will continue to thrive. Summer is the perfect time to plant drought-tolerant species and those that bloom in the heat.

Fall in Georgia
Fall is a transitional season in Georgia, with cooler temperatures and increased rainfall. This is the perfect time to plant perennials and shrubs that will bloom in spring or to add plants that provide rich foliage colors to your landscape as the leaves change. Fall planting gives plants time to establish their roots before winter, ensuring they are ready to flourish in the spring.

Winter in Georgia
Though winter in Georgia tends to be mild, it’s still important to choose hardy plants that can tolerate cooler temperatures. Many native evergreen shrubs and trees provide structure and greenery year-round, while other plants bloom in late winter or add visual interest through their foliage and texture.

Top Native Spring Plants for Region 1 (North Georgia Mountains)

1. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

• A stunning tree with purple-pink blossoms that appear before the leaves in early spring. It thrives in well-drained soils and adds a splash of color to any landscape.
• Care Tips: Prefers partial sun and can tolerate various soil types. Water during dry spells
  but avoid waterlogged soils.

2. Carolina Silverbell (Halesia tetraptera)

• Known for its delicate white, bell-shaped flowers, this tree grows well in moist, acidic soils and offers beautiful spring blooms.
• Care Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade. Keep the soil consistently moist.

3. Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)

• A ground-cover plant that produces clusters of light purple flowers in the spring. Ideal for woodland gardens.
• Care Tips: Prefers shade to partial sun and grows well in rich, well-drained soil.

Top Native Spring Plants for Region 2 (Piedmont)

1. Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)

• This shrub features dark red flowers with a strong, pleasant fragrance. It’s adaptable to both wet and dry conditions and is perfect for shaded areas.
• Care Tips: Plant in partial to full shade. Requires minimal maintenance once established.

2. Georgia Aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum)

• A striking wildflower with large purple blooms that thrive in the Piedmont’s well-drained soils.
• Care Tips: Requires full sun and low water once established. Avoid overwatering.

3. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus Florida)

• A classic native tree with white or pink flowers in early spring, this tree is a staple in Georgia landscapes.
• Care Tips: Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soils. Prune after blooming to maintain shape.

Top Native Spring Plants for Region 3 (Coastal Plains)

1. Coral Bean (Erythrina herbacea)

• A unique plant with bright red flowers that attract hummingbirds. This species thrives in sandy soils.
• Care Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade. It’s drought-tolerant once established.

2. Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

• Known for its large, fragrant white flowers, the Southern Magnolia is a staple in the Coastal Plains. Its broad, evergreen leaves make it a standout tree year-round.
• Care Tips: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Thrives in moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate dry conditions once mature.

3. Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens)

• This plant produces golden-yellow flower clusters and is highly resistant to salt spray, making it ideal for coastal areas.
• Care Tips: Plant in full sun. It’s drought-tolerant and thrives in sandy, well-drained soil.

1. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

• A bright orange perennial that attracts butterflies and other pollinators. It’s drought- resistant and thrives in full sun.
• Care Tips: Requires well-drained soil and full sun. Water sparingly once established.

2. Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)

• A native shrub with clusters of white and pink blooms in early summer. This plant is perfect for adding texture to a garden.
• Care Tips: Plant in partial shade with acidic, well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist during hot months.

3. Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium fistulosum)

• A tall perennial that produces clusters of pinkish-purple flowers, attracting bees and butterflies throughout the summer.
• Care Tips: Prefers moist, rich soils and full sun. Water regularly during dry spells.

Top Native Summer Plants for Region 2 (Piedmont)

1. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

• A classic wildflower that produces bright yellow flowers with dark centers. It’s easy to grow and adds cheerful color to any landscape.
• Care Tips: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly until established, but it becomes drought-tolerant once mature.

2. Eastern Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana)

• Known for its delicate, blue star-shaped flowers that bloom in early summer, this plant is drought-resistant and adds a soft touch to borders or mixed gardens.
• Care Tips: Thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils. Once established, it requires little water.

3. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

• A favorite among pollinators, purple coneflower produces large, purple-pink flowers throughout the summer. It’s a hardy plant that thrives in sunny conditions.
• Care Tips: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-resistant and requires minimal maintenance once established.

Top Native Summer Plants for Region 3 (Coastal Plains)

1. Saltmarsh Mallow (Kosteletzkya pentacarpos)

• This coastal native produces large pink flowers that thrive in salty, wet conditions. It’s a perfect plant for coastal landscaping or marshy areas.
• Care Tips: Plant in full sun. While it tolerates wet conditions, ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

2. Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)

• A low-growing, fan-shaped palm that’s highly tolerant of drought and salty soils, making it perfect for the coastal plains.
• Care Tips: Thrives in full sun and dry, sandy soil. Once established, it requires little to no water.

3. Spotted Beebalm (Monarda punctata)

• This striking perennial features layered, pinkish-purple flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. It thrives in dry, sandy soils typical of coastal regions.
• Care Tips: Requires full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal watering.

Top Native Fall Plants for Region 1 (North Georgia Mountains)

1. Mapleleaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium)

• A deciduous shrub known for its striking red, purple, and orange fall foliage. It produces clusters of white flowers in the spring followed by small berries in the fall.
• Care Tips: Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soils. Water during dry periods, especially in the fall when it’s establishing.

2. Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa)

• This tall, hardy perennial produces bright yellow flowers in late summer and fall, attracting pollinators. It adds a vibrant burst of color to fall landscapes.
• Care Tips: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Goldenrod is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care once established.

3. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

• A small tree or large shrub that blooms with bright yellow flowers in late fall, after most plants have gone dormant. Witch Hazel provides winter interest as well.
• Care Tips: Prefers full to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types and moisture levels.

Top Native Fall Plants for Region 2 (Piedmont)

1. Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia)

• This shrub produces fragrant white or pink flowers in late summer, followed by golden-yellow leaves in the fall. It’s perfect for adding texture and fragrance to the garden.
• Care Tips: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil and partial sun. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist.

2. Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum)

• A low-growing perennial that produces masses of fuzzy, blue flowers in the fall. It spreads easily and creates a soft, colorful ground cover.
• Care Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry spells.

3. American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)

• A large tree with smooth, gray bark and rich golden-brown fall foliage. Its beech nuts provide food for wildlife, and the tree is highly valued for its ornamental appeal.
• Care Tips: Prefers moist, well-drained soils and full to partial shade. Water during dry periods and mulch around the base to maintain soil moisture.

Top Native Fall Plants for Region 3 (Coastal Plains)

1. Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)

• This evergreen shrub produces small white flowers in the spring and bright red berries in the fall and winter. It adds year-round interest to coastal gardens.
• Care Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade. It thrives in sandy, well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant once established.

2. Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)

• A beautiful native grass with striking pinkish-purple plumes that appear in fall, creating a show-stopping display in the landscape. It’s well-suited to coastal areas.
• Care Tips: Prefers full sun and sandy, well-drained soils. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.

3. Red Bay (Persea borbonia)

• A large tree with smooth, gray bark and rich golden-brown fall foliage. Its beech nuts provide food for wildlife, and the tree is highly valued for its ornamental appeal.
• Care Tips: Prefers moist, well-drained soils and full to partial shade. Water during dry periods and mulch around the base to maintain soil moisture.

Top Native Winter Plants for Region 1 (North Georgia Mountains)

1. Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)

• An evergreen shrub with dark green leaves that adds color and texture to your winter landscape. In spring, it produces clusters of white and pink flowers.
• Care Tips: Prefers partial shade and well-drained, acidic soils. Mulch around the base to protect roots from freezing temperatures.

2. Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)

• This hardy evergreen fern stays green throughout the winter and adds a lush, forest-like feel to shaded areas.
• Care Tips: Plant in full to partial shade with rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly but avoid overwatering.

3. Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)

• A large evergreen tree that provides year-round greenery and makes an excellent windbreak or focal point in winter landscapes.
• Care Tips: Prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial shade. Water regularly, especially during dry winter months.

Top Native Winter Plants for Region 2 (Piedmont)

1. Southern Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)

• An evergreen shrub that produces aromatic leaves and small, bluish berries in winter, providing food for wildlife.
• Care Tips: Thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. Water regularly until established.

2. Virginia Pine (Pinus virginiana)

• A hardy pine tree that thrives in poor, dry soils. Its evergreen needles make it an excellent choice for winter greenery.
• Care Tips: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, Virginia pine is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.

3. Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)

• A deciduous holly that loses its leaves in winter but retains bright red berries that provide a pop of color against the winter landscape.
• Care Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry spells to maintain berry production.

Top Native Winter Plants for Region 3 (Coastal Plains)

1. Florida Anise (Illicium floridanum)

• An evergreen shrub with glossy, aromatic leaves and star-shaped, deep red flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring.
• Care Tips: Prefers full to partial shade and consistently moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly to maintain moisture levels.

2. Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)

• A majestic evergreen tree that’s synonymous with the South. Its broad spreading branches and dense, dark green foliage provide year-round interest.
• Care Tips: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. It’s highly drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal care.

3. Fetterbush (Lyonia lucida)

• An evergreen shrub that produces bell-shaped flowers in winter and early spring, adding interest during the cooler months.
• Care Tips: Thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soils. It’s perfect for areas that retain moisture but require winter color.

A thoughtfully designed native plant garden offers beauty, sustainability, and environmental harmony throughout every season. By choosing the right native plants, you create a landscape that evolves gracefully, providing vibrant color, texture, and life no matter the time of year. Each selection not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your garden but also nurtures the local ecosystem—inviting birds, pollinators, and beneficial wildlife to thrive.

At City Garden Company, we understand the artistry and precision required to curate a garden that reflects the elegance and unique charm of your property. Our expert team is here to guide you through every step—from designing your space to selecting the finest native plants that will ensure your garden flourishes, season after season.

For your FREE downloadable version of this Native Plant Guide, click below. Happy planting!