Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
READER Lucille N. recently asked about modestly-sized flowering perennials for her salty waterfront property. Here are some cultural tips for Lucille and others who garden near the sea, followed by a list of “Beach Beauties” (like the Phlox subulata pictured up top) which can tolerate a bit of saline in their diet:
Rugosa roses and ornamental grasses are the first plants that come to mind for a salty waterfront location. However, if you can minimize the high winds, salt spray, and sandy soil that probably define your seaside garden, you will find that other, far more interesting perennials will flourish there, too.
Start by arranging a hedge of beach plum (Prunus maritima) behind the proposed planting-area; next, improve the soil by incorporating a 3-inch layer of well-aged manure, and another 3-inch layer of compost or leaf mold into the bed. Then you can have fun growing the following beach beauties:
Althaea rosea (Hollyhock)
Armeria (pink Sea Thrift)
Aster (Michaelmas Daisy)
Campanula (Bellflower)
Chrysanthemum maximum (Shasta Daisy)
Clethra alnifolia (Summer Sweet)
Dianthus (Pinks)
Echinops (Globe Thistle)
Eryngium maritinum (Sea Holly)
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Hemerocallis (Daylily)
Heuchera (Coralbells) – give these partial shade
Iris (reblooming ‘Immortal’ is choice)
Linum (Flax)
Monarda (Beebalm)
Nipponanthemum nipponicum (Montauk Daisy)
Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox)
Rudbeckia (Coneflower)
Sedum spectabile (‘Stardust’ is an unusual, silvery-pink)
Silene maritima (white Catchfly)
Veronica maritima (Speedwell)
Perhaps other readers can offer suggestions for seashore plants, too.
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Phoebe says
Great list, Kevin. I've also seen Rose of Sharon growing near the beach (in P-Town).
Eric says
Lilacs do really well at the Jersey Shore – I've seen them at homes right next to the beach. Could lilacs be a substitute for a beach plum hedge?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Eric – lilacs could indeed be used instead of beach plum. And what a handsome backdrop for a perennial border!
Lucille N. says
Thank you Kevin…great choices for me, is it to late to plant any of these? (Or better yet when to plant….) Lucille
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Lucille – If you buy these perennials in pots from a local nursery, you can plant them now and all through summer.
Unpotted iris rhizomes, however, should be planted in early fall.
You can also start most of the perennials from seed. Make sowings in July. Or, if you prefer, winter-sow in January (click “Winter-Sowing” in the categories bar).
Stacia says
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox
and now each time a comment is added I get several e-mails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove people from that service? Thanks!
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