Spring Gardening in Wilmington, NC: Plants & Flowers That Thrive in Our Coastal Climate

Spring is here in Wilmington, NC, and if your front yard or back patio is calling out for some color, you’re not alone. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just dipping your toes into the soil for the first time, knowing what thrives in our unique coastal climate makes all the difference.

Wilmington sits in USDA growing zone 8B, which means we get mild winters and long, warm growing seasons—perfect for a wide variety of beautiful and low-maintenance plants. Here are some of the best flowers and plants to grow right here in Southeastern North Carolina.

🌼 Top Flowers That Thrive in Wilmington, NC

1. Lantana

These cheerful, sun-loving blooms are a staple in coastal gardens. Lantana is drought-tolerant, heat-resistant, and attracts tons of pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.

2. Coneflowers (Echinacea)

Coneflowers are hardy perennials that can handle the heat and humidity of coastal NC. They bloom for months and come in a variety of colors.

3. Black-Eyed Susans

Bright, sunny, and super tough—Black-Eyed Susans are perfect for low-maintenance flowerbeds and bloom from late spring into the fall.

4. Mandevilla

If you want a tropical vibe, Mandevilla’s showy pink or red flowers are great for containers or trellises, and they love our humid summers.

5. Salvia

This one’s a favorite among pollinators and gardeners alike. It’s easy to grow, deer-resistant, and does well in our warm coastal weather.

🌿 Great Greenery and Groundcovers

1. Confederate Jasmine

Also called star jasmine, this climbing vine adds a sweet scent and lush green coverage—perfect for fences, pergolas, or trellises.

2. Boxwood & Loropetalum

These evergreen shrubs do well in foundation plantings and stay beautiful year-round with minimal fuss.

3. Lemon Coral Sedum

A bright chartreuse groundcover that thrives in full sun and heat, Lemon Coral Sedum adds vibrant texture and holds up wonderfully through summer.

🌴 Tropical-Looking Favorites That Work in Zone 8B

Even if Wilmington isn’t quite the tropics, you can still get that lush, resort-style look with plants that look tropical but can handle our winters.

• Hardy Banana Trees (Musa basjoo)

• Canna Lilies

• Elephant Ears

• Perennial Hibiscus

These plants bring drama, height, and texture—plus they make any yard feel like a backyard getaway.

🎥 Follow My Carolina Garden on YouTube!

Want real-life examples of what grows well in our area? You're in luck—my wife, Nicole Roggeman, runs a YouTube channel called My Carolina Garden where she shares gardening tips, seasonal planting advice, and tons of inspiration right from our Wilmington garden.

Whether she’s planting beds of coneflowers, dividing banana trees, or giving a backyard garden tour, Nicole’s channel is full of helpful content for anyone gardening in zone 8B or coastal NC.

➡️ Click here to check it out and subscribe: My Carolina Garden on YouTube

🌞 Ready to Start Planting?

Gardening in Wilmington is one of the best parts of living here—our long growing season gives you plenty of time to get creative. And if you’re new to the area or looking for a home with the perfect sunny backyard, we’d love to help. Let us help you find a home—and plant some roots—right here in beautiful Southeastern North Carolina.

Jan Roggeman
1st Class Real Estate Coastal Choice
910.759.4800
www.1stclasscoastalchoice.com