The resources listed on this page will help you when you are taking care of ornamental plants in your yard. These include annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees.

Native Plants

Native plants are a popular choice in North Carolina landscapes. Plants that are native to North Carolina are well-adapted to our area and will support birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. There are so many reasons to choose native plants, learn more about their benefits and what plants you may want to use through the resources below.

Publications & Articles

• Extension Gardener Handbook, Chapter 12: Native Plants
• Landscaping for Wildlife with Native Plants
• Butterflies in Your Backyard
• Native Plants for Bees
• Hydrangea Resources

Websites

• North Carolina Native Plant Society
• NC Native Plant Society, Recommended Species
• Audubon Society, Native Plants Database

Books

• Native Plants of the Southeast: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best 460 Species for the Garden. Larry Mellichamp.
• Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants. Douglas W. Tallamy.

 

Printable list of resources on native plants.

Pruning Ornamental Trees & Shrubs

Pruning questions are some of the most common questions we receive, from both new and experienced gardeners. Check out this article about pruning trees and shrubs in the landscape. 

Planning & Choosing Plants for the Garden

What should I plant in my yard? This is a complicated question, and the answer will be unique to you. The NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox is a great place to search for plants that fit the needs of your site.

What should I think about when adding perennial plants to my yard? Find out information specific to perennial plants on the Your Perennial Border page.

Watch this video to learn about the benefits of growing perennial plants in your garden.

Growing Perennial Plants

Perennial plants return to the garden year after year. Herbaceous perennials will die back to the ground and grow back from stores in their root or crown, while woody perennials have stems that persist year round. Gardening with perennial plants is very rewarding. If you want to learn more about perennial gardening, visit the Your Perennial Border page for tips from site assessment, plant selection, through maintenance and division.

Growing Bulbs

Bulbs are an excellent way to add color and interest to the garden. Some bulbs, like daffodils, crocus, and tulips, are planted in the fall - these typically bloom in early spring. Other bulbs, such as caladiums and dahlias, are planted in the spring and bloom in the summer. In North Carolina, some bulbs will come back year after year as perennials, but other bulbs are annuals and only grow for one season. If you'd like to learn more about growing and caring for plants from bulbs,

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Landscape FAQs

I have boxwoods in my landscape and I'm concerned about boxwood blight. What should I do? Read this publication about boxwood blight for information about symptoms and management of this plant disease.

I have lots of weeds in my garden! What are they and how do I control them? A good place to start is our publication, Identifying and Managing Landscape Weeds.

I want to start a container garden, how do I do that?See our container gardening information page for details on this topic and be sure to

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How can I garden to support bees and other pollinators?  This is a really great thing to do in your yard! See our information about native plants for bees.

I planted something in my yard, and now we're expected to get a late spring frost. What should I do? 

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How do I care for my hydrangeas? Check out this resource page for tips on growing and pruning hydrangeas.