Soil Requirement: Occasionally Dry

Serviceberry

Amelanchier arborea

The serviceberry genus includes several native species in the US and Canada with three found in our region. Serviceberries are confused in the nursery trade and seemingly hybridize easily. Most of what you will find at nurseries will be cultivars from crosses between A. arborea and A laevis which are two of the species that …Read More Serviceberry

Muscadine Grape

Vitis rotundifolia

Muscadine grape is a deciduous climbing vine that forms substantial woody trunks. It will grow over a structure, can be formed into a shrublike mound, or trained to a trellis and pruned for fruit production. This common southeastern grape produces purple-black or bronze fruit that has high acid and sugar content to provide a complex …Read More Muscadine Grape

Passionflower

Passiflora incarnata

Passionflower is the Tennessee state wildflower with striking, intricate purple and white flowers that appear in midsummer and extend into early fall. Its unique blooms and edible fruit make it a unique addition to the garden. It does not tolerate wet soils but can be aggressive in ideal soil, spreading vigorously by root suckers. It …Read More Passionflower

Carolina Jessamine

Gelsemium sempervirens

Carolina jessamine is one of the best vines you can grow in the southeast with beautiful blooms and fine textured, glossy evergreen leaves. Its bright yellow, fragrant flowers show up sometimes in February as one of our earliest native flowers. Blooms usually peak in late March in our region. An excellent choice for screening and …Read More Carolina Jessamine

Crossvine

Bignonia capreolata

Crossvine is one of the best vines for southeast gardens with beautiful blooms and evergreen foliage. It clings/twines by tendrils that have a small disk that cement themselves to wood or masonry allowing it to climb without the damage that vines like English ivy cause to structures. Its trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red and …Read More Crossvine

St. John’s Wort

Hypericum frondosum

St. John’s wort has striking yellow flowers that bloom abundantly in summer, adding cheerful color to the garden. Its dense, evergreen foliage provides year-round interest and it’s known for being a hardy shrub that attracts pollinators and is resistant to deer. It also grows well in containers, making it a versatile choice for patios or …Read More St. John’s Wort

American Beautyberry

Callicarpa americana

Beautyberry produces striking clusters of bright purple berries in late summer that stand out against its green foliage. These vibrant berries attract birds and other wildlife, and the plant is known for its ornamental value and adaptability to various soil types and light conditions.

Sweetshrub

Calycanthus floridus

Aptly named, Sweetshrub features fragrant, reddish-brown flowers with a unique, spicy scent that blooms in late spring. Its attractive foliage and aromatic blooms make it a standout shrub in the garden, and it’s also known for its adaptability to different soil conditions and moderate deer resistance. Note: Sweetshrub may spread vigorously from the roots to …Read More Sweetshrub

Viburnum

Viburnum bracteatum

With beautiful blooms and seasonal foliage, viburnums are a lovely addition to the garden. They attract pollinators and produce berries that are an excellent food source for wildlife such as songbirds. Viburnums are relatively low-maintenance and adapt to a variety of light and soil conditions. Recommended Thriving Gardens Viburnum: Arrowwood viburnum, Viburnum bracteatum Mapleleaf viburnum, …Read More Viburnum

Hydrangeas

Hydrangea quercifolia

A southern garden classic, hydrangeas have big, beautiful white flowers that bloom in both sunny and shady spots. They also attract butterflies and bees, which help other plants in the garden grow and stay healthy. Recommended Thriving Gardens hydrangeas: Oakleaf hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifoliaWild hydrangea,Hydrangea arborescens