Southern gardens may be the envy of gardeners in other climates because of the ample rainfall and extended growing season. But gardening in the U.S. South comes with the challenges of prolonged heat and maximum humidity. Luckily for us, plants that are native to the Southeast are champions at thriving in a warm, muggy climate. These top 10 natives include some iconic species, like the southern live oak tree and the Carolina jessamine vine. Others may be less familiar but are no less beautiful, resilient, easy to grow and easy to find at the nursery. For best results do your planting — by seed, transplant or layering — in the cooler months of fall or spring. Autumn is the absolute best planting time, because it allows time for roots to establish themselves before winter dormancy, and then the plants are ready to push out new growth in the spring. If you’re planting in the spring, make sure the soil is warm and not too wet, and take extra care to keep new plants watered. A general rule of thumb for Southeastern native plants is that once established, they survive just fine on average annual rainfall. The Southeast gets 40 to 80 inches of rainfall per year, depending on the exact location (check out the rainfall map here). Pay attention to each plant’s preferred soil conditions and match the plant to the soil in your garden. Planting natives in the right place and letting them grow with the available rainfall will reduce your landscape’s overall watering needs and create a wildlife-friendly landscape. Not in the Southeast? Browse plants native to other regions of the U.S.

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