South Carolina Climate Snapshot
Understanding your local climate is key to creating a thriving, low-maintenance garden
Hardiness Zones
7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Annual Rainfall
40-60 inches annually
Frost Window
March-November
Water Notes
Moderate to high rainfall; humid conditions
Popular Landscaping Styles
Discover design styles perfectly suited to South Carolina's unique climate and landscape
Coastal and marsh plants
Key Features:
- •Palmetto palms
- •Marsh grasses
- •Water features
- •Salt tolerance
Rolling hills and traditional style
Key Features:
- •Azaleas
- •Dogwoods
- •Boxwoods
- •Formal gardens
Mountain and woodland plants
Key Features:
- •Native trees
- •Wildflowers
- •Shade plants
- •Stone features
Historic urban gardens
Key Features:
- •Container plants
- •Brick walls
- •Tropical accents
- •Intimate spaces
Recommended Plant Palettes
Native and adapted plants that thrive in South Carolina's climate
Sabal Palmetto
Sabal palmetto
State tree; fan palm
Carolina Jessamine
Gelsemium sempervirens
State flower; yellow trumpet flowers
Eastern Redbud
Cercis canadensis
Early spring pink flowers
Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Yellow and black wildflower
Crepe Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica
Summer blooming tree
Lantana
Lantana camara
Drought and heat tolerant
Salvia
Salvia spp.
Long-blooming perennials
Coreopsis
Coreopsis spp.
Yellow daisy flowers
Hostas
Hosta spp.
Large foliage varieties
Ferns
Various species
Native woodland ferns
Camellia
Camellia japonica
Winter-blooming evergreen
Caladium
Caladium bicolor
Colorful summer foliage
Seasonal Garden Checklist
Your year-round guide to maintaining a beautiful South Carolina garden
Plant spring bulbs
Prune trees and shrubs
Plant cool-season vegetables
Plant warm-season crops
Mulch and fertilize
Water and maintain regularly
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about landscaping in South Carolina
Ready to Design Your South Carolina Garden?
Upload a photo of your yard and get AI-powered garden designs tailored to South Carolina's climate with native and adapted plants.
Design Your Garden