Winter in coastal South Carolina may be mild compared to northern climates, but the mix of chilly nights, salty winds, and shifting moisture can still be tough on plants. Many homeowners assume that the warm weather of North Myrtle Beach means they can plant anything—but winter proves otherwise. The right plants don’t just survive winter here… they stay vibrant, evergreen, and ready to burst into color when spring arrives.
At KeckCo Turf and Ornamental Services, we help homeowners choose plants that thrive in our sandy soils, tolerate winter swings, and stand strong against coastal winds. If you want a landscape that looks good in every season—not just the warm ones—these cold-tolerant shrubs, grasses, and ornamentals deserve a spot in your yard.
Why Cold-Tolerant Plants Matter in Coastal Carolina
Coastal landscapes face unique winter challenges:
- Salt carried by ocean breezes
- Sandy, fast-draining soil
- Occasional freezing nights
- Strong, dry winter winds
- Temperature swings between day and night
Cold-tolerant plants handle these conditions without dropping leaves, turning brown, or suffering cold damage. Instead, they provide:
- Winter color
- Structural beauty
- Year-round resilience
- Habitat for birds and pollinators
- Lower maintenance needs
With the right plant choices, your yard can stay lively even when other landscapes look dormant and tired.
Wax Myrtle: The Coastal Champion
Few shrubs are as well-suited to North Myrtle Beach winters as wax myrtle. This fast-growing evergreen stands up to cold, salt, and heavy winds while providing soft texture and year-round greenery.
Why It Thrives Here
- Tolerates salt spray and sandy soil
- Holds its foliage through winter
- Attracts birds with its berries
- Makes an excellent privacy screen
Wax myrtle is ideal for homeowners who want low-maintenance winter greenery that also works as a natural windbreak.
Camellias: Winter Blooms That Steal the Show
While many plants rest through winter, camellias bring color when it’s needed most. Blooming from November through March, they add elegant flowers in shades of pink, white, and red.
Why They’re Perfect for Coastal Winters
- Hardy to cold snaps
- Evergreen foliage
- Blooming season when other plants are bare
- Thrive in part shade
Camellias create a stunning winter focal point while adding depth and structure to landscapes year-round.
Yaupon Holly: Strong, Stylish, Evergreen
Whether you choose the classic form or dwarf varieties, yaupon holly is one of the toughest shrubs in coastal Carolina.
Winter Strengths
- Evergreen leaves that resist windburn
- Red winter berries (on female plants)
- Excellent for hedges and foundation plantings
- Adaptable to sandy or clay soil
It’s both beautiful and nearly indestructible—ideal for low-maintenance winter interest.
Juniper Varieties: Salt-Tough and Evergreen
Junipers come in many shapes and sizes, from groundcovers to upright shrubs. Their year-round color makes them a staple in coastal designs.
Cold-Weather Advantages
- Handle salt spray better than most ornamentals
- Stay evergreen through winter
- Drought-resistant once established
- Perfect for erosion control
In beds or mass plantings, junipers bring structure and winter texture to the landscape.
Muhly Grass: Winter Texture and Movement
Even when dormant, muhly grass holds its shape beautifully. Its wispy plumes remain attractive throughout the colder months, giving landscapes movement and softness.
Why It’s a Coastal Favorite
- Handles winter cold gracefully
- Thrives in sandy soil
- Low maintenance
- Provides a natural, elegant look
Come fall, it puts on a spectacular pink show—making it one of the most beloved grasses in the Carolinas.
Azaleas: Evergreen Beauty for Winter Structure
Though known for their spring flowers, many Southern azaleas keep most of their leaves through winter, providing backbone for beds and borders.
Why They Work Well in Winter
- Evergreen varieties stay full and green
- Handle mild freezes
- Offer layered structure and depth in the landscape
- Bloom vibrantly in spring
When paired with camellias and hollies, azaleas help create a four-season landscape.
Plant Now, Enjoy All Year
Choosing cold-tolerant plants isn’t just about surviving winter—it’s about creating a landscape that looks great in every season. When the right plants are chosen for the climate, soil, and coastal environment, they require:
- Less maintenance
- Less watering
- Fewer replacements
- Stronger winter performance
Even better, these plants help your spring garden come alive faster and healthier.
Start Your Winter Planting With KeckCo Turf & Ornamental Services
Whether you want more color in winter, better privacy, or a landscape built to withstand coastal conditions, our team can help you choose the perfect cold-tolerant plants for your home.
📞 Call 843-273-0735
🌐 Visit https://keckcoturf.com/
Let’s build a landscape that stays beautiful—winter, spring, summer, and fall.
