It’s that time of year and we are all READY for the sunshine to come back in with the beautiful green grass, blooming flowers and breathtaking landscapes. Hampton Roads’ climate offers a perfect mix of sun, heat, and mild winters, so it can be ideal for a variety of plants. With our clients continually asking what are the BEST plants and flowers to install in Yorktown, Williamsburg, and Hampton, Virginia, we decided to give you an extensive list of some of our favorites! Here are some of the best options to add vibrant life to your garden or landscape:
1. Boxwoods
- Description: Boxwoods are versatile, evergreen shrubs with small, glossy leaves that provide year-round greenery. They’re perfect for hedges, borders, or topiary designs.
- Why They're Great: Low maintenance, deer resistant, and withstand pruning well.
- Where to Use: Use them for formal gardens, privacy hedges, or as an accent plant in landscapes.
- Picture Placeholder: A neat hedge of lush green boxwoods.
2. Nandinas
- Description: Known as "Heavenly Bamboo," nandinas have feathery foliage that changes color with the seasons, from green in spring to deep red in winter.
- Why They're Great: Adds year-round interest with colorful foliage and clusters of red berries in winter.
- Where to Use: Perfect for foundation plantings, mass plantings, or as a low-maintenance filler.
- Picture Placeholder: A cluster of nandinas with striking red berries.
3. Hydrangeas
- Description: These stunning shrubs produce large, colorful blooms in shades of pink, blue, or white, depending on the soil pH.
- Why They're Great: Thrive in partial shade and are excellent for creating a pop of color.
- Where to Use: Plant them along shaded fences or in mixed borders for a dramatic effect.
- Picture Placeholder: A vibrant hydrangea bush in full bloom.
4. Knockout Roses
- Description: Knockout roses are hardy, disease-resistant roses that bloom prolifically from spring through fall.
- Why They're Great: Low-maintenance and continuously blooming.
- Where to Use: Great as stand-alone bushes or in mixed flower beds.
- Picture Placeholder: A garden bed filled with bright red and pink knockout roses.
5. Liriope (Monkey Grass)
- Description: A tough ground cover with grass-like foliage and purple flower spikes in late summer.
- Why They're Great: Tolerates heat, drought, and poor soil while suppressing weeds.
- Where to Use: Use as edging along pathways, driveways, or as ground cover.
- Picture Placeholder: A border of liriope with vivid purple flowers.
6. Gardenias
- Description: Gardenias are known for their fragrant white blooms and glossy green leaves.
- Why They're Great: Their sweet fragrance is unmatched, and they thrive in Hampton Roads’ mild winters.
- Where to Use: Ideal near windows, patios, or entryways to enjoy their scent.
- Picture Placeholder: A close-up of gardenias with bright white flowers.
7. Loropetalum
- Description: These evergreen shrubs have dark purple foliage and pink fringe-like flowers that bloom in spring.
- Why They're Great: Unique foliage color and fast growth make them great for accent plantings.
- Where to Use: Great for foundation plantings or as a colorful backdrop in borders.
- Picture Placeholder: A cluster of loropetalum with striking purple leaves.
8. Pencil Hollies
- Description: Tall and slim, these evergreen shrubs are perfect for tight spaces and provide vertical interest.
- Why They're Great: Deer-resistant, low-maintenance, and great for privacy.
- Where to Use: Ideal for narrow spots, flanking doorways, or as part of a mixed border.
- Picture Placeholder: A group of pencil hollies flanking an entryway.
9. Arborvitae
- Description: These fast-growing, conical evergreens are excellent for privacy screens and windbreaks.
- Why They're Great: Provide year-round structure and privacy.
- Where to Use: Perfect for tall hedges or as a standalone focal point.
- Picture Placeholder: A line of towering arborvitae creating a natural screen.
10. Cypress Trees
- Description: Cypress trees are tall, slender evergreens with feathery, needle-like foliage. They often grow in pyramid shapes and add vertical interest to landscapes.
- Why They're Great: They’re drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and thrive in Hampton Roads’ climate.
- Where to Use: Perfect for adding structure, privacy, or as a windbreak.
- Picture Placeholder: A line of towering cypress trees in a sunny landscape.
11. Green Giants
- Description: These fast-growing evergreens are a variety of arborvitae known for their dense, conical shape and vibrant green foliage.
- Why They're Great: Ideal for privacy screens and highly resistant to pests and diseases.
- Where to Use: Great for property borders or as a natural privacy wall.
- Picture Placeholder: A privacy hedge made of Green Giant evergreens.
12. Azaleas
- Description: Azaleas are flowering shrubs that bloom in vibrant colors like pink, red, orange, and white. They’re a spring favorite, providing bursts of color to gardens.
- Why They're Great: Easy to maintain, they add seasonal beauty and thrive in partial shade.
- Where to Use: Perfect for foundation plantings, borders, or under large trees.
- Picture Placeholder: A group of azaleas with colorful blooms along a garden pathway.
Tips for Planting in Hampton Roads
- Soil Preparation: Most plants thrive in well-drained soil. Add organic matter to improve soil structure.
- Watering: Hampton Roads summers can be hot and humid, so water deeply during dry spells.
- Sun vs. Shade: Pay attention to sunlight requirements to ensure your plants thrive.
P.S. If you can’t find the right nursery to help you pick out your favorite plants, give our team a call/text 757-561-2212 and we’ll be happy to help point you in the right direction!