Our mountains have some of the most beautiful Autumn colors and views in the entire world. If you’re considering moving here or decided it is finally time to tackle that yard at the mountain house, explore the native plants of Spring also.
First the easiest part, know we are in Zone 7 on the USDA plant hardiness zone map. Then we have the consideration, is your area shade or sun, at this time of year. I have spring sun and once the trees leaf out, I have shade. Perennials or Annual plants? If you do not want to plant them annually, put in perennials.
Let’s go from large to small as that would be the way most folks plot out their garden areas.
CAROLINA SILVERBELL is a tree that can grow to 40 feet. Typically blooming in April with white flowers and are best in full sun to part shade. No serious insect or disease problems makes maintenance easy. Leaves typically turn a bright yellow in fall.
MOUNTAIN LAUREL is an evergreen and in our area can be contained to shrub size with pruning but could reach over 9 feet tall. Blooming from May through late June throughout our area, mixing and matching colors may give you 2-3 months of continual color. Its flowers are round, ranging from light pink to white, and occur in clusters. There are several named cultivars that have darker shades of pink, near red and maroon pigment. Full sun to part shade.
FLAME AZALEA one of the most spectacular flowering shrubs of the Appalachian Mountains. A shrub up to 10 feet high and 15 feet wide with clusters of large yellow to orange flowers. Blooming in late May and all through June with colors from clear yellow, through shades of orange, to brilliant red, it compliments well with the mountain laurels. Full sun to part shade.
Spicebush also known as sweet shrub features very fragrant, brown to reddish-brown flowers (2″ across) which bloom at the ends of short branches in May. Typically around 6 foot tall and although it likes sun to part shade, it is fine is just a dappled shade area. Extremely fragrant!
BOWMAN’S ROOT This perennial is a part of the rose family but don’t let that scare you away. It is an easily managed plant with showy yet delicate appearing flowers from April to the end of June. At only 3 feet tall and preferring a shady environment it brings you the rich reds in fall.
Below the Bowman’s Root you may want to consider any number of full shade ferns or hosta’s.
Looking for more flowers? UGA has some great reference materials that can help you choose what is right for your yard and what is native, making them easy to maintain.
Have fun planning and planting, thank you for spending a little time with us today. As always, WELCOME TO THE MOUNTAINS