Have you visited Pawleys Island and fell in love with the beauty of the lowcountry? Pawleys Island and the surrounding areas are home to a variety of plants and flowers that make up the unforgettable coastal landscapes that are beloved by photographers, artists, gardeners, locals, and visitors.

If you’re thinking about emulating Pawleys Island’s lowcountry beauty in your own backyard, look no further – we have created our own guide to Pawleys Island inspired planting to stir up some major garden inspiration.

Of course, one of the most noticeable and loved plants in the lowcountry is the palmetto tree. The Cabbage Palmetto, also known as the Sabal Palmetto or Sabal Palm, is the South Carolina State Tree and one of the most popular palms found in the coastal lowcountry. These trees are readily available for purchase from several local nurseries and make a wonderful addition to any garden or yard.

Another beautiful lowcounty tree is the Live Oak. These gorgeous trees have become an icon of the lowcountry, often present on postcards, paintings, photographs, t-shirts, and more. Those who want to landscape their yards similar to Brookgreen Gardens and other local plantations should consider planting this beautiful tree. However, it will take decades for live oaks to achieve the same look as the trees you see at Brookgreen Gardens, so another great suggestion is to purchase a home that already has these trees on the property. Bonus points for Spanish Moss!

Southern Magnolia Trees are also a great touch. These ornamental trees are native to the southeast United States, and are recognized for their large, fragrant, white flowers.

Pawleys Island’s neighbor, Myrtle Beach, got its name from the Wax Myrtle, which is an evergreen shrub that is found throughout the lowcountry. Also known as the Southern Bayberry, these plants grow up to 20 feet in height and grow light green leaves. These shrubs are great for adding greenery to your landscape as well as for privacy.

The Wax Myrtle is not to be confused with the pretty Crepe Myrtle. While this flowering tree may be found in warm climates all over the world, it is a popular shrub in the lowcountry. These beautiful plants bloom in a variety of colors, including white, purples, pinks, and reds.

As far as flowers go – there are tons to choose from! Popular choices for annuals that bloom in the summer include zinnias, vincas, lantanas, pentas, begonias, coleus, impatiens, and more. Annuals that bloom in the spring include foxgloves, bachelor button, Iceland poppies, wallflowers, snapdragons, and many others. You may also want to consider perennials that bloom in the fall such as the Confederate rose, chrysanthemum, sweet grass, spider lily, swamp sunflower, and rose, as well as perennials that bloom in the winter like daffodils, crocuses, and the spring snowflake. Other popular choices include azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas, Carolina jasmine, and gardenias.