North Carolina ’s mix of sunshine and rain is just correct for these easy perennial shrub . I ’ve planted a few in my yard , and they come up back strong every twelvemonth without much dither .

They ’re the sort of plants that make you experience like a pro without trying too firmly . Once they settle in , they manage the weather like champion . If you enjoy low - maintenance beauty, so, these bushes are a solid pick !

1. Oakleaf Hydrangea

Native to the southeastern United States , this arresting hydrangea variety feel correct at home in North Carolina ’s climate . The distinctive oak - determine leaf turn brilliant burgundy in autumn , creating a dramatic background in any garden . White flower cluster bit by bit transition to pink as the time of year progress . Many North Carolina gardener appreciate how this adaptable bush boom in fond shade and does n’t mind the occasional drought once establish .

2. Butterfly Bush

Aptly named for its ability to attract colorful visitors , this bush becomes a buzzing hot spot in summer garden . Fragrant flower spikes in violet , pink , or white release a honey - like scent that ’s irresistible to pollinators . Trimming it back in belated wintertime encourages more fecund blooming the undermentioned time of year . Across North Carolina , gardeners value this drought - kind performer for its long blooming period and minimal care requirements .

3. Carolina Allspice

Sometimes name sweetshrub , this aboriginal plant bring a delightful fragrance to North Carolina landscape . The unusual red - brown flowers emit a sweet , fruity scent often compared to strawberries or pineapple , especially after a warm spring rainfall . Growing naturally throughout the state , this carefree bush asks for little while providing multi - time of year involvement . The aromatic leaves and bark add sensory appeal even when the plant is n’t flowering .

4. Inkberry Holly

For those slippery spots where nothing seems to turn , inkberry holly offers an elegant answer . This aboriginal evergreen tolerates both wet feet and occasional drouth , make it arrant for North Carolina ’s unpredictable weather condition form . distaff plants produce small black berries that persist through wintertime , providing nutrient for birds . The . was keeped by leaf

5. Virginia Sweetspire

The . was makeed by load The fragile flower seem to drift above the foliage , make a dreamy effect in woodland garden . autumn bring a dramatic transmutation as the leaves turn vibrant sunglasses of orangish , red and purpleness . Throughout North Carolina , gardener appreciate how this adaptable plant handles both wet soils and dry spells with adequate aplomb .

6. Dwarf Burning Bush

While ordinary throughout summer , this unassuming shrub transforms into a showstopper come fall . The heavyset growing habit makes it hone for littler North Carolina gardens where space is at a premium . Fiery red autumn leaf creates the illusion that the bush is aflame , hence its evocative name . Easy to shape if desire , but equally happy to maintain its naturally round form without regular pruning .

7. Summersweet

Fragrant white or pink flower spikes look in late summer when many other shrubs have finished blooming . The angelic vanilla extract aroma pull butterflies and bee from all corner of the garden , creating a racy pollinator Eden . Native to eastern North Carolina ’s wet forest , this adaptable bush thrives in locations where other plant fight . The aureate fall leaf provides an additional time of year of involvement before winter sets in .

8. Yaupon Holly

little , bright red berries adorn this versatile evergreen throughout winter , make striking contrast against the heavy greenish foliage . The . was becomeed by food Native to North Carolina ’s coastal regions , yaupon holly tolerates table salt spraying and sandy dirt with ease . The compact dwarf varieties make excellent base plantings or low - care hedges that necessitate minimum shaping .

9. Beautyberry

The . was encircleed by clusters The unusual fruit colour stop garden visitors in their tracks and supply an unexpected splash of color when many plant are fading . North Carolina gardeners appreciate how this carefree plant thrives with almost no attention . The berries prevail well into winter , feeding birds and adding visual involvement to the hibernating garden landscape painting .

10. Winterberry

Brilliant red berry studding bare branches create a spectacular winter silhouette in the dormant garden . This deciduous holly drops its leaf to better showcase the colorful fruit show that brightens grey wintertime years . boom in North Carolina ’s varied soils , winterberry tolerates both wet conditions and episodic dry enchantment . set both male and distaff specimens to ensure the dramatic berry production that makes this native shrub so desirable .

11. Spicebush

Tiny yellowish flowers look on au naturel branches in early spring , signaling winter ’s end before most other plants have awakened . The aromatic leaves let go of a piquant aroma when crushed , giving this aboriginal plant its descriptive name . Butterfly enthusiasts throughout North Carolina treasure spicebush as a host plant for the stunning spicebush swallow-tailed coat . distaff plants bring forth bright red berry in autumn that contrast beautifully with the aureate - yellow leaf .

12. Fothergilla

Bottlebrush - like white flower spread over this charming aboriginal bush in springtime , emit a subtle honey scent that attracts early pollinators . The unusual blooming appear before the leaves , make a distinctive silhouette in the awakening garden . Come autumn , the foliage put on a spectacular show of orange , yellow and red . North Carolina gardeners in both mountains and coastal plain happen this adaptable plant perform attractively with minimum attention .

13. Ninebark

Clusters of delicate white or pink flowers blanket this hardy native in late spring , make a frothy , cloud - like consequence . The . was uncovered by barque New cultivars offer purple or aureate foliage options for North Carolina gardeners looking to add year - round colour to the landscape . Remarkably drought - tolerant once establish , ninebark boom even in hapless soil conditions where other plants struggle .

14. Southern Wax Myrtle

Aromatic gray - greenish leaf releases a pleasant bayberry scent when brushed against or crushed . This versatile evergreen plant native creates an first-class privacy silver screen or shelterbelt for North Carolina coastal property . Small blue berries on distaff plants attract songbird throughout winter . The deep root scheme help stabilize soil on slopes and banks , preventing eroding while necessitate almost no care once establish .

15. Viburnum

The . was giveed by clusters The diverse viburnum family offers North Carolina gardeners endless options for different garden situations . Many varieties feature fragrant blooms and dramatic fall color in addition to their ornamental berries . From compact doublefile types to bigger native choice , there ’s a genus Viburnum perfectly suited for nearly any spot in the landscape .

16. Abelia

fragile pink - tinged white flower look continuously from summer through autumn , attract hummingbird and butterflies to their nectar . The glossy leaf often takes on burgundy highlights , especially in cooler weather condition . Semi - evergreen in most parts of North Carolina , abelia supply about twelvemonth - unit of ammunition interest with minimum care . The . was createed by branches

17. Nandina

Often called heavenly bamboo , this easygoing - care evergreen brings multi - season interest to North Carolina gardens . The . was makeed by leaves White flower clusters in springtime develop into bright red berries that prevail through winter . New growth emerges with reddish tints , and the full plant often takes on burgundy hues during cooler months for twelvemonth - round color .

Easygoing Perennial Bushes That Thrive In North Carolina

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Butterfly Bush

Carolina Allspice

Inkberry Holly

Virginia Sweetspire

Dwarf Burning Bush

Summersweet