Gardening
It seems like just about anything would grow here. After all, there's plenty of sun, adequate rain and mild winters, and the soil isn't too rocky. It doesn't always work that way, but there are some plants that thrive. Here are some that grow well in the Cape Fear region.
Grasses
Centipede: It doesn't need anything but sunshine and water. It creeps a bit, but it can be controlled. The only real problem is that some pests love centipede roots.
Bermuda: If you're trying to cover a large sunny area, this is your best bet. But be aware that it's not going to stop at a garden boundary. It grows vigorously and sends out runners that sprout even more grass.
St. Augustine is another good choice in this region, but it will take a little more work, especially if you have highly acidic soil or a lot of shade.
Annuals
Vincas: They thrive in hot, summer sun and can do well with limited water. They are available in shades of pink and white and grow to about a foot tall.
Begonias: You might be surprised by how well they grow here. They take full sun but prefer partial shade. Be careful, though, slugs love them.
Impatiens: If you have shade, invest in these. They love sandy soil.
Perennials
Daylilies: A summer specialty in this region. There are hundreds of types and colors to choose from. They love full sun and will grow in lousy soil.
Hostas: These leafy, showy plants thrive in shade. They bloom a small stalk of purple flowers in the summer, then go dormant for winter.
Lantana: When everything else is fading, this flowery climber will just laugh and keep going.
Gaillardia: Called the blanket flower, this is basically a daisy bathed in bright colors. They require full sun.
Shrubs
Azaleas: Dozens of types, colors and sizes, and they all thrive here. They can be used as specimen accents or as a mass planting. They bloom from late March to late June.
Camellias: One of the few bright spots in winter. Huge pink, red and white flowers bloom during our mild winters on glossy, deep green foliage. They stay green year-round and can grow into imposing shrubs.
Trees
Dogwoods: They grow best in partial shade and are often used as a backdrop for azaleas or other springflowering shrubs.Crape myrtle: These trees come in a variety of colors and sizes and bring a punch of color to the dog days of summer.
Flowering cherry: Covered with white to pink blooms, these trees make for a showy spring.
Japanese maple: Leaves range from lacelike to almost toothless. Colors include red, yellow, orange, white and green. Some have colorful winter bark. A slow grower.