Ground covers Aloe,  are great for burns. Madagascar Periwinkle has lots of color, just pick one you like. Hinahina of the Borage family, this one grows in sand and doesn’t mind salt spray. Beach Morning Glory,  also grows in sand. Mondo grass is slow-growing but likes the beach.

Shrubs Bougainvillea, have lovely colors and are moderately tolerant of salt and wind. Jade plant,  slow growing to 6 feet high and tolerates wind, salt, drought and heat. The Snake Plant (mother-in-law’s tongue), has upright variegated growth. Agave, and tolerates just about everything. Euryops,  lots of yellow flowers. Lantana has lots of different colors and aromatic leaves. Natal plum is fragrant and tolerates sand and salt. Red Powderpuff has large blooms and is good near the ocean.

Trees Palms,  lots of palms. Beach almond, lovely for shade. Ponytail Agave grows to 30 feet, great accent plant. Neem trees, with fragrant flowers, grow to 50 feet. Colvillea,  bright orange flowers. Buttercup tree, bright yellow flowers, grows to 40 feet.

Vines Confederate Jasmine,  moderate salt tolerance and fragrant flowers. Madagascar Rubber vine, purple flowers, can reach 60 feet and can be invasive. Golden Flame honeysuckle,  moderate salt tolerance and great tolerance to wind. Mexican Flame vine,  moderate salt tolerance, blooms most of the year, bright orange. Yellow Mandevilla,  great flowers. Sandpaper or Queen’s Wreath vine,  long inflorescence with purple flowers, great for arbors.

Plant of the week. Sadly, I have no real beach plants so here is the Madagascar Periwinkle a great lover of sun and moist soil. In very hot climates, it should be protected from afternoon sun. Periwinkle is fairly easy to propagate and will bloom for most of the year.