Living on the South Shore of Massachusetts brings ocean breezes, stunning views, and of course—salt. Whether it's carried in on the wind, splashed from winter road treatments, or deposited by sea spray, salt exposure stresses traditional landscape plants. Leaves may scorch, soil chemistry shifts, and non-adapted shrubs can decline quickly.

That's why choosing salt-tolerant species is the foundation of a thriving coastal landscape. With the right plants, you can enjoy lush greenery, colorful blooms, and durable curb appeal without constant replacements.

At Coelho Landscaping, we've designed landscapes in Marshfield, Scituate, and Duxbury for over 15 years, and we know which species not only survive—but truly shine—under coastal conditions.

Pro Tip

Salt tolerance varies even within plant species. Look for cultivars specifically bred for coastal conditions, and always check the salt tolerance rating before planting near the shoreline.

Top Salt-Tolerant Plants for Marshfield Properties

🌾 Salt-Tolerant Grasses

  • Beach Grass (Ammophila breviligulata) - Native dune grass that prevents erosion while creating natural coastal beauty
  • Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) - Tall, graceful grass with excellent salt tolerance and fall color
  • Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) - Compact ornamental grass with beautiful bronze fall coloring

🌸 Salt-Tolerant Perennials

  • Daylilies (Hemerocallis) - Long-blooming perennials available in many colors and extremely salt-tolerant
  • Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) - Drought and salt-tolerant with silvery foliage and purple flowers
  • Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) - Bright yellow flowers that bloom all summer and handle salt spray well

🌳 Shrubs & Trees

  • Rugosa Rose (Rosa rugosa) - Hardy beach rose with fragrant flowers and edible rose hips
  • Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica) - Native shrub with waxy berries that birds love
  • Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) - Evergreen tree that serves as excellent windbreak and salt barrier

🌿 Groundcovers

  • Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis) - Low-growing evergreen perfect for slopes and difficult areas
  • Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) - Native groundcover with small white flowers and red berries

Landscaping Tips for Salt-Exposed Properties

  1. Choose natives first - Native plants are naturally adapted to local salt conditions and require less maintenance
  2. Amend sandy soils with compost - Improve water retention and add nutrients to naturally sandy coastal soils
  3. Use mulch strategically - Apply organic mulch to retain moisture and protect roots from salt exposure
  4. Plant windbreaks - Use salt-tolerant trees and shrubs to create barriers that protect more sensitive plants
  5. Rinse foliage after storms - Wash salt spray off plant leaves after coastal storms to prevent damage

Important Consideration

Even salt-tolerant plants need time to establish. Water new plantings regularly during their first year, and avoid planting during periods of high salt exposure like winter storms.

Local Inspiration

Walking along Rexhame Beach or Green Harbor, you'll notice many of the same plants thriving naturally. Bringing these into your landscape ensures both resilience and an authentic coastal feel.

For more plant lists, see the UMass Extension Coastal Landscaping Guide.

Ready for a salt-tolerant landscape that thrives? Contact us today for a free consultation and let our experienced team design a beautiful coastal landscape that will flourish for years to come.