garden nurseries

There's something timeless about a well-kept Southern yard—the kind that turns heads with its blooming shrubs, vibrant flower beds, and a front porch framed by lush greenery. In central Alabama, our warm climate and long growing season give us the perfect canvas to create curb appeal that’s both beautiful and practical. Whether you’re sprucing up your home for the season or planning for a future sale, the right mix of plants can transform a front yard from average to eye-catching.

Here’s your local guide to the best plants for Alabama landscaping, complete with evergreen structure, seasonal color, and year-round charm.

What to Consider When Choosing Plants for Curb Appeal in Alabama

Before planting, make sure you’re selecting flowers and shrubs that thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 7b–8a, which cover most of central Alabama. Other things to consider:

Sunlight exposure: Know where full sun, partial shade, or full shade areas are.
Soil drainage: Most Southern plants dislike soggy soil—add compost for better structure.
Maintenance level: Go for low-maintenance landscaping plants to save time and money.
Seasonal interest: Use a mix of evergreen and flowering plants for year-round appeal.

But don’t worry- we’ve created a cheat sheet for you so you don’t have to research all that! Here’s a list of the best plants to consider, from foundation plants to plants and trees.

1. Best Foundation Plants for Southern Landscapes

Evergreens and structured shrubs are key to creating a tidy, professional look that draws the eye year-round.

Boxwoods: Compact varieties like ‘Wintergreen’ or ‘Baby Gem’ are ideal for borders or symmetrical designs.
Indian Hawthorn: Drought-tolerant with spring blooms; works great near porches or entryways.
Dwarf Yaupon Holly: Easy to shape and resistant to heat and pests.
Camellias: These Southern staples offer glossy leaves and stunning winter or early spring blooms.

2. Flowering Shrubs That Pop With Color

Flowering shrubs bring bursts of seasonal color, texture, and that Southern charm.

Azaleas: Choose native or Encore varieties for spring or repeat blooms. Perfect for dappled light.
Hydrangeas: 'Limelight' and 'Endless Summer' offer stunning, long-lasting blooms from summer into fall.
Gardenias: The fragrance is unmatched, and their evergreen leaves provide structure even after blooming ends.

3. Top Perennials for Central Alabama Curb Appeal

Perennials come back every year, making them cost-effective and low-maintenance.

Black-Eyed Susans: Bold, sunny flowers that thrive in heat.
Coneflowers (Echinacea): Pollinator-friendly and drought-tolerant.
Daylilies: Hardy with a wide range of colors; bloom all summer.
Liriope: Also called monkey grass, great for edging and ground cover.

4. Annuals for Seasonal Color and Impact

For instant color and flexibility, annuals are a must. Refresh them with the seasons to keep your landscape vibrant.

Vinca: Ideal for hot, sunny spots with little rain.
Marigolds: Bright, easy to grow, and even deter pests.
Petunias: Long bloom time and great for containers.
Impatiens: Thrive in shady spots under porches or large trees.

Step into the heart of one of our local communities with ERA King agent, Hunter Cain, as he highlights Downing & Sons, a family-owned general store and garden center offering a curated selection of seasonal plants, organic seeds, and gardening supplies. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Downing & Sons provides the tools and expertise to help your garden thrive.

5. Climbing Plants and Vines for Vertical Interest

Trellises and fences can become focal points with the right vines:

Confederate Jasmine: Fragrant white blooms in late spring; evergreen foliage.
Carolina Jessamine: A native vine with cheerful yellow flowers.
Climbing Roses: Add classic beauty to mailboxes, fences, or archways.

6. Native Alabama Plants for Easy, Sustainable Curb Appeal

Native plants require less water, fewer chemicals, and attract pollinators:

Butterfly Weed: A favorite of monarch butterflies.
Purple Coneflower: Gorgeous and hardy in hot summers.
Oakleaf Hydrangea: Native hydrangea with showy white blooms and fall color.
Coreopsis: Bright, daisy-like blooms that last all season.

7. Trees for Southern Curb Appeal and Shade

Small to medium trees frame your landscape and add height and presence:

Crape Myrtle: Iconic in the South, with long-lasting blooms from summer into fall.
Dogwood: Beautiful spring flowers and red fall foliage.
Eastern Redbud: Pink spring blooms and heart-shaped leaves.
Magnolia: The epitome of Southern charm—large blooms and glossy evergreen leaves.

Design Tips to Maximize Curb Appeal

Great curb appeal isn't just about what you plant - it's also about how you plant it. Thoughtful design brings structure, balance, and flow to your landscape, helping your home look polished and welcoming from the street. By laying plants, choosing complementary colors, and paying attention to details like mulch and edging, you can create a front yard that feels intentional and inviting. These simple design strategies will help you make the most of your plants and highlight the best features of your home.

Layer plants: Use tall shrubs in the back, mid-sized perennials in the middle, and low-growing annuals in the front.
Group in odd numbers: 3s or 5s look more natural than even numbers.
Use mulch: Adds visual polish, retains moisture, and reduces weeds.
Keep walkways clear: Trim plants back from porches, sidewalks, and driveways.

For a list of popular plant nurseries around the Birmingham area, click here. Check out this video at Cedar Creek Nursery with a few of our Shelby County agents for a quick introduction!

Final Thoughts: Planting for Beauty and Value

Whether or not you are planning to sell, landscaping for curb appeal can yield serious return on investment. According to NAR, homes with great curb appeal can sell for 7–14% more than similar homes with neglected exteriors. Buyers want homes that feel move-in ready—starting at the front yard. Creating a stunning Southern landscape doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Choose a mix of evergreens, perennials, and seasonal color that suits your light and space. Whether you’re selling your home or simply want to love your front yard again, these best plants for curb appeal in Alabama are the perfect way to start.