If you’ve ever looked at a well-designed landscape and thought, “Why does that look so polished?”—chances are, anchor plants had something to do with it. Whether you’re starting a new garden or renovating an old one, anchor planting is one of the most important techniques to consider for long-term success.
What Is an Anchor Plant?
An anchor plant is a structural element in your landscape design—typically a shrub or small tree—that stays in place year-round and visually "grounds" the space. These plants provide the backbone of your garden, offering form, repetition, and stability among more seasonal, changeable elements like perennials and annuals.
Think of them as the framework that holds your planting design together. Without anchor plants, a yard can feel scattered or chaotic. With them, it feels balanced and intentional.
Why Anchor Plants Matter
Anchor plants are valuable for several reasons:
They create structure: Whether placed at corners, along walkways, or near entries, they help define space and guide the eye through the landscape.
They offer year-round presence: Most anchor plants are evergreen or semi-evergreen, providing color and texture even in the winter.
They support design flow: Repeating anchor plants in different parts of the yard ties everything together and avoids a disjointed appearance.
They make seasonal plants shine: A well-placed evergreen allows colorful perennials and annuals to stand out rather than compete for attention.
Especially in North Carolina, where gardens go through four distinct seasons, anchor plants offer consistent beauty and a sense of permanence.
Choosing Anchor Plants for North Carolina
When selecting anchor plants, consider the mature size, sun and soil needs, and how they work with your overall landscape style—whether it’s traditional, cottage, or modern. It’s also important to choose disease-resistant and low-maintenance varieties suited to the region’s humidity, heat, and occasional cold snaps.
Here are some great anchor plant choices for North Carolina landscapes:
Holly (Ilex spp.) – Evergreen, versatile, and great for structure. Try ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ or ‘Oakleaf’ for bold presence.
Camellia (sasanqua or japonica) – Offers glossy foliage and beautiful winter blooms, ideal near entries or garden focal points.
Distylium – A newer favorite for its hardiness and tidy growth habit; great in foundation beds or modern landscapes.
Viburnum ‘Chindo’ – A fast-growing evergreen shrub that makes an excellent screen or corner anchor.
Loropetalum – Adds both structure and color with its deep purple foliage and spring flowers.
Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra) – A native evergreen with soft, rounded form—a great alternative to boxwood.
Cryptomeria (Japanese Cedar) – Provides height and texture; excellent for privacy or as a vertical anchor.
Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) – A tough native plant with upright or weeping forms, perfect for anchoring beds.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re building a new landscape or just refreshing a few beds, anchor planting is a key step in creating a visually strong, functional, and timeless outdoor space. By incorporating these dependable structural plants, you not only elevate your design but ensure your landscape looks great in every season.
Anchor plants are the quiet heroes of great gardens—often overlooked, but absolutely essential.