North Carolina has a rich history of ornamental plant development, shaped by diverse growing conditions, strong academic institutions, and visionary horticulturists. From university breeding programs to historic garden selections, several widely used ornamental plants either originated in North Carolina or were refined here for landscape use. These plants continue to shape gardens well beyond the state’s borders.
One of the most well known ornamental plants tied to North Carolina is the Duke Gardens Yew (Taxus × media ‘Duke Gardens’). This cultivar was selected at Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham for its exceptional form and performance in Southern landscapes. Unlike many yews that struggle in heat and humidity, Duke Gardens yew proved more tolerant of North Carolina’s climate. It features dense, dark green foliage and a naturally upright, pyramidal habit, making it a refined choice for formal hedges, foundation plantings, and garden structure. Its durability helped expand the use of yews in warmer regions where they were once considered unreliable.
North Carolina State University has also played a major role in ornamental plant development, particularly through the work of Dr. Tom Ranney at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center. Among these introductions are improved selections of Calycanthus, including ‘Hartlage Wine’ and ‘Carolina Moonlight’. These shrubs elevated the native Carolina allspice by improving flower size, color, and fragrance while maintaining toughness and adaptability. They remain standout examples of how regional breeding can refine native plants for broader landscape use.
Perennials have not been overlooked. Rudbeckia fulgida ‘American Gold Rush’, while not a university release, is closely tied to the Carolinas through regional selection and promotion. This improved black-eyed Susan offers excellent disease resistance, a long bloom season, and strong pollinator value. Its performance in Southern conditions has made it a benchmark for modern native perennial breeding and selection.
Together, these plants highlight the importance of North Carolina’s role in ornamental horticulture. Whether developed through academic research or selected in historic gardens, these varieties reflect a commitment to beauty, resilience, and regional suitability. Choosing plants with North Carolina roots supports sustainable landscapes and honors the legacy of innovation that continues to shape gardens across the country.