One of the most common questions we hear from Southeast gardeners is: "When is the best time to plant?" The answer depends on what you're planting and where you are — but the good news is that the Southeast's mild climate gives you more planting windows than almost anywhere else in the country.
Here's a season-by-season breakdown to help you plan your planting calendar for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and the broader Southeast region.
The Short Answer: Fall Is the Best Time to Plant in the Southeast
If you only remember one thing from this guide, make it this: fall is the single best planting season for shrubs and trees in the Southeast. Here's why:
- Cooler air temperatures reduce stress on newly planted material
- Soil temperatures are still warm (above 50°F), which encourages active root growth
- Fall and winter rainfall reduces the need for supplemental irrigation
- Plants establish their root systems over winter and are ready to explode with growth come spring
A shrub planted in October will almost always outperform the same shrub planted in April, simply because it has had months of root development before facing its first hot summer.
Fall Planting (September – November): The Prime Window
Best for: Shrubs, trees, evergreens, hollies, viburnums, arborvitae, palms, and most landscape plants
September through November is the sweet spot for planting in the Southeast. Daytime highs drop into the 60s and 70s, nights are cool, and the soil retains enough warmth to keep roots growing well into December in most of the region.
What to plant this fall:
- Southern Wax Myrtle — establishes quickly and will be ready to fill in fast come spring
- Nellie R. Stevens Holly — fall planting gives it time to anchor before summer heat
- Chindo Viburnum — roots in beautifully over winter for strong spring growth
- Green Giant Arborvitae — fall-planted Green Giants hit the ground running in spring
- Windmill Palm — plant in early fall (September–October) to allow establishment before cold snaps
- Upright Japanese Plum Yew — ideal fall planting; shade-tolerant and cold-hardy
Tips for fall planting:
- Water thoroughly at planting, then once per week unless rainfall is adequate
- Mulch 2–3 inches deep to insulate roots and retain moisture
- No need to fertilize at planting — wait until spring
Winter Planting (December – February): Better Than You Think
Best for: Dormant deciduous trees and shrubs, bare-root plants, cold-hardy evergreens
Many Southeast gardeners write off winter as a no-plant zone — but that's a missed opportunity. Deciduous trees and shrubs are fully dormant in winter, which means transplant stress is at its lowest. Bare-root trees (available from specialty nurseries) are typically only available in winter and are often the most economical way to plant fruit trees, roses, and native trees.
Evergreens can also be planted in winter during mild spells, as long as the ground isn't frozen — which is rare across most of the Southeast below Zone 7a.
Tips for winter planting:
- Avoid planting during hard freezes or when soil is waterlogged
- Water at planting; rainfall typically handles the rest
- Protect newly planted evergreens from desiccating winter winds with burlap if needed
Spring Planting (March – May): Good, But Watch the Heat
Best for: Annuals, perennials, warm-season plants, and any shrubs or trees if watered consistently
Spring is the most popular planting season — and it works well, with one important caveat: plants installed in spring have less time to establish before summer heat arrives. In the Southeast, summer heat can be brutal, and newly planted material that hasn't had time to root in deeply will need consistent irrigation through July and August.
That said, spring is perfectly fine for planting if you're committed to watering. Aim to plant as early in spring as possible — March and April are better than May — to give plants the maximum establishment window before summer.
Tips for spring planting:
- Water deeply 2–3 times per week through the first summer
- Mulch heavily (3–4 inches) to conserve soil moisture and moderate soil temperature
- Fertilize lightly in spring once new growth begins
Summer Planting (June – August): Proceed with Caution
Best for: Established container plants with a committed watering plan; not recommended for large trees
Summer planting is the most challenging in the Southeast. Heat stress, high evapotranspiration rates, and the risk of drought make it the hardest time to establish new plants. We generally advise against planting large shrubs or trees in June, July, or August unless you have an irrigation system or can commit to daily watering during dry spells.
If you must plant in summer:
- Choose heat-tolerant, drought-adapted plants like Southern Wax Myrtle
- Plant in the evening or on overcast days to reduce immediate heat stress
- Water deeply every day for the first 2 weeks, then every other day through the rest of summer
- Mulch 3–4 inches deep immediately after planting
- Avoid fertilizing until fall
Planting Calendar at a Glance
| Season | Months | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Sept – Nov | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best | Ideal for nearly all shrubs and trees |
| Winter | Dec – Feb | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great | Best for dormant deciduous plants |
| Spring | Mar – May | ⭐⭐⭐ Good | Fine with consistent watering |
| Summer | Jun – Aug | ⭐ Challenging | Only with irrigation; avoid large trees |
Ready to Plant This Fall?
Fall planting season in the Southeast starts in September — and that means now is the perfect time to order. All of our plants are field-grown and ship directly to your door, ready to go in the ground.
Questions about what to plant or when? Browse our blog for more plant care guides, or contact us — we're happy to help you plan your landscape.