The Best Plants for Hamptons Landscapes (That Handle Wind, Salt, and Sandy Soil)

We’ve all seen it—those beautiful Hamptons gardens that look perfect in spring, only to wither away by the time July’s sea breezes and salt spray roll in. Creating a thriving garden out here isn't just about choosing plants that look good. It’s about choosing ones that can handle the unique conditions of the East End: steady winds, salty air, and sandy, fast-draining soil that doesn’t hold nutrients for long.

That combination is tough on many traditional garden plants. But with the right selection—and a little help from thoughtful planting and care—you can have a property that looks great season after season without constantly replacing stressed-out shrubs or struggling perennials.

At Oceanview Landscapes, we’ve spent years working with these local challenges, and we’ve seen firsthand which plants earn their keep in the Hamptons. Whether you’re replanting a section of your yard or starting from scratch, here’s what to look for—and a list of resilient, beautiful plants that thrive in our coastal climate.

Understanding Hamptons Growing Conditions

Before diving into specific plants, it helps to understand what we are working with locally. Coastal Long Island sits in a unique zone where maritime weather patterns shape every garden decision.

Wind exposure is one of the biggest factors. Even properties several miles from the ocean experience steady breezes that can dry foliage and stress tender growth.

Salt arrives in two ways. Salt spray travels inland on windy days, and salt can build up in soil near roadways during winter. Some plants shrug this off. Others decline slowly.

Sandy soil drains quickly. This helps prevent root rot but also means nutrients and moisture move through fast. Plants that expect rich, moisture holding soil often struggle without extra care.

Choosing plants adapted to these realities sets the foundation for a garden that looks good beyond its first season.

Shrubs That Stand Up to Coastal Conditions

Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica)

Bayberry feels almost made for the Hamptons. Native to the Northeast, it thrives in sandy soil, tolerates salt, and handles strong wind with ease. Its glossy green leaves hold their color well through summer, and its natural shape works beautifully in informal hedges. Bayberry also fixes nitrogen in the soil, which quietly improves growing conditions around it.

Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra)

Inkberry holly offers a softer look than traditional boxwood and performs better in coastal conditions. It stays evergreen, handles salt exposure, and adapts well to sandy soil when given enough water during establishment. We often use it for foundation plantings or low hedges where a clean but natural feel is desired.

Rugosa Rose (Rosa rugosa)

Rugosa roses are tough in the best way. Thick, textured leaves resist salt spray, and the plant laughs at wind. In summer, fragrant blooms appear, followed by large rose hips in fall. These shrubs work well along property edges, dunes, or as informal screening where a natural coastal character fits the setting.

Trees That Anchor Coastal Gardens

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

This native evergreen is a workhorse for Hamptons properties. Eastern red cedar tolerates salt, wind, and poor soil, and it provides year round structure. It works well as a windbreak, privacy screen, or focal point. Birds love it, which adds quiet life to the garden throughout the year.

Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii)

Japanese black pine brings a sculptural presence that suits coastal homes beautifully. Its dark needles and rugged form hold up to wind and salt exposure. With time and light pruning, it develops character that feels both refined and natural. This tree thrives in sandy soil and performs best in full sun.

Serviceberry (Amelanchier)

Serviceberry offers a softer, more seasonal presence. Spring brings white blossoms, summer delivers clean green foliage, and fall turns leaves warm shades of orange and red. It tolerates sandy soil and light salt exposure, especially when placed in a slightly protected location.

Perennials That Thrive Without Fuss

Beach Grass (Ammophila breviligulata)

Beach grass is essential for dune stabilization, but it also has a place in designed coastal gardens. Its upright form and movement in the wind feel natural and grounded. Beach grass thrives in sand, needs little water once established, and handles salt without complaint.

Lavender (Lavandula)

Lavender loves sun, drainage, and airflow, all things the Hamptons provide in abundance. Its silvery foliage resists salt spray, and its scent brings a Mediterranean note to coastal gardens. Lavender works well along walkways, patios, and in mixed perennial beds.

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

Russian sage adds height and a soft, airy texture. It tolerates wind, drought, and sandy soil with ease. In summer, its pale purple flowers attract pollinators and sway beautifully in the breeze.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedums are reliable performers in tough conditions. Their fleshy leaves store water, making them well suited to fast draining soil. They come in many forms, from low groundcovers to upright varieties that add structure to perennial beds.

Ornamental Grasses That Belong Here

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass is native, adaptable, and graceful. It handles sandy soil and wind, and its upright form adds structure without feeling stiff. In fall, seed heads catch the light and bring movement to the garden.

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little bluestem shines in coastal settings. Blue green summer foliage turns copper and rust in fall. It thrives in poor soil and full sun, making it a strong choice for low maintenance areas.

Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)

For slightly shadier spots, northern sea oats offer broad leaves and unique seed heads that move with the breeze. It tolerates sandy soil and brings texture to woodland edges and sheltered garden spaces.

Groundcovers That Hold Everything Together

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva ursi)

Bearberry is a native evergreen groundcover that thrives in sandy, acidic soil. It hugs the ground, resists salt, and produces small red berries that add seasonal interest.

Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)

Creeping juniper spreads low and wide, making it ideal for slopes and exposed areas. It tolerates wind, salt, and drought, and its evergreen foliage keeps the garden looking full year round.

Plant Placement Matters as Much as Plant Choice

Even the toughest plants perform better when placed thoughtfully. Oceanfront properties benefit from layered plantings, with the most salt tolerant species placed closest to exposure. More delicate plants find success when tucked behind windbreaks or structures.

Soil preparation also plays a role. Sandy soil drains fast, which plants love, but adding organic matter at planting helps retain moisture during the establishment phase. Regular watering during the first season makes a noticeable difference.

This is where experienced planning helps. Matching plants to microclimates on a property often determines long term success. We spend a lot of time reading wind patterns, sun exposure, and soil conditions before finalizing any planting plan.

A Garden That Grows Into the Setting

Hamptons gardens feel best when they belong to their surroundings. Native and coastal adapted plants settle in naturally, require less intervention, and age gracefully. Over time, they create spaces that feel relaxed rather than forced.

When homeowners ask us why certain gardens seem to thrive effortlessly, the answer almost always comes back to plant selection and placement. Choosing plants that want to live here makes maintenance easier and results more satisfying.

If you are planning changes or starting fresh, leaning into what works locally pays off in every season. A garden built around these plants will handle wind, salt, and sand with confidence, and still deliver beauty, movement, and texture that feels right at home on the East End.