How to Choose The Best Trees & Shrubs for Coastal Gardens

Dreaming about a beautiful coastal garden but struggling with salty winds and poor soil? Growing a garden in a seaside environment is nothing like planting in a sheltered inland space. The very things that make coastal living so desirable and beautiful – the fresh sea air, coastal breezes, and sunny shores – can be challenging for many plants. But with some expert guidance and right choices, your coastal garden can become a lush paradise.

In this guide, you’ll find recommendations for the best trees and shrubs for coastal gardens in the UK and answers to the most common questions about growing a coastal garden.

The Challenges of Coastal Gardening

Why do some plants struggle to grow in coastal conditions? It’s because of the harsh 
conditions that make it difficult for them to thrive. The major challenges of coastal areas are:

Salt Exposure

One of the biggest challenges in a coastal garden is salt exposure from both the soil and the air. While some plants are adapted to it, others struggle to survive. Here is why:

• Osmotic Stress: High salt concentrations in the soil create osmotic stress which 
  makes it harder for the roots to absorb water. The plant end up dehydrated and 
  wilted.
• Soil Toxicity: Sodium and chloride build up in the roots and block the uptake of 
  beneficial minerals. This weakens the plant, damages the roots, and scorches the 
  leaves.
• Salt Build-Up: Airborne salt lands on plants, draws moisture out and causes leaf 
  scorch. The layer of salt also blocks sunlight and affects photosynthesis.

Coastal Winds

All winds can be tough on plants and cause stress and damage, but coastal winds bring unique challenges that make them even more harmful. Coastal winds are:

• Stronger & More Consistent: With no natural barriers, open coastal landscapes are fully exposed and winds hit with full force
• More Damaging: Coastal winds carry tiny salt particles that land on plants, 
  dehydrate them, and burn their leaves. In sandy areas, they carry sand particles that cause abrasion and physical damage.
• Constantly Changing: Coastal winds frequently change their direction which makes it harder for the plants to adapt and grow in one stable direction.

Difficult Soil Types

Soil types in coastal areas can vary widely but the most common are sandy and clay soils. They both come with their own challenges:

• Sandy Soil: Water drains too quickly and plants don’t have enough time to absorb moisture and nutrients (Sandy soils are common in East Anglia, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and parts of Scotland) 
• Clay Soil: Holds too much water which can lead to root rot and lack of oxygen. When dry, it is hard, compact and difficult for roots to grow. (Clay soil is common in Kent, Sussex, and parts of the North West) 
• Rocky Soil: Shallow, nutrient-poor soil that makes it difficult for plants to establish strong roots. Suitable for deep-rooted species. Often found in cliffside and exposed coastal areas (Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Devon, and Northern Ireland).

Drought & Heavy Rains

Summer drought can severely stress the plants, especially in sandy and chalky areas. At the same time, coastal climates often bring heavy winter rains that can lead to waterlogging and soil erosion. This dramatic change between very dry and very wet conditions makes plants with strong and deep roots most suitable for coastal gardens.

The Best Trees and Shrubs for Coastal Gardens UK

Coastal gardens need resilient trees and shrubs that can flourish despite harsh winds, salt spray, and sandy soils and also add beauty and structure to the landscape. Here is our carefully curated selection of the best coastal plants for UK gardens, designed to help you create a beautiful seaside haven.

Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

• Why: A tough, wind-resistant evergreen tree that makes an excellent shelter for exposed coastal gardens. It thrives in poor soils and adapts to different moisture levels. Maritime Pine, Monterey Pine, and Corsican Pine are also great choices for coastal regions.
• Ideal for: Western and northern coastal areas (Wales, Cumbria, Scotland), where high rainfall and acidic soils are common.

 Aspen (Populus tremula)

• Why: A UK-native, highly wind-resistant tree that thrives in wet coastal soils and tolerates salty conditions. Its broad, spreading form makes it ideal for shelterbelts in open coastal landscapes. Some other poplars, such as Lombardy, White, or Grey Poplar are also excellent for coastal areas.
• Best for: Western and northern coastal regions, where high rainfall and occasional waterlogging occur. Perfect for stabilising damp soils and creating wind protection.

Tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima)

• Why: An excellent coastal plant that thrives in salty, sandy soils and can handle intense sun and drought. Other Tamarisk species, like Saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima), French Tamarisk (Tamarix gallica), and evergreen Athel Tree (Tamarix aphylla) are also very adaptable to coastal conditions.
• Best for: Eastern and south-eastern coasts (Norfolk, Suffolk, Kent), where drier conditions and free-draining soils are common.

Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa)

• Why: An exceptionally tough tree that thrives in wet soils, making it perfect for areas prone to winter flooding. It has moderate drought and salt tolerance, therefore, does not thrive in very salty or dry soils. Grey Alder (Alnus incana) is less tolerant to salt but more adaptable to drought. 
• Best for: Western and northern coasts, where heavy rainfall and boggy conditions are common.

Field Maple (Acer campestre)

• Why: A UK native, salt-tolerant and moderately wind-resistant tree. Its beautiful and dense foliage makes it a great choice for hedgerows and shelterbelts in coastal gardens. A few other maple species can thrive in coastal areas, too, such as Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) and Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus)
• Best for: All UK coastal regions, particularly those needing a compact, hardy tree for mixed plantings.

Elaeagnus x ebbingei (Oleaster)

• Why: One of the toughest and most widely planted coastal Elaeagnus varieties. It is salt-tolerant, wind-resistant, thrives in poor soils and tolerates drought. A deciduous variety Elaeagnus angustifolia (Russian Olive) is also highly drought and salt.
• Best for: All UK coastal regions, particularly eastern and southern gardens, where it tolerates drier conditions and provides dense wind protection.
  tolerant.

Griselinia (Griselinia littoralis)

• Why: Fast-growing, evergreen shrub with glossy leaves, excellent for hedges or 
  windbreaks in exposed coastal locations. It thrives in mild, damp conditions and is 
  resistant to salt spray. Griselinia lucida (Shiny Broadleaf) is moderately salt and 
  wind-tolerant and can be used in sheltered coastal gardens. 
• Best for: Mild western and southern coastal regions (Cornwall, Devon, Wales), 
  where it will enjoy moderate winters and high rainfall.

Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) 

• Why: A fast-growing, deciduous shrub known for its fragrant flower spikes that attract butterflies and bees. It is highly adaptable - tolerates wind, salt spray, and a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained conditions. It is not as salt-tolerant as Griselinia or Elaeagnus, but it can thrive in moderate coastal exposure.
• Best for: Southern and eastern coastal gardens, where it benefits from drier soils 
  and full sun.

Our selections for coastal trees and shrubs offer the perfect balance of beauty and 
resilience. With the right mix and proper maintenance, you will create a beautiful and 
resilient landscape that you can enjoy all year round.

In addition, we've compiled a FAQ section with answers to common questions to help you further with your coastal gardening journey. If you need personalized advice or are looking for high-quality coastal plants, visit us at Arundel Arboretum or explore our online store.

General FAQs

What are the best trees for coastal gardens?

The best trees for coastal gardens are wind-tolerant, salt-tolerant, drought-resistant trees with a strong root system. The best examples are Pine, Poplar, or Tamarisk.

What shrubs grow best in salty air and strong winds?

The best shrubs for coastal areas with high winds are Griselinia littoralis, Elaeagnus x 
ebbingei, and Tamarix ramosissima.

Which trees grow fast in coastal areas?

The best fast-growing trees for coastal areas are Lombardy Poplar and Monterey Pine, 
which grow up to 1m per year. These fast-growing windbreak trees are highly wind-resistant, salt-tolerant, and adaptable to poor soils. They are ideal for exposed seaside gardens.

What evergreen trees are good for coastal gardens in the UK?

The best evergreen trees for coastal gardens UK are Monterey Pine, Scots Pine, and 
Griselinia.

What plants are the best for sandy coastal soil?

Trees and shrubs for sandy coastal soils must be salt-tolerant, wind-resistant, drought-hardy, and have deep and strong roots. Elaeagnus x ebbingei is excellent for creating dense hedges in sandy soil, while Tamarisk is a drought-resistant tree that thrives in dry, sandy conditions.

What are the best hedging plants for coastal areas?

The best hedges for coastal gardens are salt-resistant hedges that can withstand harsh 
coastal conditions. Top choices are Griselinia littoralis, laeagnus x ebbingei, and Escallonia.

What plants make the best windbreak for coastal gardens?

The ideal windbreaks plants for coastal gardens are fast-growing, salt-tolerant, and wind
resistant, and capable to form a dense barrier to protect other plants from strong coastal winds. For example, Lombardy Poplar, Monterey Pine, Alder, and Tamarisk.

Plant-Specific FAQs

Are pine trees good for coastal gardens?

Generally, yes, but not all pines thrive in coastal environments. The best choice for coastal gardens are Scots Pine, Monterey Pine, and Corsican Pine.

Is Griselinia good for a coastal hedge?

Yes, Griselinia littoralis is an excellent coastal hedge, as it is highly salt-tolerant, wind
resistant, and fast-growing, making it perfect for dense, evergreen coastal screening.

Does Tamarix grow in sandy soil?

Yes, Tamarix (Tamarix ramosissima) thrives in sandy soil, as it is highly drought-tolerant and well-adapted to dry, free-draining coastal conditions.

Are poplar trees good for windy areas?

Yes, poplar trees, especially Lombardy Poplar, are excellent for windy areas and are 
commonly used for shelterbelts and windbreaks

Does Elaeagnus tolerate salt spray?

Yes, Elaeagnus × ebbingei is highly tolerant of salt spray, making it an excellent choice for coastal hedging and windbreaks in exposed seaside gardens

Growing & Maintenance FAQs 

How do I protect plants from salt spray in a coastal garden?

Plant windbreaks using salt-tolerant hedging's like Griselinia littoralis, Elaeagnus × ebbingei, or Tamarisk to filter the salty winds before they reach more delicate plants. Apply a thick layer of mulch to prevent salt from accumulating in the soil. Also, rinse leaves with fresh water after storms to prevent salt damage.

How do I improve sandy coastal soil for planting trees and shrubs? 

To improve sandy coastal soil for trees and shrubs, mix in compost, well-rotted manure, or seaweed to add nutrients and retain moisture. Mulch can reduce water loss, while grit-free topsoil or clay improves structure. Using mycorrhizal fungi supports strong root growth, and choosing drought-tolerant plants ensures success.

Do I need to water coastal garden plants regularly?

Coastal garden plants generally need less frequent watering, as many are drought-tolerant and adapted to sandy, well-drained soils. However, young plants, newly planted trees, and shrubs will need regular watering until established, especially during dry or windy conditions.

How do I plant trees and shrubs in exposed coastal areas?

Start by positioning hardy, wind-resistant species like Griselinia, Elaeagnus, or Tamarisk as a natural windbreak along the garden’s windward side to shield more delicate plants. 
Plant trees in groups rather than alone, as this helps reduce wind pressure and creates a 
sheltered microclimate. Place salt-sensitive plants closer to buildings, walls, or taller hedges for protection.