• Spray from ocean waves causes salt to accumulate on a plant's foliage.Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
  
  Landscape plants along the seashore face many challenges. The ongoing windy conditions can cause salt spray to buffet the plant's foliage and accumulate in the surrounding soil. Beachside soil also suffers from excessive drainage and usually lacks nutrients. Perennial seashore plants that grow well in U.S. Department of Agriculture zone 7 must withstand a temperature drop to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The plants must also tolerate salt accumulations on their foliage and be able to withstand dry soil to subsist in such an ecosystem.
  
  

Seaside Goldenrod

• The perennial plant seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens) grows well in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 3 to 11, according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension. It offers a high salt spray-tolerance and the ability to withstand drought well. It subsists on nutrient-poor soil with no adverse effects. The plant grows to a height of up to 9 feet. During the late fall months and spring months the plant produces one-sided yellow flower clusters in a spike form. The waxy foliage of the plant is succulent and has the ability to hold water during periods of drought.
  
  The plant grows best in full sunlight. The tall flower spikes often require stating. Remove the spent flower-heads after flowering.
  
  

Lavender Cotton

• Lavender cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus) grows as an evergreen to a height of 2 feet with a width of up to 4 feet. It grows in a mound. The plant's foliage has a grayish-green appearance. During the late summer and early fall months the plant sports yellow flowers that measure approximately 1/2 inch in diameter.The flower-heads often cause the plant to droop or take on a weeping appearance. Cultivars exist that offer pink flowers and a more compact size. The plant offers good salt and drought tolerance. It grows best in USDA zones 6 to 9, according to the North Carolina State University. A popular border plant, it also works well as a ground cover. Plant in full sunlight for the best growth results.
  
  

Sea Thrift

• The perennial sea thrift (Armeria maritima) grows to a height of 1 foot with a width of up to 1 foot. It grows well in USDA zones 4 to 8. The plant produces grass-like foliage. During the early spring months it blooms globe-shaped flower clusters in shades of pink or white. Flowering can also persist throughout the summer months, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. Removing the spent flower-heads helps to encourage the plant to produce additional flowers.
  
  Choose a planting site in full sunlight with well-draining soil. It does not tolerate wet or moist soil conditions, and the base and root system of the plant will often rot. It tolerates salt spray well.