Outer Banks anyone?

I live in Manns Harbor, NC and have had some great success and some real failures - is there anyone out there familiar with the Outer Banks of North Carolina that could give me some suggestions. Lavenders do great! Most of my ornamental grasses have done great - as have baptisia, digitalis (believe it or not); but others are really struggling - I'm told coneflowers are really easy and I have NEVER gotten one to grow - unless you count black eyed susans as coneflowers. I thought I might touch base with someone familiar with what grows in this area.

Lantanas, glads, amaryllis, cannas, lilies,passionflower, chaste tree, gingers, sages, palms, agaves, I'll think of others....

Tropicana - Thank you for the list! Sue