I'm looking for larger plant options that I could use in a backyard space. Any suggestions for plants that do well in medium light and can handle hot and cold temps (I live in NC so it can get very hot in summer and very cold in winter)? I'd prefer potted plants but there is space to put them directly in the ground, too. I'm just looking for somewhere to start my plant search.

Hi & welcome! Larger like an oak tree, or larger like a shrub vs. violets? In any case, that still leaves so many variables that you could be much more specific describing the dreams in your mind, and get multiple suggestions. Do you want something evergreen (with foliage all year,) scented blooms, maybe something with edible fruit, nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds?

And there's good news already! You've arrived at a great place to start a plant search. You can search for plants that fit whatever criteria you choose on the page at the link below. If you don't get many results, trying removing one or more criteria:
https://garden.org/plants/sear...