Our corner of the world is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7. Fortunately for us in the Midsouth, we’re blessed to enjoy a broad selection of plants due to the moderate climate, with average minimum temperatures ranging from 0 to 10°F. Zone 7 stretches across many regions, offering a long growing season and the opportunity to grow a wide variety of beautiful flowers, trees, and shrubs.
Here are some of the best picks for each category that thrive in Zone 7.
Flowers
- Coneflower (Echinacea spp.) – A perennial favorite that blooms from early summer to fall, attracting butterflies and birds.
- Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) – Known for its vibrant yellow petals and dark centers, this perennial is drought-tolerant and blooms in late summer.
- Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) – With a wide range of colors and easy care, daylilies are a staple in Zone 7 gardens, blooming from spring to fall.
- Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) – These stunning perennials offer large, fragrant blooms in spring and early summer.
- Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) – A drought-tolerant perennial with lavender-blue flowers and silvery foliage that blooms from summer to fall.
Trees
- Dogwood (Cornus florida) – A native tree that produces beautiful white or pink flowers in spring followed by red fruits and vibrant fall foliage.
- Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) – Offers stunning fall colors and a wide variety of shapes and sizes, perfect for smaller gardens or as a focal point.
- Redbud (Cercis canadensis) – Known for its pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in early spring before the foliage emerges.
- Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia) – A popular choice for its long-lasting summer blooms in shades of pink, red, purple, and white, and attractive peeling bark.
- Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) – Offers large, fragrant white flowers in late spring and early summer, with glossy evergreen leaves.
Shrubs
- Azalea (Rhododendron spp.) – Provides spectacular spring blooms in a variety of colors, with both deciduous and evergreen varieties available.
- Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.) – Known for their large flower heads in shades of blue, pink, white, and purple, blooming from early summer to fall.
- Boxwood (Buxus spp.) – Evergreen shrubs that are perfect for formal hedges or as foundation plantings.
- Forsythia (Forsythia spp.) – One of the first shrubs to bloom in spring, offering bright yellow flowers before the leaves emerge.
- Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) – Attracts butterflies with its long panicles of fragrant flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white throughout summer and fall.
When planning your garden in Zone 7, consider the specific conditions of your site, such as soil type, sun exposure, and moisture levels. Integrating native plants is also a good practice, as they are adapted to the local climate and typically require less maintenance while supporting local wildlife. With the right selection, you can enjoy a vibrant and thriving garden from spring through fall in Zone 7.