Welcome to The Zone! This article is Part 13 in the GardenTabs Zone Series, where we look at all USDA Plant Hardiness Zones and recommend the top 17 plants for your region.
Zone 7a
Zone 7A, with minimum winter temperatures ranging from 0 to 5 °F (-17.8 to -15 °C), provides a relatively long growing season from late spring to early fall. This zone encompasses diverse geographic regions.
In the United States, Zone 7A includes parts of Texas, such as Austin and Houston. It also covers regions in North Carolina, including cities like Charlotte and Raleigh.
Additionally, Zone 7A extends into New Jersey, encompassing areas like Newark and Trenton.
Internationally, Zone 7A includes parts of British Columbia in Canada, such as Vancouver and Victoria. In Europe, it covers regions in countries like France, including cities such as Paris and Bordeaux.
In Asia, Zone 7A includes areas of China, such as Shanghai and Hangzhou. It also extends to regions in Japan, including Tokyo and Kyoto. In Australia, it covers parts of New South Wales, including Sydney.
Gardeners in these regions can enjoy the opportunity to cultivate various plant varieties, bringing beauty and abundance to their gardens.
These regions are characterized by mild winters, warm to hot summers, and a growing season that typically lasts from spring to fall.
1. Roses (Rosa spp.)
Roses are timeless and beloved for their captivating beauty and fragrance. With countless varieties, including hybrid teas, floribundas, and climbers, roses bring elegance and charm to Zone 7a gardens.
They can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 °F (-17.8 °C) and require ample sunlight and well-drained soil.
2. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender is a fragrant perennial herb that thrives in the sunny and dry conditions of Zone 7a. With its aromatic foliage and beautiful purple flowers, lavender adds a touch of serenity to any garden.
It can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 °F (-17.8 °C) and prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
Read more on growing lavender and roses together: How To Grow Lavender With Roses [Guide For Beginners]
3. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvias are versatile perennials in various vibrant colors, including blue, purple, red, and pink. Their tall flower spikes bring vertical interest and attract pollinators to the garden.
Salvias can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 °F (-17.8 °C) and prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
4. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
Butterfly Bush is a butterfly magnet with fragrant flowers that attract many pollinators. It blooms in shades of purple, pink, white, and yellow, adding color to Zone 7a gardens.
Butterfly Bush can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 °F (-17.8 °C) and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
5. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
Japanese Maples are prized for their stunning foliage and graceful form. These trees thrive in Zone 7a and can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 °F (-17.8 °C).
With their vibrant colors and unique leaf shapes, Japanese Maples bring elegance to any landscape.
6. Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
Crepe Myrtle is a popular flowering tree that brightens up Zone 7a gardens with its vibrant blooms in shades of pink, purple, white, and red. It blooms in summer and early fall, adding color to the landscape.
Crepe Myrtle can tolerate temperatures as low as 5 °F (-15 °C) and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
7. Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)
Coneflowers are hardy, drought-tolerant perennials that thrive in Zone 7a gardens. Their daisy-like blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white attract pollinators and add a pop of color to the garden.
Coneflowers can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 °F (-17.8 °C) and prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
8. Ornamental Grasses (Miscanthus spp., Pennisetum spp., etc.)
Ornamental grasses offer texture, movement, and architectural interest to Zone 7a gardens. Varieties such as Maiden Grass, Fountain Grass, and Switchgrass are hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 °F (-17.8 °C), adding visual appeal throughout the year.
9. Dianthus (Dianthus spp.)
Dianthus, or pinks or carnations, are delightful perennials known for their fragrant, ruffled flowers in shades of pink, red, and white.
They are well-suited for Zone 7a gardens, tolerating temperatures as low as 0 °F (-17.8 °C). Dianthus thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
10. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Russian Sage is a drought-tolerant perennial that adds a touch of grace to Zone 7a gardens. Its aromatic silver-gray foliage and delicate lavender-blue flowers create an ethereal atmosphere.
Russian Sage can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 °F (-17.8 °C) and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
11. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum)
Shasta Daisy is a classic perennial with its large, white, daisy-like flowers and vibrant yellow centers. It blooms from summer to fall, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
Shasta Daisy can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 °F (-17.8 °C) and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
12. Hellebore (Helleborus spp.)
Hellebores, or Lenten Roses, are evergreen perennials in late winter or early spring, bringing color and life to Zone 7a gardens when little else is in bloom. They come in shades of white, pink, purple, and green.
Hellebores can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 °F (-17.8 °C) and prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
13. Verbena (Verbena spp.)
Verbena is a low-growing, spreading perennial that offers vibrant flowers in shades of purple, pink, red, and white. It attracts butterflies and bees, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens.
Verbena can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 °F (-17.8 °C) and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
14. Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina)
Lamb's Ear is a unique perennial known for its soft, fuzzy, silver-gray leaves that resemble the ears of a lamb. It adds a tactile element to the garden and pairs well with other plants.
Lamb's Ear can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 °F (-17.8 °C) and prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
15. Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Sedums, also known as stonecrops, are succulent perennials that thrive in Zone 7a's dry and sunny conditions.
They come in various colors, including green, red, and purple, and add interesting textures to rock gardens, borders, and containers.
Sedums can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 °F (-17.8 °C) and prefer well-drained soil and full sun.
16. Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
Coreopsis is a cheerful and low-maintenance perennial that brightens up Zone 7a gardens with its yellow, orange, and red flowers. It blooms throughout the summer, attracting butterflies and bees.
Coreopsis can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 °F (-17.8 °C) and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
17. Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)
Russian Olive is a versatile and hardy tree that can thrive in Zone 7a's climate. It features silvery-gray leaves and produces small yellow flowers followed by silver berries.
Russian Olive can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 °F (-17.8 °C) and is well-adapted to various soil conditions.
Here are additional articles for your reading pleasure:
12 Cold-Hardy Vegetables For Zone 7 [With Pictures!]
When To Cut Back A Butterfly Bush [And How To Do That]
What’s The Best Color For Planters And Pots?
Enjoy the Rewards
Zone 7a offers a favorable and moderate climate for gardening, with mild winters and warm summers. By selecting the right plants, you can create a thriving and visually appealing garden that embraces the beauty of this zone.
From the enchanting Roses and Lavender to the graceful Russian Sage and Hellebore, these plants add color, fragrance, and texture to your landscape.
When choosing plants for your Zone 7a garden, consider their specific requirements, including sunlight, soil conditions, and water needs.
By providing the ideal growing conditions, you can ensure the success of these plants and enjoy a vibrant and flourishing garden throughout the seasons.
Embrace the beauty of Zone 7a and let your garden thrive with these wonderful plant selections.
