If you live in Zone 7A, you can choose a variety of plants that grow well in that area. Daylilies, Clematis, Japanese painted fern and Fig trees are good options. They are tolerant of cold winters and offer beauty and color to your garden. Learn more about them below! Here are the best plants for 7A zones:
Clematis
If you’re looking for a vine that will grow well in your 7a zone, clematis is the perfect choice. This plant produces large clusters of pale pink or white flowers, which grow on wood that has already bloomed. Pruning them correctly is important because incorrect pruning can result in few flowers that are thrown way up in the air. Clematis are divided into three different groups, based on their flower size and blooming time.
There are several types of clematis that thrive in this area. Clematis crispa, which has the most flowering time of year, has large star-shaped flowers with a white interior and a deep red center. The President clematis blooms in the spring and summer, and it continues to produce smaller flowers on new wood. Because of its deep roots, this plant will need to be well-watered, even during dry periods, and will need balanced fertilizer in the spring.
Pruning clematis is crucial to preventing broken stems and encouraging new growth down low. Pruning is also important, as it helps the plant to branch and hide its “skinny legs.” If you don’t want to prune your clematis, consider planting complementary colored perennials in its area. The “Silver Mound” artemisia will add texture to the garden as well as cooling color contrast.
Clematis are best planted in spring or early fall. Choose a location that gets ample sunlight. Planting clematises in full sun can cause their flowers to fade. The sun should be filtered by a trellis or shrub. You can also plant clematis in partial shade. If you have the sun, be sure to plant them in an eastern exposure. However, keep in mind that clematis are delicate plants that want special care and attention.
Daylilies
The first thing you should do is prepare your garden soil before planting daylilies. Daylilies need a good deal of moisture to grow, and they will thrive in the right conditions. It is recommended that you apply a spring application of Breck’s Food for Bulbs and Perennials. You can repeat the process in late spring or early summer, depending on your particular climate. You should also provide additional water to the daylilies during periods when rainfall is below one inch per week. Daylilies need six weeks to establish before winter, so make sure you prepare them for the season by deadheading them to remove the spent flowers before they produce seeds.
Daylilies grow best in full sunlight, but will tolerate a little shade in the afternoon. Plant them in full sun, and be sure to water them regularly. Partial shade is better for daylilies with pale colors, but they still grow well in shade. They can tolerate most types of soil and will perform well in half-day shade, though they won’t bloom as vigorously.
Daylilies are drought-tolerant once established. They need an inch of water per week, and a normal rainfall will provide them with that. Watering your daylilies once a month or less will result in more blooms. If you’re worried about weeds in your garden, mulch is a great option. Not only will it help your daylilies stay moist, but it will also prevent your garden from becoming a weed-infested mess.
You can easily transplant your daylilies into different areas of your garden. In fall, use a transplanting spade or a drain spade to dig a circle around the plant. Be sure to angle the digging so that you can reach underneath the daylily root. Then, make sure to place the daylily in the right spot. When the weather is dry, water it to prevent the soil from drying up.
Japanese painted fern
The Japanese painted fern is a coveted houseplant in a variety of climates. Its colorful fiddleheads will appear in spring, but will not emerge from the soil until warmer weather. This is perfectly fine – it’s worth the wait! The Japanese painted fern can be divided and replanted in the spring. You can also top-dress the soil with organic matter, but it doesn’t require any supplemental fertilizer.
This low-maintenance shade perennial is native to Asian forests and thrives in full shade. It needs moist soil but does not like dry conditions. It can reach heights of 12 to 24 inches. It will grow well in mixed shade gardens and looks especially beautiful if planted with fern-leafed bleeding hearts. It’s also a good companion for Chinese fringe bush and strawberry begonias, which thrive in zones 6 to 9.
The Japanese painted fern prefers well-drained, moist soil with some organic matter. It tolerates less fertile soil but will suffer from root rot and other problems if it’s not well-drained. It thrives in full to partial shade but can tolerate some light afternoon or evening sun in cooler climates. This hardy plant doesn’t need much care, and doesn’t need any pruning.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance houseplant, the Japanese painted fern might be the right choice. It’s a lovely plant and a great source of plants. You’ll be happy you chose it! Just remember that it needs regular moisture to thrive. You can also water it regularly, but not too much – it can tolerate some dry spells.
Fig trees
Fig trees are among the most popular fruits for gardeners. They vary in size and flavor, but they all have one thing in common: they are delicious. There are several varieties to choose from, including Black Maderia, Neggrone, and Violette de Bordeaux. Regardless of their name, these fruits are known for their sweet and tangy flavor, and they can grow up to 25 feet in height. Fig trees are incredibly easy to grow in zones 7a and below.
Figs grow to be about 15 feet tall and 15 feet wide in the lower South. In Zones 7 and 8, figs often freeze to the ground and sprout from the roots. In Zones 8 and 9, they can be heavily pruned and espaliered. In unprotected areas, they can be moved to a protected location, like a small shed or an unheated garage. In addition to winter protection, you can wrap fig trees to protect them from the freezing temperatures and drying winds. Figs are parthenocarpic, which means that the fruit is actually an enlarged stem.
Fig trees are ideal for areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Planting them near a south-facing brick wall will provide ample sunlight. Fig trees can grow up to 100 pints of figs on a single tree. After planting, water deeply to encourage deep root growth. Never allow the fig tree to sit in standing water for any length of time. Sow fig trees in a well-drained spot with excellent drainage.
Fig trees are hardy in the upper South, but can be planted throughout the year. They grow best in lightweight pots and require protection during winter. Choose a location with adequate sun and drainage for them. After planting, keep them watered well during the first growing season, and mulch them with organic mulch. Once they have established, they will need a protected spot and some additional light. However, fig trees can tolerate some shade, so make sure they get plenty of sun.
Tea olive
A Tea Olive shrub needs well-drained soil. Select a container with drainage holes and make sure the material wicks away moisture. If you do not have drainage holes, try using clay pots or terracotta pots instead. Make sure the container’s depth is between eight and twelve inches. A well-drained soil will drain at a rate of about an inch an hour. However, if the soil drains very quickly, the plant may not be growing well.
The tea olive is a slow to moderate grower. Its height depends on soil quality and location. Once established, the tea olive can tolerate a range of soil types. Watering is minimal once established. During the first few growing seasons, tea olives may be damaged by insects, but once established, they can tolerate drought. They also last for several years. Tea olives are a good choice for those with a 7a zone or a higher PH level than average.
A tea olive’s flowers are very fragrant. Many people compare their scent to jasmine, orange blossoms, and peaches. Since the plant’s flowers are small and hidden in a shrub, it is best to plant it in an area where you can enjoy its scent. However, if you don’t want your neighbors to know you’re growing a tea olive, don’t plant it where you won’t notice it!
The tea olive is a great plant for a hedge or to add scent to your garden. Its size can vary from six to thirty feet, depending on cultivar and location. Smaller varieties make excellent hedges or small specimens for containers. Its growth rate is moderate to slow and heavily dependent on soil quality, organic matter content, and water availability. Its growth rate can be as slow as four inches.
