If you’re considering gardening in Zone 6B, here are the best plants to grow in the area. These include Perennials, Shrubs, Fruits, Lavender, and more. If you’re not sure what to plant in this zone, you can browse our guide for more information. You can find a plant in the right growing zone based on its climate. Then, read on to learn how to care for them.
Perennials
Perennial plants are amazing for the landscape of your yard and they can thrive from early spring to late fall. However, you may not know which ones will thrive in your area. The following list of perennials that thrive in Zone 6 will help you choose the right one for your garden. Not only will they provide you with beautiful foliage and natural beauty, but they’ll also attract butterflies, bees, and other nectar-loving creatures.
Blazing Star – This plant grows wild in American prairies and is a top choice for hot sunny gardens. It doesn’t mind heat and comes in pink, white, and purple flowering varieties. These low-maintenance perennials form clumps and have 2-foot-tall spikes of bloom. They’re also deer resistant and drought-tolerant. You’ll love these fragrant perennials for years to come.
Hardy Bamboo – Another great plant for Zone 6b gardens is Yucca rostrata, which bears berries in the coldest months of the year. Yellow alyssum, fern, and yucca are also great plants for zones 6b gardens. If you’re looking for a tropical-looking plant, then try Viburnum or Crape Myrtle. These plants will thrive in this area as well.
Delphinium – This plant grows tall spires of flowers in various colors and can add height to a garden. You can also cut the flowers for home use, as they reach up to 8 feet. Delphiniums can be propagated from seed and are suitable for both flower beds and containers. They grow well in full sun and partial shade. They prefer well-drained, organic soil and partial shade. A plant with this particular feature can tolerate more shade than many others and tolerate deer and the elements.
Shade-loving perennials are a good option for Zone 6b gardens. These perennials will thrive in shaded areas and require little or no care. Their deep roots will keep them healthy through the winter months, making them ideal for flowerbeds and pathways. Shade perennials are native to Asia and will bloom in early spring and go dormant throughout the summer. Then they will bloom again the following spring, so they’re a great choice for planting under trees and other structures.
Shrubs
If you are looking for a plant that will thrive in Zone 6b, shrubs are a great choice. While all plants require a certain temperature, shrubs have different needs. Knowing how to care for them will extend their life. Below, we’ll go over 11 of the best shrubs for zone 6b and how to maintain their growth. Hopefully, this list will prove helpful. Read on for some shrub care tips!
Wintercreeper – This 3-foot-tall, five-foot-wide shrub features colorful, exfoliating bark and a white edge. Its compact bushy form makes it an excellent choice as a ground cover, and it is deer-resistant. It prefers warm climates, and its flowers are a favorite among butterflies. ‘Emerald Gaiety’ wintercreeper is a good choice for those who want something that will grow without being invasive.
Laurels – This evergreen shrub has smooth-edged dark green leaves and sticky flowers. It blooms late in spring. It also prefers an acidic soil, and it will need a shady location in order to grow well. While it doesn’t need much water, it will need a bit of mulch to survive winter. This shrub will be a great addition to your yard and will attract pollinators.
Butterfly bush – A butterfly bush is a hardy plant that is a flowering shrub that grows up to six feet. This plant is hardy in zones four to six. Its blooms are long and fragrant. Its foliage is also attractive, and it will attract butterflies. In addition to flowers, butterflies like the butterfly bush. The long blooms and the fragrant foliage make it a popular choice for Zone 6b gardens.
‘Rosy Glow’ – A larger form of barberry, this variety has bright burgundy foliage and pink new growth. It grows to three to four feet tall and two to three feet wide. It is a popular shrub in foundation plantings and mass plantings. It’s also thorny, so keep that in mind when selecting your plants. And as long as you’re prepared to manage these thorny plants, the results can be spectacular.
Fruits
While apricots are more widely known for growing in southern states, the zone 6 climate is actually a good fit for them. Many of the varieties are suitable for growing in this zone, including the Sweetheart, Halehaven, and Richmond. Peaches, on the other hand, can grow quite well in this zone, but are best grown in warmer regions. In Zone 6, they grow well and are delicious to eat fresh or frozen.
One way to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables in Zone 6 is to plant several varieties of them. This way, you will prevent cross pollination and help to reduce the likelihood of diseases. In addition, multiple trees also help the leaves to dry out after rain. Pear trees are excellent zone 6 fruit trees. The Anjou, Bosc, and Williams varieties do quite well in this climate. For vegetables, consider planting the following varieties:
Apples are the most popular fruit tree in Zone 6B. Many people dream of growing an orchard in their backyard. Apple trees are a great choice for this zone, but be aware that they are susceptible to diseases. If you don’t want to deal with disease, try growing a disease-resistant cultivar instead. Some varieties of apple trees can even be grown in containers. You’ll have enough apples for a family of four with two trees!
Peaches come in several varieties. Elberta is a popular variety that can produce up to 150 pounds of fruit per season. The fruit is bright yellow with orange blush marks and is delicious for snacking. Other good Zone 6 peach varieties are Candor, Halehaven, Madison, and Redhaven. But if you’re worried about the zone, you can always try a dwarf variety! There are many other varieties to choose from as well, and each one will be delicious.
A few other fruit options to consider growing in Zone 6b include the Flavortop nectarine, which will reach 20-25 feet tall and grow moderately. These plants will thrive in direct sunlight and moist soil. They can also be used to make pies and wine. Just be sure to cut off old stems to keep the fruit production high. And enjoy the taste of fresh fruit! But don’t forget to watch your fruit crop!
Lavender
Lavender is a resilient plant, which is drought tolerant once established. While it will survive a short drought, it does require some water during the first growing season. After that, it can tolerate extended periods of drought. Avoid overwatering lavender as it can develop fungal disease and root rot. Here are some tips to care for your lavender plant during your first growing season. This herb will bloom in its third year.
The best place to plant lavender is in a sunny location, where it will receive sufficient sunlight and adequate moisture. To maximize growth, lavender can be planted in pots and raised beds. If space is an issue, consider growing it in containers or pots. In order to ensure a long blooming season, lavender needs ample space, and good drainage. A good soil mix and adequate sun will encourage healthy growth.
In Zone 6, Lavender grows best as an annual. Choose the seed-grown variety called Lady lavender, which blooms reliably in its first summer. It grows up to 16 inches tall. Mitcham Grey lavender is a more slender, taller variety that has heady flowers. Munstead lavender, an old favorite for its early blooms, will grow up to two feet.
Another important factor to consider is lavender’s water needs. It can be water-intensive, but once established, lavender is drought resistant. However, the plant needs good drainage during the winter months. If the soil is too wet, it will die. A pH level slightly above neutral is ideal. If it’s below 7.0, add lime. You can also mulch lavender with gravel, but make sure that deer do not eat them!
A drought-tolerant plant, lavender grows well in most Michigan climates. Even if you live in a climate with a dry climate, you won’t need to supplemental-irrigate lavender. Most Michigan locations get enough rain to prevent any need for additional watering. A few inches of rain in a month is sufficient for the plant to flourish. In the Mediterranean, lavender is often cultivated in the dry regions of southern France, where rainfall can range from 1.8 to three inches a year.
