Ferns are among the best plants for zone 7a gardens because they give a prehistoric look without requiring much maintenance and reproduce via spores, making them the perfect choice for hot, dry climates. Sugar cane, which grows horizontally and requires lots of sunlight, is another plant to consider for zone 7a gardens. This plant needs a lot of sunlight but grows well in sunny locations. Whether you want to create an attractive landscape or simply add color to your yard, this plant is a perfect choice.
Evergreens
The first thing you should know about evergreens is that they do not lose all of their leaves at once. The leaves of evergreens typically last one to six years. Older foliage dies and falls to the ground. New leaves emerge each year. The evergreens will grow in zones five to seven and are best placed in full sun. However, they may not grow in the driest location. Soil acidity should be moderate.
Evergreen shrubs add structure, texture, and privacy to a yard. They also can be pruned to sculpt appealing shapes. The most popular varieties include Boxwood, Oregon grape holly, Mountain Laurel, and Wintercreeper. However, it’s important to select an appropriate plant for the climate in your zone so it will thrive. A good place to start is in the middle of a flower bed or border.
Another option for zone 7a gardens is the concolor fir. This type has dense feathery branches that add several feet of height each year. This plant is fully evergreen, hardy to -10 degrees F, and has relatively few pests and diseases. It can reach heights of 60 feet and widths of 10 feet. It can also block neighboring shrubs if placed on a large enough property. Its moderate growth rate and low water requirement make it a great choice for gardens and larger properties.
Flowering shrubs
If you are considering adding some color to your landscape, consider flowering shrubs for zone 7a. These shrubs provide continuous color from late winter to fall. Many of these plants bloom on different times of the year, including azalea, hydrangea, rose, and buckeye. Flowering shrubs are generally grouped according to bloom time. Listed below are the best shrubs for zone 7a.
Ninebark is a surprisingly easy flowering shrub that is a great choice for the shade. The leaves can be a rich copper or red, and contrast beautifully with the delicate pink flowers. Ninebark also offers exfoliating bark that will add winter interest to your landscape. Weigela is another good choice for zone 7a, as it produces white or pink trumpet-shaped flowers. It can tolerate soil with a heavy clay content.
Forsythia is a fast-growing shrub that blooms in early spring. These shrubs can be spaced four to six feet apart. They are hardy in zone 7, and have attractive bark. Most varieties bloom in dark pink, though some types have white blooms. Flowering shrubs for zone 7a are not only attractive but can also add color to your landscape year-round. So, start planting some flowers now!
Shrubs
If you want to make your landscape look more beautiful, consider using some of the best shrubs for Zone 7A. Shrubs play a crucial role in landscaping, providing soft architectural lines, filling in large spaces, and providing a focal point. Many shrubs in Zone 7 are evergreen, meaning they provide year-round green as well as flowering for part of the year. To get the best look for your landscaping project, choose shrubs based on their overall shape and ornamental qualities.
Plants in Zone 7A are fairly forgiving. Perennials and annuals do well in this zone, and summers are warm and damp. Soils are generally not low enough to kill plants, so you should consider augmenting your soil with some organic matter. If you want to plant shrubs in this climate zone, make sure to test your soil first. You can also use a growing zone finder to determine your hardiness zone.
Flowering shrubs are also a great choice for full-sun areas. These plants provide season-long color and flair to your landscape. In zones 7a, consider planting some of these shrubs. If you’re not sure what kinds of shrubs grow best in this area, check out this list of favorites. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the choices you have! There’s something for everyone! Choose shrubs based on their seasonal colors and growth rates.
Trees
The most attractive types of trees to plant in zone sevena are conifers and flowering shrubs. Although most of these plants are perennial, they retain color in the winter. If you live in a colder climate, consider adding conifer needles to your landscape. Some of these species also bear fruit during the winter months, such as false cypress and golden mops. Other plants that can thrive in zone seven include the weeping cherry and the conorted hazelnut. Viburnum and holly are also good choices, as they have berries during winter months.
While plants in zone seven can survive cold winters, they may not thrive in full sun in late summer. Instead, they may need partial shade during the early part of the year. Trees in zone sevena will not do well in full sun in the winter months. As a result, you may need to use ground covers and partial shade in early summer. If you want to grow a variety of plants in zone sevena, consider hardy varieties that can survive colder conditions.
Hostas are excellent plant options for Zone seven gardens. Their attractive, textured leaves make them a great ground cover. They can survive in a wide variety of soils, and can be used to edging near other plants. They need good drainage and shade in order to thrive. Silvery Japanese painted ferns are also a great option for zone seven gardens. They require a lot of water, so be sure to water them enough to keep them healthy and beautiful.
Vegetables
With the first frost date in mid-October, planting in Zone 7a can be completed at the end of June. In addition, vegetables in Zone 7a can be harvested well into November. The growing season is relatively long, with most vegetables maturing by early March. Here are the best vegetables for Zone 7a. You can plant them as early as late February and reap the benefits of a long growing season until mid-November.
In winter, the best vegetables for Zone 7a are arugula, beets, swiss chard, mustard, radishes, broccoli, cabbage, and turnips. You can also choose from lettuce varieties that require a shorter maturation period. This is crucial when the days are shorter and the temperatures are cooler. If you are worried about growing vegetables in Zone 7a, read the plant’s information carefully.
Perennials
In Zone 7a, sedums, or daisies, make excellent perennial plants. These hardy plants come in a variety of shapes and colors, are drought-resistant, and are very resistant to winter cold. Among the many varieties of sedums, the most popular one is the ‘Full Moon,’ with its large, soft yellow flowers. Other popular sedums include ‘Moonbeam,’ with its pale yellow flowers, and ‘Purple Star,’ with its large, pinkish-purple berries.
Tickseed, an American native, has large, daisy-like flowers that dance on wiry stems. It’s also deer-resistant, drought-tolerant, and attractive. Although it’s drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, its blooms may fade by winter. Some varieties are good ground covers or border plants and attract bees and butterflies. Depending on the species, they can be hardy and drought-resistant.
Aside from their low-maintenance nature, zone 7a-friendly perennials are often long-lived and attractive. You’ll likely want to plant them for several years to enjoy their flowers, so you’ll want to make sure they fit with your garden’s aesthetic style. After all, these plants will be with you for many years, so you’ll want to choose something that will thrive in your climate.
Clematis
The easiest way to grow clematis is to plant it in the spring or early fall. It prefers well-drained, loose soil and a neutral pH. For best results, amend soil with compost, aged manure, and bonemeal. Mulch the plant well to keep the roots cool. If you want to grow clematis in a pot, consider buying an inexpensive one that can survive the hot climate of zone 7a.
Some varieties will survive winter chill by blooming early. Some of the more popular varieties are the ‘Kilian Donahue’, which has huge lavender-blue flowers that open in the spring and fade to fuchsia at the petal tips. Joe clematis is another attractive option, with its lavender-pink stripes. Clematis ‘Duchess of Albany’ has large, pink bell-shaped flowers with dark pink stripes down the center of each petal. Once established, this clematis becomes a drought-resistant plant.
If you’re considering planting clematis in your garden, remember to fertilize them as needed. The best time to fertilize your clematis is in the spring when they first unfurl their leaves. A general-purpose liquid fertilizer, such as 5-10-10, will work well. During the growing season, clematis should be pruned once a week or as needed. Pruning is not as difficult as it sounds, but it should be done in the spring, during flower buds, and in fall.
