If you live in Zone 8a, you have a lot of options for planting your yard. Here are the best trees, flowering shrubs and herbs for zone 8a. The plants listed below can tolerate zones 8b and warmer. The citrus trees can withstand Zone 8b. And if you don’t mind low maintenance, you can try ornamental grasses such as maiden grass or Japanese forest grass. The “Karl Foerster” feather reed grass is also a good choice for zone 8a. Another beautiful grass is the Pampas.
Perennials
In Zone 8a, temperatures can get up to 20 degrees below average, and the best perennials for this climate are ones that are tolerant of a variety of conditions. You can choose perennials from a variety of categories, including bulbous plants, ground covers, and annuals. Some of the most popular flowering plants that grow in Zone 8a are larkspur, bottlebrush, Christmas cactus, lantana, and bird of paradise.
Sea thrift is a great choice for borders or beds, as it attracts hummingbirds and butterflies that feed on its seeds. The blooms of this plant can range from pink to lavender to white, depending on the variety. These plants can be grown in full or partial shade and require deadheading to encourage more flowers. In addition to requiring partial shade, these plants self-seed extensively in gardens. While they can tolerate low fertility soil, they should be staked for proper support and care.
While it may not be possible to plant all of the recommended perennials for Zone 8a, you can choose a few that do well in the area. Some are drought-tolerant, which means that they grow even in poor soil conditions. Some perennials thrive in soil that has moderate fertility levels and high organic material content. If you want to plant a perennial that will grow in your zone, consider buying a container-grown version.
The blazingstar is another good choice for sunny gardens because it is drought and heat-tolerant. It comes in different color varieties, and does not need much water. The leaves and blooms of this plant are narrow and glossy, and the flowers are yellow and bi-colored. In addition, it has low maintenance requirements and grows well even in shaded areas. The plant can be planted in the spring or fall, six to eight inches deep.
The common black-eyed susan grows in zones four to nine. There are newer cultivars that are more disease resistant and tidier. They also don’t reseed flowers. And while you may not be able to plant them in Zone 8a, you can grow them in other parts of the country. They thrive in part shade and full sunlight and have a long growing season.
The sunflower, also known as the bellflower, is another favorite perennial for Zone 8a. Its long-lasting blooms last from midsummer to late fall and come in a variety of colors. This plant prefers a partial shade, but does well in full sun, and it has a wide range of color. The sunflower thrives in soil that is rich in clay. Its long-lasting flowers are an attractive feature of this perennial.
A hardy form of Hibiscus, rose mallow blooms in late summer and early fall. Its leaves are a rich purple. It grows to about four to five feet tall and will die back completely in winter. The flowers will reappear fully in spring. You may even want to plant a second one. These plants have long blooming periods and require minimal maintenance. So, when you’re thinking about which perennial plants to plant, remember to consider the climate in which you live, and make sure to choose perennials that thrive in the area you live in.
Flowering shrubs
Flowering shrubs for zone 8a grow best in zones three through seven. Their white to pink blossoms appear in mid-spring, and they are low-maintenance and deer-resistant. Despite the low-maintenance nature of this plant, it has many advantages. Weigelas, for example, bloom from late spring into early summer, and they do not have a strong fragrance. Their light green foliage and dense branching make them a beautiful addition to any landscape.
A flowering shrub in zone eighta will produce flowers throughout the growing season. You can plant a single specimen or a small clump for privacy. You can choose shrubs that have yellow flowers, pink flowers, white blooms, and even a mixture of all three colors. Flowering shrubs for zone eighta require little maintenance but can also be planted in containers. They provide a nice backdrop for perennial gardens.
Lilacs and hydrangeas are excellent choices for a shaded garden. These shrubs are drought-tolerant and hardy to -20 degrees F. They can grow to 4-6 feet in height. Japanese maples are taller and more durable than hydrangeas, but can still tolerate a zone eighta garden. They can be planted in containers or in the ground and will thrive in most gardens.
There are many flowering shrubs for zone eighta that can add color to your landscape, and they also help attract pollinators. Plants for zone eighta include perennials, flowering shrubs, and groundcovers. You can also try perennials such as dahlias and hardy geraniums. These can be transplanted easily and will thrive in their new home. And you’ll be happy you did.
Abelia x grandiflora: An award-winning shrub that grows from three to six feet tall, this plant produces clusters of creamy white or lavender flowers. These fragrant blossoms bloom in late spring and throughout summer. The foliage turns a beautiful shade of orange and red in fall. And they won’t burn in the hot sun. You can even prune them hard and they’ll bloom again the next year.
Azaleas: Among the most popular of flowering shrubs for zone 8a are the azaleas. These shrubs require part shade and moist organic soil. They’re hardy in USDA zones five through eight, and some varieties reach as tall as twenty feet. And they come in dwarf forms, too. And if you’re looking for a colorful backdrop to your landscape, a boxwood or rose will do the trick.
Herbs
Herbs for Zone 8a are easy to grow and require little maintenance. Many varieties will grow well even in containers. Lavender is hardy to zone 8, and likes well-drained soil with plenty of sun. Other warm-weather-tolerant herbs include sage, marjoram, and Mexican oregano. Read on for a list of the best herbs for Zone 8a. Once you’ve chosen the perfect herb for your climate and growing conditions, it’s time to plant.
There are a number of beneficial herbs for Zone 8a, including chives, rosemary, and thyme. Chives, for example, are perennial and grow to about 12 inches tall. They are often substituted for onions in dishes and can be used as a garnish. Similarly, garlic chives can be used to pickle vegetables in vinegar or used as a garnish. In addition to cooking, rosemary and chives repel pests and insects. Mint, sage, and Russian sage are good deer repellents.
Other herbs suitable for Zone 8a include sage and sagegrass. Sage is a two-foot tall perennial herb with grayish-green foliage. It produces purple flowers in its second year and likes well-drained soil. Sage can be grown indoors or outdoors and can thrive in containers. The plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. For optimal growth, choose a perennial plant that requires at least six hours of sunlight daily.
Some herbs grow in containers, such as mint. When choosing containers, consider the ultimate size of your herbs. Herbs in pots of four inches don’t accurately reflect their size at maturity. For a fuller and longer growing season, consider growing them in raised beds or pots. If you’re not sure what size you want to grow, try planting them in small containers, so you can move them around and find the perfect spot for them.
Another herb that’s cold-hardy is hyssop. This medicinal herb is known for its penicillin-like properties. Its leaves are aromatic and pungent, and are often used as a garnish. Another herb popular in Zone 8a is sage. These perennial herbs grow from one to three feet. They thrive in full sun or light shade, but should be harvested before they bloom.
Herbs that grow well in Zone 8A include spearmint, peppermint, banana mint, and apple mint. Mints grow best in moist soil with a pH level between 6.5 and seven. Mints are generally easy to grow in Zone 8a, but they do require fertilization. A balanced organic fertilizer should be mixed into the soil when you plant your herbs, and sprinkled over the soil every three to six months.
Herbs that do best in cool weather are those that are easy to access. They need to be able to grow in containers near your home, as these will provide the microclimate they need to survive. In case of a freeze, frost blankets and pot covers can help protect your herbs. You can also grow them from seed if you want to avoid freezing weather. So, now is the time to choose herbs for Zone 8a!