It’s not the warmest zone, but USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9 is pretty warm. It offers lovely mild winters and an extended growing season. It includes areas in Florida, Texas, California, Arizona, Louisiana, and smaller parts of Georgia, Alabama, and New Mexico.

If you are not sure of what zone your region is in, it’s useful to look at a USDA planting zone map. Find your state and figure out the zone. Those gardening in Zone 9 will have a large range of plants to choose among, including trees, shrubs, annuals and perennial flowers.

Let's dig in and find the best plants for your Zone 9 garden!

Hello Zone 9

If you live in Zone 9, many of your gardening friends will call you lucky. The average low winter temperatures range from 20 - 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-6.6 - -1 C). and the growing season runs long. In spring, the last frost date is generally February, while the first winter frost isn’t expected until after Thanksgiving. Summers are hot and long, and trees and shrubs grow rapidly.

What grows well in Zone 9? It’s easier to list the things that don’t. Almost every garden vegetable will grow in Zone 9, as well as a wide variety of trees, from silver maple to magnolia, and shrubs like crape myrtle and hydrangea.

Best Plants for Zone 9 Gardens

If you’re a typical gardener, you want landscape plants in addition to your veggie garden. That might include trees, shrubs, and both annual and perennial flowers. Here’s our shortlist of the best plants for Zone 9 gardens.

Best Trees for Zone 9

• American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis): The American Sycamore, also called American plane tree, was born for a warm zone. This large deciduous tree is both drought tolerant and heat tolerant. It grows rapidly and can top at 75 feet (25m) tall. The canopy is as wide as the tree is tall. It is irregular, with large, green, star-shaped leaves. I love plane trees. The bark is gray and peeling, exposing the ivory inner bark beneath. The fruit balls are appealing, packed with seeds. American sycamore trees can be found at Fast Growing Trees.
• Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora): Southern magnolia is the iconic broadleaf evergreen of the South, a large and beautiful tree with gorgeous shiny dark green leaves and wildly fragrant flowers. These magnolias can get to 80 feet (26m) tall and half that wide. Even the trunks are large, with a diameter of 3 feet (1m). These trees need lots of elbow room, and their lowest branches reach the ground. Nothing is more beautiful than the giant white flowers in summer - and ah that scent! The woody fruits have bright red seeds. 'Edith Bogue' magnolia trees can be purchased from Nature Hills Nursery. Their giant, fragrant flowers will make all your neighbors jealous.
• Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum): This native tree is quite common across the Midwest, and it’s a classic shade tree that rows fast, has graceful leaves and produces “helicopters,” those samaras that hold maple seeds. Silver maple grows in USDA zones 3-9, and prefers a full sun location. Like most maples, silver maple needs quite a lot of water to thrive, so select a spot with moist soil and don’t hesitate to water regularly. Find a silver maple at Fast Growing Trees.

Best Shrubs for Zone 9

• Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica): You can find crape myrtle trees and crape myrtle bushes – essentially differentiated by the size. There are many attractive varieties of these shrubs with multiple stems laden with showy red, white, pink or purple blossoms. The shrubs bloom in summer, turning from bare branches into bright, ornamental floral displays that attract birds and other pollinators. Crape myrtle is perfect, small flowering tree for zone 9 and works well for shrub borders, specimen plants, and container plants. Any placement helps you create beautiful garden landscapes. Delight in the clusters of spike-shaped flowers from early summer until fall. 'Pocomoke' crape myrtle shrubs, available from Fast Growing Trees, have bright pink blooms from summer until fall.
• Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla): Hydrangeas are the envy of every garden. Workhorse shrubs, their prolific flowers are big and bright, adding charm to any landscape. But bigleaf hydrangea, also called mophead, are also extremely easy to grow and also easy to maintain. And you can find many different varieties to choose between, including my favorite. ‘All Summer Beauty’. This cultivar stays at 3-6 feet (1-2m) tall and wide and is covered with showy “globe” blooms. You’ll want to be sure to water your hydrangea a couple of times a week. All Summer Beauty’ will grow to 3-5 feet tall and wide. The shrubs require at least 4 hours a day of sun. You can find 'All Summer Beauty' hydrangeas from Wayside Gardens Nursery.
• Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica): No, heavenly bamboo is not a bamboo at all. It’s an ornamental evergreen shrub with cane-like stems and beautiful foliage that looks like bamboo. This is a striking, low-maintenance shrub that grows 2 feet (.5m) a year until it reaches 7 feet (2.5m) tall and 5 feet (1.5m) in USDA hardiness zones 6-9. This is such an easy plant to grow that it is considered invasive in a few states. Be sure to check before you plant and trim regularly to keep them from taking over. The berries are lovely, but don’t eat them. They are toxic to humans and pets and grow best in full sun. 'Obsession' nandina shrubs can be purchased from Fast Growing Trees and will make a great addition to your landscape.

Best Annual Flowers for Zone 9

• Zinnias (Zinnia elegans): In my opinion, the best annuals grow fast, bloom in bold colors and are magnets for pollinators. Zinnias fit the bill. In addition, these vibrant blooms are tough and drought-tolerant, with pink, purple, yellow, orange, white, and red blooms. They do best in full sunlight and well-draining soil. Find a California Giants mix of zinnia seeds from the Sweet Yards Store on Amazon.
• Verbena (Verbena x hybrida): With dark green toothed leaves with toothed edges and small colorful flowers in white, red, purple, pink, and lavender, verbena are lovely bedding flowers. The plants thrive in a full sun location and well-drained soil. They are also great for hanging baskets and containers. , making them ideal for gardens, containers, and hanging baskets. Park Seed has a wonderful selection of verbena seeds and plants in all shades of the rainbow.
• African Marigolds (Tagetes erecta): You may be more familiar with popular French marigolds, but the African marigold variety (also called Mexican marigolds) are taller - at three to four feet (1-1.5m) This species is a true annual and lasts one season only, producing green stems topped by large round flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and cream. The foliage is fern-like. African marigolds need sun and well-drained soil to keep those blossoms coming. But they are easy to seed and easy to grow, making them grand flowers to help kids plant. Deadhead the plants regularly all season long. African marigold seeds can be purchased from True Leaf Market Seed Company.

Best Perennial Flowers for Zone 9

• Purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea): Coneflowers are easy Zone 9 perennials that grow stems to 5 feet (1.5m) tall topped with purple coneflowers - daisy-like purple rays ringing a brown cone. These tall, bright flowers thrive in USDA zone 9 in a site getting six or more hours of sun daily. The soil must drain well. Purple coneflower seeds from Seed Needs can be found on Amazon.
• Russian sage (Salvia yangii): Russian sage is a perennial that offers lacy silver-gray foliage and eye-catching lavender blooms. It needs full sun and well-drained soil. Bright and elegant, these tall plants, with stems to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall, are aromatic and charming. Find Russian sage plants from Park Seed and get ready to be wowed by its fragrance and showy nature.
• Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.): Have you ever dreamed about a perennial that is hardy, beautiful and practically bulletproof? Meet the daylily, an effortless Zone 9 bulb that blooms and just keeps on blooming from spring to frost. Of course, they have to, since each lily-like daylily blossom lives one day only. They thrive in sunny sites in any type of soil. 'Stella D'oro' daylilies, available from Home Depot, are bright yellow bloomers that stay small and don't spread.

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Anyone who loves mild winters and warm-to-hot seasons will be happy in USDA hardiness Zone 8. You can grow a wild variety of vegetables, perennials and annuals in this pleasant climate as long as you know when to get them started.

If you aren’t sure which Zone 8 plants should be planted when, this Zone 8 planting guide should help. This is a great USDA planting zone for a gardener since you only have two months - December and January) in which to twiddle your thumbs (or clean up the garden!) You can start seeds indoors as early as February and harvest as late as November.

Here’s your planting calendar for Zone 8 to help keep your garden tasks on track.

Zone 8 Characteristics

Every hardiness zone has its fans, but it’s easy to believe that Zone 8 isn’t one of the best for gardening. The growing season is quite long, long enough that you don’t have to worry about your crops maturing between the last spring frost date of April 1 and the first autumn frost date of December 1. While the exact dates vary a bit year to year, that is unquestionably a long growing season. But you should check for the exact dates before planting since they can vary each year by up to two weeks.

How cold is cold in USDA Zone 8? The average lowest winter temperatures range from 10 degrees F to 20 degrees F. Summers are warm to hot. Lots of trees, shrubs and vegetables grow happily in this zone. Here’s when to plant them.

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January

January is a no-gardening month. That gives you the time to recover from the holidays and relax before starting to plant in February.

February

Let’s get started planting! In Zone 8, February is the month to start many vegetables. This is also a good time to do some tool maintenance before the growing season begins in earnest. Sharpen your pruners with the Corona sharpener, set up your seed starting kit with a Vivosun heat mat and Barrina grow lights, all available from Amazon.

March

There might still be frost in March, so many seeds are sown inside. Seed starting in Zone 8 is best done indoors about 6 weeks before your last spring frost date. But be sure to follow the guidelines on the back of your seed packets for the most accurate information.

April

Generally, the last frost of the spring occurs by April 1, but you’ll want to check each year.

May

It’s spring, and no more frost will cause problems for the garden.

June

No more starting seeds indoors. It’s lovely outside so get out in the garden!

July

Zone 8 can have hot summers, so don’t neglect irrigation for your young plants.

August

Another hot month. This is Zone 8 summer at its finest.

September

School starts and the leaves start turning fiery shades. Cool season vegetables should be started so you have nice harvests through fall.

October

Leaves fall and squash ripens. Harvest regularly and begin to get your garden ready for the winter. Planting fall bulbs will ensure beauty next spring.

November

You can still harvest vegetables this month but there is no extra planting this month. Prepare your garden for winter. Now is also a good time to clean up and sharpen any tools that have gotten a workout through the growing season.

December

There is neither planting inside, planting outside nor harvesting this month. Enjoy the holiday season and use some of your bounty to make a cozy winter simmer pot to fill your home with wonderful fragrance.

Do you long for hot summers and mild winters? Head for one of the states in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 10. The average low temperatures in winter don’t fall much below freezing, so the growing season is long indeed. It’s the zone where you can grow citrus trees and tropical plants and work a garden all year round.

If you look at the USDA planting zone map, you’ll see that the three big areas of Zone 10 are southern California, southern Florida, and Hawaii. In these warm regions, you can grow a wide variety of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and drought-tolerant plants.

Here are three great choices in each category of zone 10 plants.

Zone 10 Trees

• Meyer Lemon Tree (Citrus × meyeri): All citrus grows well in USDA zone 10, but why not pick the cute and productive Meyer lemon tree. This small tree (to 12 feet/4m tall) produces sweet, thin-skinned fruit the color of egg yolks. They need direct sun, well draining acidic soil, and regular irrigation. Find a Meyer lemon tree at Fast Growing Trees.
• Little Gem Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'): Do you want all the charm of a southern magnolia but in a smaller size? ‘Little Gem’ is your tree. It usually doesn’t get much taller than 20 feet (7m) but offers king-size, super fragrant white blossoms. Here’s another tree that wants full sun and well-draining soil. 'Little Gem' magnolia trees are available from Fast Growing Trees.
• Silver Dollar Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus cinerea): This is a fragrant evergreen with round, silvery-blue leaves. Fast-growing and aromatic, this eucalyptus grows to 50 feet (17m) tall in sunny locations on well-draining soil. Native to Australia, it thrives in full sun, well-drained soil. Perfect Plants Nursery has silver dollar eucalyptus trees for sale.

Zone 10 Shrubs

• Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus): Rosemary is a perennial evergreen shrub grown for its aromatic leaves. It is a versatile and attractive plant, used for landscaping but also for culinary and medicinal purposes. Native to the Mediterranean region, this tough shrub loves and needs direct sun, and is very tolerant of heat and drought. Heirloom rosemary seeds can be found on Amazon.
• American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana): Brilliant magenta berries give this deciduous shrub its common name. Beautyberry grows to 6 feet (2m) tall and prefers full or partial sun and moist, well-drained soil. The berries are beloved by local wildlife and can hang on the shrub’s branches into winter. American beautyberry bare roots can be purchased from the Arbor Day Foundation.
• Firebush (Hamelia patens): This shrub, native to Florida, produces fire-red flowers that will bloom for months on end, to the delight of both wild birds and butterflies. It requires a full sun location but, once established, it won’t ask for much else. Few shrubs are easier: firebush is heat and drought tolerant, accepts any soil, and has no serious disease or pest issues. Find a firebush shrub at Lowe's.

Zone 10 Perennial Flowers

• Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus spp.): You might not expect a plant with such wonderful blue or white flower clusters to be called tough survivors. But that’s Agapanthus for you, a strappy evergreen that can face down heat and chronic drought. They need full sun and well-draining soil. Bare-root Agapanthus can be purchased from Park Seed.
• Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Black-Eyed Susan are among the most easily recognizable perennials, with their yellow/orange petals and dark centers. They need a full sun location, well-drained soil, and sufficient water while they are getting established, then they thrive on their own. Heat-tolerant plants that thrive in Zone 10, typically grown as annuals or short-lived perennials. They require full sun, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture during establishment, making them ideal for borders and container gardens. Find black-eyed Susan seeds from Ferry-Morse.
• Coneflower (Echinacea spp.): Coneflowers are easy-care, popular perennials with vibrant blossoms in fabulous shades of pink, red, and yellow. They bloom for months and are magnets for pollinators. Heat and drought tolerant, they thrive in full sun. Heirloom purple coneflower seeds can be found at Amazon.

Zone 10 Annual Flowers

• Petunias (Petunia spp.): There is not one petunia, but rather dozens of different petunia varieties, all prolific bloomers with trumpet-shaped flowers. They come in almost every color in the rainbow - including pink, purple, yellow, red, orange, green, and white - plus striped and veined versions. Seeds for gorgeous petunias in every color can be found at Park Seed.
• Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus): There is something whimsical about cosmos flowers that make you smile. These annuals are called the “carefree superstars” of the flower garden. Their blooms look like tall daisies in brilliant colors, attracting pollinators including bees and butterflies. Easy to grow and easy to maintain in a sunny area. These flowers are a little less demanding about soil, but if it won’t drain readily, the cosmos won’t thrive. Find a blend of cosmos seeds from the Seed Needs store on Amazon.
• Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus): There are perennial sunflowers but also annual sunflowers - and the annuals can thrive in Zone 10 year-round. They love full sun and well-drained soil. Everyone recognizes the pretty golden faces of this plant that turn to face the sun. One of the most common and popular varieties in zone 10 is 'Lemon Queen', a branching type with multiple bright yellow flowers. Find 'Lemon Queen' sunflower seeds from Botanical Interests.

Zone 10 Drought Tolerant Plants

• Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.): Bougainvillea are drought-tolerant plants that can be flowering perennials, shrubs or vines. Give these tough shrubs at least 8 hours of direct sun and terrific drainage, and they will reward you - in zone 10 - with year-round flowers in brilliant colors. They need water - so you should water deeply once every four weeks. Soggy soil will cause root rot. Fast Growing Trees has a stunning selection of bright pink, orange, and purple bougainvillea plants for sale.
• Sage (Salvia spp.): Sage is an ideal plant for USDA Zone 10, with its mild winters and hot summers. They are loved for their easy-care qualities: drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and low-maintenance. And if you want to attract pollinators, sage is the way to go to bring in hummingbirds and butterflies. My personal favorite is Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii), with its super-fragrant flowers. Plant in a full sun location in well-drained soil. You will need to prune in late winter to encourage fresh growth. Find Cleveland sage seeds from Little Seedery on Etsy.
• Sedum (Sedum spp.): Sedum is a succulent that thrives in high heat, laughs at drought, and works well as low-growing ground cover in sunny areas. While sedums don’t need much water when they are established, they do need some water when you first install them. They also need excellent drainage to prevent rot. Find a lovely live sedum 'Angelina' from Park Seed.

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Climate and temperature averages change, so the USDA periodically updates its zones. The New USDA hardiness zone map was released at the end of 2023. It replaces the old hardiness zone map and includes updated climate data from 1991 to 2020.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plant hardiness map is a crucial tool for plant selection. Each zone on the map is defined by average annual minimum temperatures. A zone represents 10 degrees and is further subdivided by five-degree subzones. If a plant is hardy in a zone, it is likely to survive the winter and grow as an annual there.

Why Did the USDA Hardiness Zone Map Change?

According to the USDA, the new hardiness zone map is the most accurate and detailed map it has produced. The USDA developed it with the PRISM Climate Group at Oregon State University. The current map includes temperature data from over 13,000 weather stations. This is compared to just under 8,000 weather stations used to create the last map, released in 2012.

What’s New in the USDA Hardiness Zone Map?

The new USDA plant hardiness zone map is characterized by shifts to warmer zones in many areas of the map. It shows an overall increase in average temperatures of 2.5 degrees. Approximately half of the country has shifted to a warmer subzone while other regions remained in the same zone and subzone. Here are some additional highlights from the new map:

• Zones 12 and 13 - The USDA added zones 12 and 13 to the previous 1 through 11. These are for regions with annual average minimum temperatures higher than 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. These new zones are only applicable to Puerto Rico and Hawaii.
• Biggest Shifts - While half the country has seen a shift to warmer temperatures, a few areas have the biggest changes. These include areas of Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee.
• Finer Details - Another new aspect of the map is that it has finer detail. Use the online map to zoom in on your region and see more detailed zone and subzone boundaries.
• Warmer Cities - Thanks to the finer detail used to create the new map, you will see higher average minimums in urban areas. Cities hold more heat in materials like concrete and asphalt.
• Milder Lakeside Gardens - The new map also allows you to see that you might be in a warmer subzone than the rest of your region if next to a lake or other body of water. Especially if you are downwind from the body of water, you may be in a slightly warmer zone than previously.

How the New Zone Map May Affect Gardeners

The new planting zone map may or may not affect your garden, depending on whether you shifted to a new zone or subzone. One shift in subzone is not a major change for gardeners, but it might allow you to choose some new plants that were previously just out of reach due to your zone.

The shifts also work the other way. A plant you grow that prefers colder temperatures might struggle more to survive a warmer summer in your zone.

The changes in temperature affect more than the plants that can grow in a zone. A warmer climate means new pests and diseases. Gardeners must be aware of which pathogens or insects might be moving into their area as the climate warms. These changes might require new preventative measures, such as choosing different plant varieties.

While climate change has become a political issue, the shifts in the USDA zone map come as no surprise to most longtime gardeners. If you spend a lot of time outdoors in your garden, you have likely noticed the changes and how they affect plants and wildlife. The new map corroborates what gardeners already knew.

If you are new to gardening, you may be confused by some of the terminology associated with plants. For instance, a USDA zone explanation may be necessary. This is a useful system for determining what plants will survive and grow in certain areas of North America. When you understand how these hardiness zones work, you will be able to better plan your garden.

What Do Hardiness Zones Mean?

The USDA plant hardiness map is created and updated every few years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It divides North America into eleven zones by minimum average annual temperatures. The lower the number is, the lower the temperatures in that zone.

Each zone represents ten degrees of temperature difference. Each zone is also divided into “a” and “b” segments. These represent five degrees of temperature difference. For example, zone 4 represents minimum temperatures between -30 to -20 degrees F. (-34 to -29 C.). The a and b subdivisions represent -30 to -25 degrees F. (-34 to -32 C.) and -25 to -20 degrees F. (-32 to -29 C.).

Hardiness refers to how well a plant will survive cold temperatures. Where the USDA zones fall short; however, is that they don’t account for other factors. These include freeze dates, freeze-thaw cycles, the effects of snow cover, precipitation, and elevation.

How to Use Hardiness Zone Information

Understanding hardiness zones means you can pick plants for your garden that will be most likely to survive your local winters. The zones are not important for annuals since these are plants you would only expect to survive the summer months, or one season. For perennials, trees, and shrubs though, be sure to check the USDA zones before you put them in your garden.

The limitations of the USDA zones are most felt in the western U.S. If you live in this area, you may want to use the Sunset climate zones. This system uses more than just the minimum temperatures to determine which plants grow best where. They also use the length of the growing season, summer temperatures, wind, humidity, and rainfall.

No zoning system is perfect and even within your own garden you may have important microclimates that impact how plants grow. Use the USDA or Sunset zones as a guide and always check them to give you the best chance of success in your garden.

Zone 9 is a warm climate zone that includes parts of California, Florida, and Texas. Anyone gardening in Zone 9 has a long growing season with a few days of frost. Your garden can run the gamut from cool-season crops to heat-loving veggies, as long as you plant them at the right time. The Mediterranean climate makes living in Zone 9 easy, with dry, warm summers and mild, wet winters.

When you sit down to make a USDA Zone 9 planting schedule, knowing which veggies to plant in when to plant each crop is super important. This climate lets you grow almost anything – including veggies, fruits, herbs, and flowers. Lucky for you, seed starting in Zone 9 can much earlier than in other parts of the country which means more time for growing and harvesting!

This Zone 9 planting guide helps you understand your options for vegetables to plant each month to let you get the best annual harvest possible.

January

We start out the Zone 9 planting calendar with January, the worst of the winter weather is behind you in Zone 9. The days are starting to get longer, but they are still quite cool. Although the top growing season doesn’t begin for several months, you can sow a variety of Zone 9 plants in January.

There are a few products that can help you grow seedlings that will be strong and healthy for transplanting later. Our editors like the AC Infinity humidity dome, Vivosun heat mat, and Barrina grow lights which are available from Amazon.

February

February is a bit warmer than January. The air still holds the memory of a cool winter, but there’s enough sun to make you believe that spring is around the corner. Focus on cool-season crops like leafy greens and root vegetables.

March

Winter is supposed to exit on March 2, and in Zone 9, March means that the soil temperatures have already started to rise a bit. That means that more crops can be planted outside in the garden, and it’s time to focus on warm-season crops. You can still plant cool-season crops that grow to maturity quickly. Keep your eye on the weather, and use row covers if a late frost is expected.

April

April in Zone 9 is a gardener’s version of April in Paris. It’s the prime month for gardening in this mild hardiness zone, and a good month for beginners to get started. All chance of frost is gone, early in the month, and the spring sunshine is utterly enchanting. Focus on warm-season crops.

May

Spring is in full swing in May for those in Zone 9. Outdoor gardens are thriving with some veggies already ready for harvest. When planting, focus on veggies that like summer warmth because it has arrived or is coming.

June

June is almost summer, with hotter weather. Now’s the time to plant heat-loving, warm season veggies and keeping an eye out for pests. You can also succession plant cool-season favorites like beets for fall harvest.

July

July in Zone 9 is big, bold, and dramatic. The sun is hot, pests are aplenty, irrigation a must. This is a month of abundance, and all of the warm-season crops thrive but you can’t stint on irrigation! Try getting up early to enjoy a morning in the cool of the garden while watering your crops.

August

August is the official end of summer but it’s still sunny and hot. You can plant both warm-season veggies for a late crop and root veggies, and heat-tolerant crops like okra. It’s also a great moment to start seeds indoors for autumn planting.

September

There are worse places to be than in Zone 9 during September. This transitional month often offers fantastic weather, as the temperatures cool a bit and the leaves start to turn. The warm days and cool nights are excellent for garden work without all the stress and heat of summer.

October

In October, Zone 9 is in transition, moving away from the hot, dry summer to cooler, wetter fall temperatures. But everyday isn’t chilly – days can still be warm, making it a little tricky for fall crops. This is a great month for planting cool-season vegetables, especially leafy greens. It’s also a fine time to put in an herb garden.

November

For Zone 9 gardeners, November is not the end of the garden. Those who live in colder climates are putting away the tools, but in Zone 9, you can still sow seeds and prune your perennials. This month can be productive and full of contradictions, but it’s still fine to plant leafy greens, root veggies and legumes.

December

December is winter, but in Zone 9, it may not look like winter. It’s a sort of second planting season since you can sow leafy greens, root vegetables and legumes. It’s not toasty warm but the soil is warm enough for seeds to grow. And if you’re dreaming of tomatoes, never fear – spring is just around the corner.

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Gardening by USDA zone is important because it allows you to choose plants appropriate for your area’s climate. Zone 8 is one of the warmer zones, so there are plenty of options for plants that will not just survive but thrive in your garden. Zone 8 plants are diverse and include trees, shrubs, perennials, and annual flowers.

Gardening in zone 8 gives you plenty of plant options, but there are still some limitations. It’s important to understand the USDA planting zone map and what it tells you about zone 8, so you can garden successfully.

USDA zones are defined by average annual extreme minimum winter temperatures, or in other words, how cold it can possibly get in winter. Plants that can survive these minimums are suitable to grow in the zone. Zone 8 extreme winter minimums range from 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-12.2 to -6.7 Celsius). This is a region known for its hot summers and mild winters, and there are plenty of hardy zone 8 plants to choose from.

Zone 8 includes large areas of southern and southeastern states, like North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. Other states that have smaller pockets of zone 8 include Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii.

Zone 8 Perennials

• Creeping Thyme. Creeping thyme (Thymus spp.) is a low-growing type of thyme that is suitable for zone 8 and can be used as an attractive ground cover. Depending on the type, creeping thyme will grow between 2 and 6 inches (5 and 15 cm) tall. It grows best in full sun and will reward you with abundant small flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white. Keep the soil moist during hot weather or drought. Find creeping thyme seeds at Amazon.
• Coneflower. Purple coneflower is the classic type, but you can now find all kinds of Echinacea species in different colors and petal types. Native coneflowers grow in zones 4 through 8 and attract birds and pollinators to the garden. These zone 8 perennials tolerate poor soil and are easy to grow in partial shade. They also tolerate drought well but will bloom more consistently if the soil stays moist. Heirloom purple coneflower seeds can be found at Amazon.
• Bleeding Heart. For shady areas of the garden, consider planting bleeding hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis). While it can tolerate some sun in warmer regions, this is a true shade plant for zone 8. Bleeding heart is known for its unique flowers in red, pink, or white, which are shaped like hearts and hang from arching branches. The soil for bleeding hearts should be rich and moist, and must drain well. Bleeding heart bare roots can be purchased from the Home Depot.

Annual Plants for Zone 8

• Marigolds. It’s hard to beat the cheerful, colorful blooms of all types of marigolds (Tagetes spp.). These are true annuals wherever they are grown, completing a complete life cycle in one growing season. The sizes of marigolds vary depending on type, and the colors can be all shades of red, yellow, and orange. Grow marigolds in full sun for the best blooms. They are not picky about soil type, but they should be watered as it dries out. Farmer's Almanac marigold seeds can be found at Amazon.
• Zinnias. Zinnia elegans is a classic summer annual. Zinnias grow fast and bloom readily throughout summer and fall, even with little care or maintenance. They’re even easy to start from seed. These days, you can find many varieties of zinnias in all kinds of colors, even green. Grow these zone 8 annuals in full sun in rich soil that drains well. Zinnias tolerate drought, but they’ll benefit from watering during very dry conditions. Find lots of gorgeous zinnia seeds from Burpee.
• Ornamental Peppers. Capsicum annuum, ornamental peppers, are a fun alternative to annual flowers. The blooms open in summer, but the real show is the abundance of small, colorful peppers that develop after the flowers. Peppers grow best in full sun and rich soil that drains well. Water your peppers regularly and don’t let the soil dry out or get soggy. Don’t plant them outside until all risk of frost has passed. Find hot Thai ornamental pepper seeds from True Leaf Market.

Trees for Zone 8

• Eastern Redbud. Cercis canadensis is a beautiful native tree suited to zone 8 yards and gardens. It’s small, only growing to about 30 feet (9 m) tall and wide. It blooms with pink or white flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge. Redbud trees grow best in full sun and can tolerate even poor soils. They do need watering during droughts. Find eastern redbud trees for sale at Fast Growing Trees.
• Southern Magnolia. Another flowering tree to consider for your zone 8 garden is the classic southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora). This type of magnolia can grow up to 80 feet (24 m) tall and blooms in spring and summer with creamy, pink-touched white flowers. Southern magnolias prefer moist, well-drained, and fertile soils. They don’t tolerate drought well until they are established, so water young trees as needed. Find a southern magnolia tree for sale from Nature Hills Nursery.
• Live Oak. If you garden in zone 8, you are lucky enough to be just within the right range for growing this majestic southern tree. Quercus virginiana is known for its large spread (up to 100 feet or 30 m wide) and low, horizontal branches, perfect for climbing. Live oaks are also very long-lived. They grow best in medium to moist soil and thrive in humid conditions. Purchase a live oak tree from Fast Growing Trees.

Shrubs for Zone 8

• Carolina Allspice. Calycanthus floridus is a great option for a native shrub in zone 8. Also called sweet shrub, it can grow up to 9 feet (2.7 m) tall and blooms in spring with non-showy but very fragrant flowers. Grow Carolina allspice in sun or partial shade and water only during drought. This shrub can be trained into a hedge and will withstand strong winds. Carolina allspice shrubs can be purchased from Native Wildflowers Nursery.
• Camellia. Camellia (Camellia spp.) is not native to North America, but it’s a worthy choice for zone 8 gardens. This broadleaf evergreen blooms in late fall, winter, and early spring with stunning flowers in shades of pink, red, lavender, yellow, or white. Camellia shrubs grow up to 12 feet (3.7 m) tall but grow slowly and are long-lived. They grow best in moist, rich soil with some shade. Give them plenty of space to grow into their full size. Fast Growing Trees has a wonderful selection of camellia shrubs in shades of pink, white, and red.
• Abelia. All varieties of abelia (Abelia spp.) are easy to grow and can be as tall as ten feet (3 m). You can find evergreen and deciduous types. Abelia is notable for its colorful foliage that changes throughout the seasons and the abundance of flowers that bloom throughout the growing season. Abelia shrubs grow best in moist soil that drains well and is fertile. They can grow in full sun or partial shade. Full sun allows for the most vibrant colors and abundant blooms. 'Kaleidoscope' abelia from Fast Growing Trees makes an excellent addition to Zone 8 gardens.

Zone 8 Edible Gardens

If you live in Zone 8, your region has mild winters with the low temperatures between 10 and 20 degrees F. (10 and -6 C.). Most Zone 8 areas have temperate summer climates with cooler nights and a long growing season. This combination allows for lovely flowers and thriving vegetable plots.

Zone 8 Vegetables

When you are growing vegetable gardens in Zone 8, you can plant most of the familiar vegetables, sometimes even twice a year. In this zone, you can put in your vegetable seeds early enough to contemplate successive plantings. Try this with cool-season vegetables like carrots, peas, celery, and broccoli.

Cool season vegetables grow in temperatures 15 degrees cooler than warm season veggies. Salad greens and green leafy vegetables, like collards and spinach, are also cool-season vegetables and will do well as Zone 8 plants. Sow these seeds early – in early spring or even late winter – for good eating in early summer. Sow again in early fall for a winter harvest.

Zone 8 Perennial Edibles

You can grow herbaceous perennial edibles that come back year after year like:

• Artichokes
• Asparagus
• Cardoon
• Prickly pear cactus
• Rhubarb
• Strawberries

Zone 8 Backyard Orchard Trees

When you are growing plants in Zone 8, think fruit trees and brambles. So many types of fruit trees and shrubs make good choices. You can grow backyard orchard favorites like:

• Apple
• Pear
• Apricot
• Fig
• Cherry
• Citrus trees
• Nut trees

Other Zone 8 Edible Plants

If you want something different, branch out with persimmons, pineapple guava, or pomegranates. Almost all herbs are happy in Zone 8. Try planting:

• Chives
• Sorrel
• Thyme
• Marjoram
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Sage

Need more ideas for getting the most from your plants, indoors and out, and looking for the best seasonal expert advice delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the free Gardening Know How Newsletter!

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The USDA Plant Hardiness Map for Wisconsin

Gardeners in Wisconsin are used to the chilly winters and, as indicated by the Wisconsin USDA planting map above, the temperatures can dip as low as -35 degrees F. (-37 C.). To find your zone on the new 2023 USDA plant hardiness map, click on the map to enlarge it. If you cannot find your areas easily, you can go to the USDA home page where you will find a box to input your zip code. This will give you your planting zone.

The USDA plant hardiness zone is particularly useful when you are planting trees, shrubs, or perennials. These plants need to be hardy enough to survive the winter temperatures in your area. Knowing your zone will help you make the best decisions when it comes time to select plants.

The new Wisconsin plant map takes into consideration weather data collected over a thirty-year period and replaces the older 2012 map that was not nearly as accurate. In addition to average winter low temperatures, the new map also considers proximity to a large body of water, urban heat, and elevation. 

Most greenhouses and retail nurseries in your area will carry plants that are hardy in your zone; however, if the information is not provided, be sure to ask. 

While other factors may influence whether a plant will thrive in your landscape, you should always start with plants that are appropriate for your Wisconsin zone.

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Knowing Your Virginia Zone - Understanding the USDA Planting Map

If you live in Virginia, you will be in one of the four Virginia USDA plant hardiness zones that range from 5b at the northern tip to 8a and 8b on the eastern shore. These zones should serve as a guideline when selecting flowers, shrubs or trees for your garden.

Much of Virginia experiences a relatively mild winter with extreme low temperatures above zero; however, those that live in the northwest could see chilly winter lows down as far as -15 F. The Virginia planting map above can be enlarged by clicking on it so that you can see which zone covers your area. Once you have determined your zone, you can use this information when you start or add to your garden and landscape.

The USDA unveiled a new plant hardiness map at the end of 2023 that replaces the older version from 2012. The map is much more detailed than previous versions and now takes into consideration such factors as elevation, urban heat and proximity to a large body of water. 

Although there are still many other factors that affect the success rates of plants such as soil type, winter sun and humidity, amongst others, the Virginia plant map should serve as a guide when landscaping or gardening.

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Utah USDA Plant Hardiness Map

Gardening in Utah is much easier when gardeners implement species of plants that are compatible with the plant hardiness zone in which they live. The map above is the latest version of the Utah plant map, which was released late in 2023.

Since 1960, the USDA has been gathering data and providing gardeners and plant enthusiasts all over the country with valuable information pertaining to plant hardiness. The most recent version of the map, based on thirty years of weather data, is more sophisticated than any prior version. Some of the country has seen a rise in their zones due to a winter warming trend that some people attribute to global warming.

Utah zones include a frosty 4a in the north to a balmy 9a in the southwest. Extreme winter temperatures range from -30 to 25 degrees F. (-34 to -4 C.). With this much variance in one state, gardeners do well to know which zone they live in. The map above can be enlarged by clicking it, which will help you determine your zone. 

When you purchase flowers, shrubs, and trees according to the Utah planting map, you are not guaranteed that they will survive, as there are other factors that come into play. However, it is a great place to start when searching for new plants for your garden and landscape.

Pennsylvania Zones - Understanding Plant Hardiness

One of the first things that any new gardener should do is find where he or she lives on the Pennsylvania USDA plant hardiness map. Click on the map above to enlarge it and find your plant hardiness zone.

Plant hardiness, as defined by the USDA, refers to the hardiness of a particular species to tolerate average extreme winter low temperatures. Winter temperature data for the 2023 map was collected from thousands of weather stations all over the country over a period of thirty years. 

This data, as well as other factors, such as elevation and proximity to a large body of water, were used to set plant hardiness zones for all areas of the country.

Pennsylvania zones include 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b and a very small section of 8a. If you have a difficult time finding your location on the above map, you can visit the USDA site where you can input your zip code to find out exactly which zone you are in. The Pennsylvania plant map serves as an extremely useful tool and is a good starting point when choosing plants.

Many local nurseries will carry plants that are suitable for your particular growing region. 

Always follow planting and care instructions carefully to ensure the best results.

Plant Outside Your Zone with Season Extenders

• Agfabric floating plant covers from Amazon are an affordable way to trap heat and protect your plants against frost and wind
• The Ohuhu Portable Mini Greenhouse from Amazon is great for starting seedlings indoors or protecting plants outdoors in cold zones, especially for smaller spaces.
• Cold frames, like the Outsunny Raised Garden Bed Cold Frame from Amazon, are a stylish way to protect your raised beds from frost and rain while trapping in heat.

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About Tennessee Plant Hardiness and the USDA Planting Map

If you live in Tennessee and are wondering about what kind of trees, shrubs or perennial flowers to put in your yard and garden, use the Tennessee USDA zone map above to locate your plant hardiness zone. Understanding your zone is critical to the success of your garden.

The 2023 plant hardiness map replaces the 2012 map and is based on weather information collected over a period of thirty years. Some parts of the country experienced a shift in zones due to a warming winter temperature trend. 

This warming trend opens up new possibilities for gardeners in some parts of the country. Click on the Tennessee planting map above to find your zone.

Zones in the state include 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b and 8a. When shopping for plants, it is useful to know your zone information. Plants that are suitable for your zone will be able to survive winter extreme temperatures as defined by the USDA plant hardiness zone map. 

This low temperature data is critical to the survival of particular plants in a region. If a plant cannot survive the average extreme low in an area, it should not be planted. While most local garden stores will carry only those plants that are appropriate for your Tennessee zone, it is always good to check before you make a purchase. 

Some plants that are not suitable for your winter temperatures can be treated as an annual or brought inside for the winter months.

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Information On Maine Hardiness Zones

The map on this page is the USDA map of planting zones for Maine. This map will help you to find your USDA Maine hardiness zone. If you live in Maine, you live in one of these hardiness zones. To use this USDA Maine hardiness zone map, all you need to do is find where you live on the map and match the color of that area of that map to the colors on the legend to the right. This will tell you what planting zone in Maine you live in.

The USDA Maine map above is based on the updated 2023 version of the USDA hardiness map. The USDA decided to update their hardiness zone map in 2023 to better reflect the changes in climate that had occurred over the past several decades. The USDA had found that previously identified hardiness zones in Maine had shifted. This map shows where the new growing zones in Maine are. Understanding what USDA Maine planting zone you live in is important to how well your garden will do. Knowing your zone allows you to choose plants that will survive the winter. If you try to grow plants that are not appropriate to your zone, the plants you grow will die. Plants that are appropriate ones for the Maine hardiness zone you live in can be found at your local plant nurseries or stores. The perennials they carry will be clearly marked with the zone that they are suitable for. You can plant any perennial that is marked for your growing zone or lower.

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USDA Colorado Hardiness Zone Map For Trees And Plants

Above is the map of the USDA Colorado hardiness zones. The USDA created plant hardiness zones to act as a guide for gardeners and farmers. By understanding your planting zone for Colorado, you will be more successful in your efforts to create a wonderful garden. To find your Colorado hardiness zone, locate the place on the map where you live. The color of that area can be matched to the legend at the right. The legend will tell you your planting zone for Colorado.

This growing zone map is based on the 2023 USDA Colorado plant hardiness zones map. In 2023, the USDA plant hardiness zone map was revised at that time to show the new climates that have resulted over the past few decades due to global warming. 

Understanding your planting zone in Colorado will increase your ability to create a garden that can flourish from year to year. Planting vegetables, trees, flowers, and other plants that are appropriate for your zone will make your gardening less frustrating. 

Plant nurseries in your area will carry plants that are appropriate for your planting zone. The plants should be clearly marked with the zone it grows in. You can grow plants that are in your zone or lower.