A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Zone 7 Plants for Your Garden

Gardeners living in Zone 7 are in a unique position when it comes to plant selection. Situated in areas with mild climates extending from New Jersey to California, they have the luxury of a more moderate environment that allows for a wide range of plant options. Unlike gardeners in the colder North or the hotter South, Zone 7 gardeners can focus on aesthetics and choose from a variety of colorful perennials, bulb plants, ground covers, ornamental grasses, and foliage plants to brighten up their gardens throughout the spring and summer seasons.

Table of Contents

In this article, we will explore 15 vibrant zone 7 plants that are perfect for adding color and beauty to your garden. From classic perennials to unique flowering plants, there is something for every gardener in Zone 7 to enjoy. Let’s dive in and discover the best plants for your region.

Mealy-Cup Sage (Salvia farinacea ‘Victoria Blue’)

USDA Hardiness Zones: Zone 7 and above
Flower Color Varieties: Striking blue flowers
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
Mature Size: Up to 2 feet tall
Deer Resistant: Yes

Mealy-Cup Sage is a cold-hardy perennial that adds a pop of vibrant blue to your garden. Perfect for red, white, and blue color schemes, this plant can be a stunning addition to any garden bed. Remember to deadhead the flowers to keep the plant looking fresh and encourage more blooms throughout the season.

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

USDA Growing Zones: Zone 7 and above
Flower Color Varieties: Purple flowers
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall
Deer Resistant: Yes

English Lavender is a Mediterranean plant that thrives in sunny locations with well-draining soil. With its aromatic foliage and beautiful purple flowers, it’s a versatile perennial that can be used as a sub-shrub or an herb. Mass plantings can create a stunning visual display in your garden.

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

USDA Growing Zones: Zone 7 and above
Flower Color Varieties: Yellow flowers with dark centers
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall
Deer Resistant: Yes

Black-Eyed Susan is a long-blooming perennial that adds a burst of color to your garden. Drought-tolerant and easy to care for, this native plant is a favorite among gardeners for its vibrant yellow flowers. Keep in mind that it can spread, so occasional maintenance may be needed to control its growth.

Canna Lily (Canna)

USDA Growing Zones: Zone 7 and above
Flower Color Varieties: Various colors available
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained soil
Mature Size: Varies by variety
Deer Resistant: Yes

Canna Lily is a showy plant with flamboyant flowers that add a tropical touch to your garden. While not a true lily, it offers an array of colors and variegated foliage. In Zone 7, you will need to dig up the rhizomes in the fall for overwintering indoors. Consider using canna as a focal point or background plant in your garden design.

Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis)

USDA Growing Zones: Zone 7 and above
Flower Color Varieties: Orange or yellow flowers
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
Mature Size: Up to 3 feet tall
Deer Resistant: Yes

Crown Imperial is a cold-hardy perennial that provides striking color in the spring garden. With its tall stature and unique appearance, it adds a touch of elegance to any landscape. Plant the bulbs in the fall and enjoy the showy blooms in early spring. Despite its strong odor, this plant is resistant to deer and pests.

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

USDA Growing Zones: Zone 7 and above
Flower Color Varieties: Orange flowers
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
Mature Size: Up to 2 feet tall
Deer Resistant: Yes

Butterfly Weed is not only a magnet for butterflies but also a delightful addition to any garden. Its vibrant orange flowers brighten up the landscape and attract pollinators. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, this perennial is a great choice for adding color and interest to your garden beds.

Spotted Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum)

USDA Growing Zones: Zone 7 and above
Flower Color Varieties: Pink, purple, or white flowers
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Moist soil
Mature Size: Up to 6 feet tall
Deer Resistant: Yes

Spotted Joe-Pye Weed is a tall and majestic plant that blooms in late summer, extending the flowering season in your garden. Its fluffy flower heads attract butterflies and bees, making it a valuable addition to a pollinator-friendly garden. Keep the soil evenly moist to ensure healthy growth and flowering.

Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)

USDA Growing Zones: Zone 7 and above
Flower Color Varieties: Various colors available
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
Mature Size: Up to 8 feet tall
Deer Resistant: Yes

Hollyhock is a traditional cottage garden plant that adds vertical interest to your landscape. With its tall spikes of colorful flowers, it creates a charming backdrop for shorter plants or fences. Provide sun, water, and organic matter for optimal growth, and watch as this biennial or short-lived perennial blooms in all its glory.

Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’)

USDA Growing Zones: Zone 7 and above
Color Varieties: Silvery-white plumes in fall
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
Mature Size: Up to 6 feet tall
Deer Resistant: Yes

Maiden Grass is an ornamental grass that offers a graceful form and unique texture to your garden. With its striking foliage and attractive plumes, it provides visual interest throughout the season. Leave the stems in place during winter for added texture and structure in the garden.

Lilyturf (Liriope spicata)

USDA Growing Zones: Zone 7 and above
Flower Color Varieties: Purple or white flowers
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
Mature Size: Up to 1 foot tall
Deer Resistant: Yes

Lilyturf is a popular ground cover plant valued for its foliage and delicate flowers. Ideal for smaller yards or border plantings, it spreads via rhizomes and can become invasive if not controlled. Keep slugs at bay and consult your local extension office before planting to ensure it’s the right choice for your garden.

Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)

USDA Growing Zones: Zone 7 and above
Flower Color Varieties: White flowers
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
Mature Size: Up to 1 foot tall
Deer Resistant: Yes

Candytuft is a versatile ground cover plant with evergreen foliage and beautiful white flowers. It thrives in poor soil conditions and offers winter interest with its resilient foliage. Prune the plant after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Perfect for moon gardens or rock gardens, this perennial adds charm and elegance to any landscape.

Yellow Alyssum (Aurinia saxatilis)

USDA Growing Zones: Zone 7 and above
Flower Color Varieties: Yellow flowers
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
Mature Size: Up to 1 foot tall
Deer Resistant: Yes

Yellow Alyssum is a trailing ground cover plant that adds a splash of bright yellow to your garden. Perfect for cascading down walls or rock gardens, its vibrant flowers create a striking visual display. Thriving in poor soil with good drainage, this plant is easy to care for and can be divided for propagation or to keep it vigorous.

Plantain Lily (Hosta)

USDA Growing Zones: Zone 7 and above
Flower Color Varieties: Purple, white, or blue flowers
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
Mature Size: Varies by variety
Deer Resistant: Yes

Hosta is a popular foliage plant that adds texture and color to shady areas in your garden. With a wide range of sizes and colors to choose from, it’s easy to find a hosta variety that suits your landscape. Divide the plant in spring for propagation and rejuvenation, and use it as an edging plant or background filler in your garden design.

Fringed Bleeding Heart (Dicentra eximia)

USDA Growing Zones: Zone 7 and above
Flower Color Varieties: Pink flowers
Light: Full shade to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
Mature Size: Up to 1.5 feet tall
Deer Resistant: Yes

Fringed Bleeding Heart is a less common but equally charming relative of the traditional bleeding heart plant. With delicate foliage and pink flowers, it thrives in shaded areas and adds a touch of elegance to woodland gardens. While it can tolerate full shade, partial shade is ideal for optimal flowering.

Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)

USDA Growing Zones: Zone 7 and above
Color Varieties: Silvery, purplish, or grayish-green foliage
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained soil
Mature Size: Up to 18 inches tall
Deer Resistant: Yes

Japanese Painted Fern is a low-growing fern with variegated foliage that adds texture and interest to shaded areas. With proper care and attention to soil moisture, it thrives in partial to full shade and rewards you with colorful fronds throughout the season. Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and remove browning fronds for a neat appearance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Zone 7 gardeners have a wide array of colorful and vibrant plants to choose from to enhance their gardens. From classic perennials to unique ground covers and foliage plants, there is something for every garden style and aesthetic preference. By selecting the right plants for your region and providing them with the proper care and maintenance, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden that will be the envy of your neighborhood.

Remember to consider factors such as light requirements, soil conditions, and mature size when choosing plants for your garden. Consult with your local extension office or a horticulture expert for specific recommendations tailored to your area. With a little planning and creativity, you can create a stunning and sustainable garden that will bring you joy for years to come. Happy gardening!