Thriving Gardens Across the Spectrum: Mastering Hardiness Zones in the South
Hardiness zones are defined by the USDA and represent specific geographic areas where certain plant life is capable of growing, as determined by climatic conditions, particularly minimum winter temperatures. These zones help gardeners and growers determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location.
Hardiness Zones in Our Delivery Area
ServeScape delivers to a range of hardiness zones, including 7b, 8a-8b, and 9a. Each zone has its own unique climate profile, which influences the types of plants that can be grown successfully. For a detailed look at these zones and what they mean for your garden, check out our updated hardiness map blog: Understanding the Updated USDA Hardiness Zones and What It Means for Your Garden.
Making Adjustments for Your Zone
If you find a plant you love but your area is just outside its recommended zones, don't lose hope! Here are some tips to help you adjust*:
- Insulation: Use straw, leaves, or commercial mulch to insulate the ground and protect plant roots from freezing temperatures.
- Microclimates: Take advantage of microclimates around your home, such as southern exposures or sheltered areas near walls, which can be warmer.
- Container Gardening: Grow plants in containers that can be moved to protected areas during cold snaps.
- Watering Practices: Implement drip irrigation or soaker hoses to provide deep, consistent watering without overheating plant roots.
- Reflective Mulches: Use light-colored mulches to reflect sunlight and keep the soil cooler.
- Strategic Planting: Plant heat-sensitive varieties in locations where they will receive morning sun and afternoon shade, or use taller plants to provide natural shade.
*these suggestions work typically within one zone difference outside their recommended zones
Popular Cultivars Suited to Our Zones
Here are some popular cultivars available on ServeScape that are well-suited to the zones within our delivery range:
- Zone 7b:
- 'Emerald Green' Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'): A narrow, evergreen shrub with bright green foliage that holds its color throughout the winter.
- 'Soft Touch' Holly (Ilex crenata 'Soft Touch'): A compact evergreen with soft foliage, perfect for low hedges in this zone.
- 'Sunshine' Ligustrum (Ligustrum sinense 'Sunshine'): A bright, golden-leaved privet that brings year-round color to the garden.
- Zone 8a-8b:
- 'Endless Summer' Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmer'): A beautiful hydrangea that blooms repeatedly throughout the season, offering a splash of color in milder climates.
- 'George L. Taber' Azalea (Rhododendron 'George L. Taber'): A beautiful azalea with large, showy flowers, well-suited to the mild winters and hot summers.
- 'Muhly Grass' (Muhlenbergia capillaris): An ornamental grass with delicate pink plumes that enjoys the warmth of zones 8a-8b.
- Zone 9a:
- 'Encore Autumn Embers™' Azalea (Rhododendron 'Conleb'): A repeat-blooming azalea with fiery red flowers that can handle the heat of the lower South.
- 'Purple Diamond®' Loropetalum (Loropetalum chinense 'Shang-hi'): With its rich purple foliage and pink flowers, it's a stunning addition to warmer landscapes.
- 'Baby Gem'™ Boxwood (Buxus microphylla japonica 'Gregem'): A hardy boxwood that maintains its green luster even in the warmest parts of zone 9a.
By understanding your zone and utilizing the right adjustments, you can create a lush, thriving garden that flourishes year-round. Happy planting, and remember, we're here to help you grow your dream garden.