Gardening in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a offers a generous planting window and a wide variety of plant options. With average minimum temperatures between 0°F and 5°F, Zone 7a spans large parts of the United States, including areas of the Mid-Atlantic, South, and lower Midwest.
Best Plants for Zone 7a
This climate supports many perennials, shrubs, trees, ground covers, and even some subtropical edibles that might not survive in colder regions.
In this post, I’ll guide you through 17 of the best plants for Zone 7a, covering ornamental appeal, growing requirements, landscape uses, and maintenance tips.
Whether you’re new to gardening or designing a long-term planting plan, these plants are proven performers in Zone 7a’s varied conditions.
Flowering Perennials for Lasting Color
1. Black-eyed Susan
- Zones: 3–9
- Height/Spread: 1.5–3 feet tall, 1–2 feet wide
- Bloom Time: Mid-summer through fall
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Tolerates poor, dry soils; prefers well-draining loam
Overview:
A classic native wildflower, Black-eyed Susan brings sunny yellow petals and bold black centers. It’s ideal for cottage gardens, pollinator habitats, and mass plantings.
Drought-tolerant once established. Self-seeds freely; deadhead to control spread. Attracts butterflies, native bees, and birds (seeds in fall)
2. Coneflower
- Zones: 3–9
- Height/Spread: 2–4 feet tall, 1–2 feet wide
- Bloom Time: Early summer through fall
- Light: Full sun to light shade
- Soil: Average, well-draining soil; drought-tolerant
Overview:
Coneflowers offer bold, daisy-like blooms in purple, pink, orange, and white. Native to the central and eastern U.S., they’re resilient, low-maintenance perennials that attract beneficial insects.
Tolerates drought, clay, and poor soils. It is also deer-resistant. Birds eat seedheads in winter. It has medicinal uses in herbal remedies.
3. Daylily
- Zones: 4–10
- Height/Spread: Varies widely; typically 1–3 feet tall
- Bloom Time: Summer; some rebloom into fall
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Adaptable to many soil types
Overview:
Daylilies are tough, colorful, and multiply rapidly. While each flower lasts only one day, established clumps produce hundreds of blooms over the season.
Excellent for erosion control on slopes. Wide variety of bloom colors and forms. It can thrive with little care. Great for borders, containers, or mass plantings
4. Hosta
- Zones: 3–9
- Height/Spread: 6 inches to 3 feet tall, wide-spreading
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer (pale lavender to white flowers)
- Light: Partial to full shade
- Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained
Overview:
Hostas are unmatched for shady gardens, offering lush foliage in hues of green, blue, gold, and variegated patterns.
Combine well with ferns, astilbe, and bleeding hearts. Flowers attract hummingbirds. Susceptible to slugs and deer browsing. Hosta Growing Guide.
5. Bee Balm
- Zones: 4–9
- Height/Spread: 2–4 feet tall
- Bloom Time: Summer (June–August)
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained
Overview:
This vibrant perennial boasts shaggy blooms in red, pink, or purple. Its aromatic foliage repels pests and offers medicinal benefits.
Loved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Spreads via rhizomes, which you can divide every 2–3 years. Powdery mildew can be an issue; provide good airflow.
Zone 7A Shrubs
Shrubs are good in zone 7a because they provide structure and year-round appeal.
6. Hydrangea
- Zones: 4–9
- Height/Spread: 3–6 feet tall and wide (some varieties larger)
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
- Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining; pH affects color (in some species)
Overview:
Hydrangeas provide bold blooms in blue, pink, white, and green. Macrophylla types offer mophead or lacecap blooms; paniculatas like ‘Limelight’ are more sun-tolerant.
Great for borders or foundation plantings. Requires regular watering during dry spells. Minimal pruning required (variety-dependent). Hydrangea Growing Guide.
7. Azalea
- Zones: 5–9
- Height/Spread: 3–8 feet tall, varies widely by cultivar
- Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring
- Light: Partial shade
- Soil: Acidic, well-drained, humus-rich
Overview:
Azaleas deliver a spring explosion of color in pink, red, purple, and white. Evergreen types provide winter interest.
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Sensitive to drought and poor drainage. Combine with other acid-loving plants like camellias and ferns. Azalea Growing Guide.
8. Butterfly Bush
- Zones: 5–9
- Height/Spread: 4–10 feet tall, depending on variety
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-draining, moderately fertile
Overview:
An excellent pollinator plant, butterfly bush produces fragrant, spiked blooms in purple, white, pink, and yellow.
Attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Cut back in early spring for the best flowering. Choose sterile cultivars to avoid invasiveness.
Trees That Thrive in Zone 7a Landscapes
9. Eastern Redbud
- Zones: 4–9
- Height/Spread: 20–30 feet tall and wide
- Bloom Time: Early spring
- Light: Full sun to light shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
Overview:
This small, ornamental tree lights up early spring with vibrant pink blooms before leaves emerge.
Beautiful heart-shaped leaves and yellow fall color. Attracts early pollinators. Excellent for understory planting.
10. Flowering Dogwood
- Zones: 5–9
- Height/Spread: 15–30 feet tall and wide
- Bloom Time: Mid to late spring
- Light: Partial shade to full sun (with moist soil)
- Soil: Slightly acidic, well-drained
Overview:
Flowering dogwoods offer four-season interest: spring blooms, summer foliage, red berries in fall, and striking winter bark.
Wildlife-friendly (birds love the berries). Susceptible to dogwood anthracnose; choose resistant cultivars. Pairs well with azaleas and ferns.
11. Crape Myrtle
- Zones: 6–9
- Height/Spread: 6–25 feet, depending on cultivar
- Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained; drought-tolerant once established
Overview:
Crape myrtles are summer bloomers with brilliant flower clusters and peeling bark that adds winter charm.
Available in tree and shrub forms. Minimal water needs after establishment. Requires pruning in late winter to encourage flowering.
Zone 7a Foliage & Ornamental Grasses
I recommend planting ornamental grasses and foliage in zone 7a to get that added texture and movement.
12. Japanese Forest Grass
- Zones: 5–9
- Height/Spread: 12–18 inches tall, spreading to 2 feet
- Light: Shade to part sun
- Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained
Overview:
This slow-spreading grass brings a flowing, bamboo-like texture ideal for shade gardens. Golden or variegated foliage options. Excellent in containers or borders. It is also deer- and rabbit-resistant
13. Switchgrass
- Zones: 4–9
- Height/Spread: 3–6 feet tall
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Very adaptable; tolerates drought and clay
Overview:
A U.S. native prairie grass with upright growth and fall color. Adds vertical structure and movement.
Ideal for rain gardens or tough spots. Valuable wildlife habitat and nesting site. They are also low-maintenance and long-lived.
Zone 7a Ground Covers
These are the best ground covers for zone 7a if you are looking for coverage and erosion control.
14. Creeping Phlox
- Zones: 3–9
- Height/Spread: 4–6 inches tall; spreads up to 2 feet
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained; thrives in sandy or rocky soil
Overview:
It blankets slopes or rock gardens with dense mats of starry flowers in early spring. Excellent for erosion control. Evergreen in mild winters. Requires minimal care once established.
15. Ajuga
- Zones: 3–10
- Height/Spread: 3–6 inches tall, spreads quickly
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining
Overview:
Ajuga is a fast-growing ground cover with glossy leaves in green, bronze, or burgundy, and violet-blue flower spikes.
Tolerates light foot traffic. Good under trees or between pavers. It can be invasive and should be used in controlled areas.
Edibles That Are Also Ornamental
16. Lavender
- Zones: 5–9
- Height/Spread: 1–2.5 feet tall and wide
- Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Sandy, alkaline, well-drained
Overview:
Lavender offers year-round fragrance, pollinator support, and culinary use. Excellent in raised beds and borders. It also repels deer and rabbits. Requires pruning after bloom to prevent legginess. Lavender Growing Guide.
17. Blueberry
- Zones: 3–8
- Height/Spread: 3–6 feet tall, varies by cultivar
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Acidic (pH 4.5–5.5), well-drained
Overview:
Blueberries combine productivity with ornamental value through bell-shaped flowers, edible fruit, and fiery fall foliage.
Needs cross-pollination (plant at least two varieties). Mulch with pine bark or needles. Great for wildlife gardens and edible landscapes.
Zone 7a Gardening Tips
Mulch heavily: Helps retain soil moisture and protect roots from temperature fluctuations.
Use layered plantings: Combine trees, shrubs, perennials, and ground covers for year-round interest and biodiversity.
Watch your microclimate: South-facing slopes, walls, and patios can support slightly more tender plants.
Plan for succession blooming: Combine early spring bloomers with summer and fall-flowering plants for continuous color.
Test your soil: Know your pH and nutrient levels to choose the best plant types.
Final Thoughts
Zone 7a is a gardener’s paradise that offers flexibility in plant choices. With thoughtful selection and basic care, these 17 plants will provide beauty, habitat, and seasonal interest throughout the year.
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