A plant's label tells you its cold hardiness. It does not tell you how it handles a Texas August, a Seattle winter or an alkaline Denver soil. We look at four things before recommending stock:
General guidance only. Zones vary within every region, and microclimates matter. Tell us the ZIP code and we will confirm.
| Region | USDA zones | Conditions | Reliable choices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast & New England | 4–7 | Cold winters, humid summers, acidic soils near the coast. | Arborvitae, inkberry holly, panicle hydrangea, serviceberry, switchgrass |
| Mid-Atlantic | 6–8 | Four distinct seasons, clay soils, summer humidity. | Boxwood, Kousa dogwood, oakleaf hydrangea, Japanese forest grass, catmint |
| Southeast | 7–9 | Long hot summers, heavy rain, sandy or red clay soils. | Camellia, sweetbay magnolia, Encore azalea, little bluestem, crape myrtle |
| Texas & South Central | 7–9 | Heat, periodic drought, alkaline soils in many areas. | Vitex, Russian sage, salvia, yaupon holly, prairie dropseed |
| Midwest & Great Lakes | 4–6 | Cold winters, hot summers, rich but heavy soils. | Karl Foerster grass, coneflower, black-eyed Susan, tree lilac, aronia |
| Mountain West | 4–7 | Dry air, intense sun, alkaline soil, short seasons. | Lavender, Russian sage, sedum, spirea, ornamental grasses |
| Pacific Northwest | 7–9 | Mild wet winters, dry summers, acidic soils. | Hellebore, Japanese maple, pieris, heuchera, sword and deer ferns |
| California & Southwest | 8–10 | Mediterranean to desert climates, water limits. | Lavender, Italian cypress, olive, salvia, drought-tolerant grasses |
Send us the ZIP code and site conditions and we will suggest a plant list.
Ask about your region