How to Choose the Right Plants for Your Garden’s Climate

Choosing the right plants for your climate may be overwhelming, especially since the climate is changing.  This article will cover the common considerations when choosing plants for your garden.

USDA Zone Map

The United States Department of Agriculture maintains a hardiness zone map for the United States.  The map focuses on winter minimum temperatures.  The zone you are in tells you about how cold it gets in the winter.  The zones are labeled 1a-14b.  When you look at a plant label and it lists a zone, this is the zone the label refers to.

The USDA updated the zone map in 2023 due to global climate change.  Most places in the US were placed at least half a zone warmer than the old map.  You can find the map on the USDA website.

Summer Heat

Summer heat matters, too.  Some plants that can survive the winters may die from excessive heat.  There isn’t a heat zone map that you can look at to see how hot it gets where you are.  When I was a teenager, the USDA told my father to grow kiwis because New Zealand was in the same zone as our hobby peach orchard.  However, the big leaves on a kiwi plant evolved to absorb water in the temperate rain forest.  West Texas summers burned the kiwi plants up until only dead sticks remained – expensive dead sticks. 

Coneflower

There are plants that do well in hotter areas.  For example, purple coneflowers evolved on the Great Plains and grow from Texas to Canada.

Wind Problems

Wind frequency and speed need to be considered when buying plants, too.  Most people have seen pictures of trees where there is a strong prevailing wind.  All the branches are on the leeward side of the tree trunk.  Some plants do well despite the wind, but others will break or wilt.  Those plants should be planted behind a wind break.

New plants that are planted when young may need a temporary wind break to keep them from breaking.  Tomato plants need a temporary wind break until they get a couple of feet tall.  As the plant matures, you may be able to remove the wind break without harming the plant.

Sunlight

Sunlight may be direct or reflected.  The amount of sun and how hot it is are very important to consider.  Do a sun diary for a few days in your garden.  When does the sun first reach that spot?  How long does the sunlight shine there?  When does it lose the light? 

Full sun is considered at least six hours of sunlight.  Part shade is 4-6 hours of sunlight, while shade is less than 4 hours of sunlight.

The time-of-day sun reaches the plant matters, too.  Afternoon sun is the strongest.  Some plants that need full sun appreciate some afternoon shade in hot climates.

Rain Pattern

Most places in the United States have rainy seasons and dryer seasons.  You will need to look at the average amount of rainfall for your area.  Areas that receive heavy rainfall in a few months then nothing for long periods are more challenging for plants than places that get a more even distribution of rain.  Succulents and cacti do well in hot, arid areas. 

Soil Moisture

Soil moisture is related to rainfall and how high the water table is in your area.  While you can generally add moisture to the soil, it is very difficult to remove excess moisture.  Don’t plant in a low spot in the yard.   Most plants get root rot after long periods of wet soil. 

Cattails

Some plants, such as cattails, are adapted to living in wet or boggy soil. Use them around a pond or stream as part of your water feature.

Microclimates

Climate is not all big picture.  Your landscape will have different microclimates in it.  A corner might be sheltered and may let you grow something that would not survive the winter in an area that is more open to the wind.  Berms and swells can create places that warm earlier or stay cold longer.  Keep these places in mind when choosing your plants.

Native Plants Are Ideal

One of the easiest ways to choose plants that will do well in your area is to use plants that are native to within a hundred miles or so of your location.  Many people mistakenly think native plants are ugly or won’t grow in their garden.  If you have ever seen a wildflower meadow, you will know this is a myth.

There are plants native to your area that have a range of bloom times and bloom colors.  If you have a spot in your yard for a sunny plant, you can find a native plant that loves sun to put into it.  By the same token, you can find plants native to your area that like shade or dappled sun.

Native plants have evolved to grow in the soil in the area.  The plants won’t need supplemental water after they are established unless there is a bad drought.  In addition, native plants are generally able to tolerate pests in your area and resist diseases found there. 

As a bonus, you will not have to fertilize most native plants because they evolved to feed on the nutrients in the native soil.  Because native plants tolerate the pests native to the area, you will not have to spray them.  Spraying pesticides decimates insects and the small mammals and birds that feed on them.  Not spraying pesticides means more wildlife in your garden.  Native bees, flies, butterflies, and other insects can thrive on native plants.  These in turn, bring in birds and animals who eat the insects and small mammals.

Virginia Bluebells

If you want a spring flowering native plant, consider planting Virginia bluebells in an area that gets dappled shade.  The plants bloom for a couple of weeks, then the foliage is inconspicuous the rest of the year. 

Cardinal Flower

Behind them you might plant cardinal flower, which has tall red spikes during the summer.  Both plants attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. 

Redbud Seedlings - TN Nursery

Redbud trees also bloom in the spring and attract pollinators to their purple flowers.

Where To Get Native Plants

At TN Nursery, we carry a wide variety of native plants.  Our staff can help you find native plants to fill almost any niche in your landscape.  Just give us a call at 931.692.7325 today to get started.

Best Sellers

Coneflower Plant - TN Nursery

Coneflower Plant

The coneflower plant, or echinacea, is known for its distinctive daisy-like, purple flowers with a prominent cone-shaped center. These flowers attract pollinators and add color to gardens.   Coneflower Perennial - Echinacea Coneflowers, which resemble daisies, typically bloom in the middle to end of summer. Certain types may begin blooming earlier or continue into the autumn. They are available in a rainbow of hues, from yellow to deep pink, and with both single and double blooms that are incredibly vibrant. Magnus Superior variants bloom from the end of spring until the end of summer with rosy-violet rays that can reach a diameter of seven inches. These plants respond exceptionally well to deadheading. They spread gracefully like wildflowers thanks to their abundant seed production and self-sowing capabilities. Their delicate branches and colorful flowers make them perfect for gardens, where they provide visual interest without drawing attention to themselves. This naturalizing effect makes the plant look better and works well to fill in gaps between flower beds. Add Uniqueness to Your Garden With It Because of their unusual shape and composition, cones are a great way to add variety to your landscape. Their unique cone shapes also make them eye-catching accents among other garden plants. They provide textural variety to a garden by growing erect, contrasting wonderfully with trailing or mounding plants. In expansion, they can adjust to a broad range of soil types and light levels, giving you more alternatives for planting them. Invite Pollinators to Your Yard With It Since Coneflower Plants produce both nectar and pollen, many pollinators rely on these flowers for sustenance. Each 250 to 500 blooms that make up its black, cone-shaped flower head serves as a little cup of nectar for the pollinators. Bees and hummingbirds are just a few of the pollinators that love it. This variant can grow up to three feet tall and typically blooms between the middle of summer and the beginning of September each year because they produce seeds and are a popular nectar source for birds. They are of the same genus as the daisy, which you could guess by looking at. They bear stunning purplish-pink petals and are naturally drought-tolerant. As a native plant, they provide professionals and gardening enthusiasts with a low-maintenance option for adding complexion to outdoor spaces. What Do They Look Like?  The Coneflower (also called Echinacea) may be well-known for its petals' deep to pastel purple tinge. However, a closer look will reveal one of the most intricate and alluring central disks of all flowering plants. This flower gets its name from this striking and unique central disk.  It has received this moniker thanks to the spiny central hub. The spines are spread out in an almost exact order of distance, giving the cone a symmetrical shape and order that is truly stunning when observed closely.  In full bloom, their petals may splay out parallel to the ground or stretch downward. This positioning puts the central cone on full display and accentuates its bulbous shape. The spines on the cone can adopt a rust, red, orange, or yellow pigmentation throughout the blooming season.  Of course, the petals are nothing to sneeze at. Being a daisy gendaisieshe, the petals are lance-shaped and can grow to about 1.5 inches long. The flower is mostly an intense purple, where it connects with the stem and washes out gradually towards the tip. In some lights, this creates a pastel effect that is perfect for pairing with other flowers without drawing too much attention.  The stem grows erect and can reach heights between 2 and 4 feet. This makes this plant a great contrast to creeping or bunching plants. The leaves are basal and arranged alternately. They are a deep, cool green reminiscent of forest floors.  What Should You Plant Coneflowers If their chromatic and structural traits aren't enough to entice you, check out some of the more practical benefits of adding this flower to your landscape:  Planting Options: They are very versatile when it comes to planting. Once established, they are highly adaptable and can live with varying degrees of light and soil types. So, no matter what soil you have or what kind of space you have to work with, you can still enjoy these flowers. They Attract Pollinators. Hummingbirds and bees love the pollen and nectar they produce. The cone can house 250-500 spines, which are filled with food for a wide variety of pollinators.  Easy to Maintain - While they will require regular watering after planting, they only need a little maintenance after they are established. They respond well to deadheading, which can also help control seeding if you want them to spread only a little. They can handle several types of soil as long as it is well-drained.  They're Drought Tolerant - Want to contribute to the palette of your garden without spending a fortune on water? The plant is drought-tolerant. Once the roots have been established, maintaining them takes very little water. They Come in a Variety of Colors-They come in a bouquet of colors, from the typical purplish-pink to yellow shades. This makes them a popular choice for gardeners who want their landscapes to explode with color while maintaining strong uniformity.  Frequently Asked  Are you ready to start planting them in your lawn or garden? The following answers to commonly asked questions may prepare you.  When Do They Bloom?  The blooming season for them is typically between mid-summer and later summer. Some variants can bloom into autumn.  Do They Like Sun or Shade?  Like most flowers in the daisy family, daisies love sunshine. Planting them in an area with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily would help.  Do They Come Back Every Year? They are perennials, which means they come back every year. This makes them a good choice if you want to add consistent color and variety to your outdoor spaces.  How Tall Are They?  They can stretch to 2-4 feet tall. The stem holds the flower clear above the basal leaves, allowing it to be the show's star, even on the shorter end.  How Do You Plant Them?  Start by digging a hole twice the width of the root ball's diameter. The root ball should be set to level with the soil line. To help retain moisture, add a small amount of compost and mulch to the plant site. After planting, they will need regular watering until the plant has established.  Will They Bloom Again If Deadheaded?  Coneflower respond well to deadheading. They will bloom again if you deadhead them. There are particular advantages to deadheading. Firstly, it will keep them from overtaking other plants in your garden (deadheading prevents seeding). Secondly, it may prolong the bloom time.  How Do You Deadhead A Coneflower It will help if you always deadhead (prune) yours with shears, as the stems can be very hardy and rugged to snap by hand. Deadhead after the flower has faded, cutting it down to a leaf close to new growth.  TN Nursery Provides Year-round Beauty for Your  Whether you want the whole gamut of colors or lush greenery to add to your garden, TN Nursery has you covered. We offer many ferns, flowers, plants, mosses, shrubs, perennials, vines, trees, and more. Your order is backed up by a full, year-long, 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our prime specimens make planting and maintaining easy and allow you to enjoy the fulfillment of gardening. Place an order now and beautify your outdoor spaces.

Cattail Plant - TN Nursery

Cattail Plant

The Cattail Plant is a wetland species with long, slender, spear-like leaves and distinctive brown, cylindrical flower spikes commonly found in marshes, ponds, and other aquatic habitats. The cattail plant (Typha) is a group of 30 tall marsh grasses growing like reeds. Their tall, slender stalks and distinctive brown, fluffy, flowered heads make them an interesting addition to any landscape. They are excellent ways to elevate the beauty of your landscape for those who have a garden near a lake or want to emulate the tranquility of country cottages. Cattail Plants Thrive in Wet Areas Whether planted alone or in clusters, they add rustic charm and delight to any garden. While they make striking visual statements, they don't overwhelm surrounding foliage or fauna. Instead, their neutral colors and lengthy, slim stalks create a grounding effect ideal for filling space and centering your collection. Create a Wildlife Oasis With Cattail Plant Invite more wildlife into your yard with them, which thrive near water and can be integral to a thriving pond ecosystem. They provide safety and coverage for many bird species and serve as food for many herbivorous animals. The good news for many gardeners is that Typha is typically not known to attract bumblebees, so you can add visual depth and beauty to your garden without bringing too many pollinators to the space. The good news is that they do not require much human interference to thrive. As long as they are put in the right environment, they will flourish effortlessly. Their widespread adaptability makes them an ideal choice for both experienced and novice gardeners. Embrace Eco-Friendly Landscaping With The Cattail Plant Sustainable gardening is vital to improving our climate and supporting local ecosystems. They are excellent water purifiers, absorbing excess nutrients while their roots help prevent soil erosion. They also serve as a source for many types of fish, so if you have a pond with marsh feeders, they may enjoy adding them to their aquatic home. Incorporating Cattail Plants into your backyard ecosystem can support a brighter planet for all animals and contribute to a more sustainable, greener future.

Virginia Bluebell - TN Nursery

Virginia Bluebell

Virginia Bluebell is a spring-blooming wildflower native to the United States recognized for its delicate, bell-shaped, sky-blue flowers forming clusters and carpeting the forest floor in early spring. It is a captivating perennial plant that offers numerous benefits when incorporated into landscaping designs. Its enchanting appearance and adaptability have made it a favorite among gardeners and landscapers. Virginia Bluebell produces Sky sky-blue bell-shaped flowers These flowers start as shades of pink and gradually transition to a soothing sky-blue hue, creating a stunning gradient effect that adds a touch of elegance to any landscape. The lush green foliage further complements the vibrant blooms, enhancing the overall visual impact. Besides its visual appeal, it is positively adjustable to various soil types, making it a perfect option for landscaping projects in multiple environments. Its preference for partially shaded to fully shaded areas makes it ideal for underplanting trees or placing them along the edges of woodland gardens. This versatility allows landscapers to create visually appealing designs catering to light conditions. Another benefit of incorporating them is their role in supporting local ecosystems. These plants are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making them valuable contributors to biodiversity. By attracting these pollinators, they aid in reproducing nearby plants and promote a healthier ecosystem within the landscape. They also require little maintenance, making them appealing to amateur and experienced gardeners. Once established, they require minimal care, allowing landscapers to focus on other design aspects. In conclusion, perennial plants offer a range of benefits that enhance the overall appeal and ecological value of landscaping projects. With their captivating appearance, adaptability to various environments, support for local wildlife, and low maintenance needs, these perennial plants are a valuable addition to any landscape design seeking a harmonious blend of beauty and functionality. Virginia Bluebell Is Known For Its Beauty  The Virginia Bluebell, or Mertensia virginica, is a stunning and delicate native wildflower that graces eastern North America's woodlands and meadows. This perennial plant, belonging to the Boraginaceae family, is renowned for its enchanting beauty and is often considered one of the most striking spring wildflowers in its native range. Standing at heights 1 to 2.5 feet, the wildflower is a herbaceous plant that emerges from the forest floor early to mid-spring. Its growth cycle is a true spectacle as it undergoes a remarkable transformation. Initially, the plant's lance-shaped leaves are tinged with an attractive reddish-purple hue, but as they unfurl, they transition to a soft, gray-green color, creating a stunning contrast with its vibrant blue flowers. The Virginia Bluebell Has Mesmerizing Fairy-Like Flowers The flowers themselves are the main attraction of the plant. They are composed of clusters of pendulous, trumpet-shaped blooms that are a breathtaking shade of sky blue or pale pink, depending on the soil conditions. These blossoms are unique because they start as pink buds, gradually shifting to their iconic blue hue as they mature. The floral clusters adorn the plant's upright stems, creating a sea of blue that sways gently in the spring breeze. One of their most remarkable aspects is their ability to thrive in shaded woodland areas. They are often found in the dappled sunlight beneath deciduous trees, creating a serene and ethereal ambiance in these natural settings. Their preference for moist, rich soils ensures they are frequently spotted along stream banks and low-lying areas. Aside from its visual appeal, it plays an essential ecological role. They provide nectar for early-emerging pollinators like bees and butterflies, helping to kickstart the pollination process for various plants in their ecosystem. In conclusion, the Virginia Bluebell symbolizes grace and fleeting beauty in the natural world. Its striking blue flowers and unique life cycle make it a beloved harbinger of spring, enriching the landscapes it graces and captivating all who have the privilege to witness its brief but glorious bloom.

Cardinal Flower - TN Nursery

Cardinal Flower

The Red Cardinal Flower has vibrant red blooms and tall, erect stalks. It adds color and elegance to gardens, parks, and various outdoor spaces. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it offers several advantages, making it a popular choice for landscapers and gardeners. The scarlet-hued Lobelia cardinalis is a perennial in the bellflower family. Its tall, nectar-filled bloom spikes attract hummingbirds and create a beautiful display in your garden. The plant's common name refers to the red robes a Roman Catholic cardinal wears.     Red Lobelia, Cardinal Flowers is a Powerful Pollinator Perennial Lobelia is native to the North and South American continents and blooms from July through September. This moisture-loving plant grows on stream banks and in low woods, marshes, and meadows across the United States. If you want to create a handsome show in your garden, Lobelia will surely delight. The plant's fiery spires yield brilliant red blooms that open gradually from the bottom to the top of their racemes. Each long, narrow, tube-shaped blossom has two flat upper petals and three lower petals at the tips. The delicate plant crown leafy 2’-4' stems, covered with shiny, lance-shaped, bright green leaves that sometimes have a bronze or reddish tint. The leaves alternate as they climb the stems, enhancing the blooms to create a lively riot of color. Cardinal Flower is a favorite of gardeners who love adding bold splashes of crimson. This plant is perfect for shady woodland plots, wet meadow plantings, water gardens, pollinator gardens, and rain gardens. Its long stems can add height to borders and create depth when placed in the back sections of your landscape. The blossoms are most spectacular from midsummer into fall and make excellent cut blooms. Ecology Of The Cardinal Flower Some people say Lobelia will bring hummingbirds in from the sky. The plant's blooming period coincides with the late-summer migration of ruby-throated hummingbirds traveling south to Mexico. The birds pollinate the plant by dipping their beaks into the plants' long, red tubes. The blossoms are also beautiful to swallowtail butterflies and bees, making them a wonderful centerpiece in a pollinator garden. Cardinal Flower Is A Bold Statement In Any Garden  When you want to make a bold, beautiful statement in your garden, include the Cardinal Flower in your plan and celebrate the summer season.

Redbud Tree - TN Nursery

Redbud Tree

The Redbud Tree has heart-shaped leaves and delicate purple-lilac colored blooms in early Spring, making this a family favorite. They are hardy in most areas and can tolerate sun or shade. It is a beloved and visually captivating addition to landscaping due to its remarkable aesthetic appeal and various benefits. Native to North America, this deciduous type is often sought after for its ornamental attributes, making it a popular choice for homeowners, urban planners, and landscape designers.     Redbud Tree Is Stunning In Landscapes The tree is an excellent specimen plant that brings beauty to lawns, gardens, parks, and borders. Its vibrant spring blooms, lush green summer foliage, and intriguingly varied branches provide seasonal interest and texture. It can transform a landscaping design into a stunning focal point when paired with flowering annuals, perennials, and other shrubs. Flowers Of Redbud Tree This showy shrub bursts through with beautiful blooms in early spring. The flowers are about ½ inches wide and form clusters along the branches. Flower clusters range from light to deep pink and purple, and they can also be white. Heart-shaped leaves appear after blooming, lasting up to three weeks. The Leaves Of Redbud Tree Leaves are about two to six inches in width. They start as light red and progressively become bright green over the summer. In the fall, they become a greenish-yellow hue and can contain hints of red and orange. Next, flat pod-like leaves appear. Pods are about two to four inches in length. They start as light green and become deep brown as they mature over the winter. Seeds inside the pods can re-propagate after falling to the ground. Redbud Tree has a multi-trunk shape that divides near the ground. Multiple limbs and branches extend outward in a graceful manner. This offers a touch of landscaping interest and color extension. The brown bark is typically smooth and bare when young. The bark becomes scaly and turns dark gray as it matures. The bark is smooth and ranges from brown to light gray throughout the year. In winter, the bark becomes scaly with deep cracks. Flowers can sometimes bloom along the limbs and trunk. Called “cauliflory,” this adds a unique element to the garden aesthetic. Incredibly versatile, a Redbud Tree ranges in size from a shrub to a tiny sapling. With an average height expectancy of 20 to 30 feet and limbs and branches that can spread up to 35 feet in width, they offer a variety of landscaping possibilities. Considered an understory, meaning it grows between taller varieties and the ground, it provides habitat and environmental benefits and a colorful and textual addition to the landscape.

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