Year-Round Plants for Zone 7 Climates
Introduction
If you’re a gardener in U.S. hardiness zone 7, you know that winter temperatures can dip below freezing. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying beautiful plants in your landscape all year long! There are plenty of plants that can thrive in zone 7’s cold winters, adding color and interest to your garden even when the snow is falling.
Evergreen Foliage
One of the best ways to extend the beauty of your landscape into winter is to plant evergreen plants. These plants have leaves that stay green all year round, even when the temperatures drop. Some popular evergreen plants for zone 7 include:
- Rhododendron
- Abelia
- Camellia
- Crossvine
- Winter jasmine
- Creeping Phlox
- Bergenia
- Heuchera
- Barrenwort
- Lilyturf
- Lenten Rose
- Dianthus
- Calamintha
- Lavender
Colorful Bark
Another way to add interest to your winter landscape is to plant trees and shrubs with colorful or interesting bark. These plants stand out against the gray skies and snowy beds, reminding us that there is still life under the blanket of winter. Some popular zone 7 plants with colorful bark include:
- Dogwood
- River Birch
- Parsley Hawthorn
- Burning Bush
- Ninebark
- Coral Bark Maple
- Oakleaf Hydrangea
Weeping Trees
Weeping trees are another great option for adding interest to your winter landscape. These trees have branches that cascade down, creating a graceful and elegant look. Some popular weeping trees for zone 7 include:
- Japanese maple
- Lavender Twist redbud
- Weeping cherry
- Contorted hazelnut
Berries and Seed Heads
Some plants produce berries or interesting seed heads that can add color and interest to your winter landscape. These plants include:
- Viburnum
- Barberry
- Holly
- Echinacea
- Sedum
Grasses
Grasses are another great option for adding year-round interest to your zone 7 landscape. Grasses retain their blades and feathery seed heads throughout winter, providing texture and movement even when other plants are dormant. Some popular grasses for zone 7 include:
- Indian Grass
- Miscanthus
- Feather Reed Grass
- Switchgrass
- Prairie Dropseed
- Blue Fescue
- Blue Oat Grass
- Japanese Forest Grass
Conclusion
With so many beautiful and interesting plants to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect ones to add year-round interest to your zone 7 landscape. So get out there and start planting!
