Create Your Garden

Middle South - The Best Plants to Grow in Your Garden

The Middle South region includes parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. The region typically falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 7 and AHS Heat Zones 3-8. Here are some tips for gardening success in this area:

  • Understand Your Environment: Comprehend the specific conditions of your area – your microclimate, soil type, and sun exposure. This understanding will guide your plant selection and care.
  • Choose Adaptable Plants: Consider plants that can withstand this region’s hot summers and moderately cold winters. Native plants like American Holly or Southern Magnolia are hardy and beautiful choices. Azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons also do well.
  • Manage Heat: Summers can get quite hot. Select heat-tolerant plants and ensure they have adequate water, particularly in dry periods.
  • Prepare for Winter: Though winters are milder compared to northern areas, some cold protection may be necessary for more delicate plants.
  • Soil Management: The soil in this region can vary, often being heavy in clay. Adding organic matter and ensuring proper drainage can greatly enhance plant health.
  • Mulching: A thick layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
  • Pest and Disease Control: Regularly check your plants for pests and diseases. Early detection often means simpler control.
  • Use Local Resources: Your local extension service can provide valuable advice and may offer soil testing.

Patience, observation, and adjustment are key to gardening. Enjoy the journey as your garden grows and evolves.

Southern states, Southern gardening, Southern garden, Southern Climate, Southern Region
Refine by
Clear all filters
Plant Types
HardinessWhat's My Zone?
Climate Zones
Season of Interest
Exposure
Maintenance

Please Login to Proceed

You Have Reached The Free Limit, Please Subscribe to Proceed

Subscribe to Gardenia

To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of Gardenia
  • Add as many plants as you wish
  • Create and save up to 25 garden collections
Become a Member

Plant Added Successfully

You have Reached Your Limit

To add more plants, you must be a paid member of our site Become a Member

Update Your Credit
Card Information

Cancel

Create a New Collection

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

    You have been subscribed successfully

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Find your Hardiness Zone

    Find your Heat Zone

    Find your Climate Zone