USDA Hardiness Zones Across the U.S. - Spotlight on Tennessee!

Discover Your USDA Hardiness Zone! 

Are you ready to create a thriving garden in Tennessee? Understanding your USDA Hardiness Zone is key to selecting plants that can flourish in the state’s varied climate, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River Valley. Let’s explore the zones across Tennessee and find the best shade-tolerant plants for your garden!

Tennessee: Zones 6-8

Tennessee’s climate ranges from cool mountain regions in the east to warmer, humid areas in the west. Here’s a closer look at the zones in Tennessee and some shade-tolerant plants that will thrive in each:

• Zone 6:

  
  

  Found in the higher elevations of eastern Tennessee, including the Appalachian Mountains, where winter temperatures can drop to -10 to 0°F. These hardy, shade-tolerant plants are perfect for the cooler areas:

  
  

  • Hostas (Hosta spp.): A staple in shade gardens, Hostas offer lush foliage in a variety of colors and patterns, thriving in the cool, shaded areas of Zone 6.

  • Ferns: Varieties like Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) and Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina) add texture and elegance to shaded spots in your garden.

  • Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis): Known for its heart-shaped flowers, Bleeding Heart is a perfect choice for shady spots in spring and early summer.

    
    

• Zone 7:

  
  

  Covers much of central Tennessee, including Nashville and surrounding areas, with winter temperatures ranging from 0 to 10°F. This zone is suitable for a variety of shade-tolerant plants:

  
  

  • Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.): A popular choice for Tennessee gardens, Azaleas offer vibrant blooms in spring and thrive in the acidic, shaded soils typical of the region.

  • Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.): Known for their large, showy blooms, Rhododendrons thrive in the moist, shaded areas of Zone 7.

  • Heuchera (Heuchera spp.): Also known as Coral Bells, these plants are prized for their colorful foliage and are excellent for adding visual interest to shaded areas.

    
    

• Zone 8:

  
  

  Found in the southwestern parts of Tennessee, including areas around Memphis, where winter temperatures range from 10 to 20°F. This warmer zone supports a wide variety of shade-tolerant plants:

  
  

  • Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.): Known for their large, colorful blooms, Hydrangeas thrive in the humid climate of Zone 8, adding a splash of color to shaded garden spots.

  • Camellias (Camellia spp.): With their glossy evergreen leaves and stunning winter and early spring flowers, Camellias are perfect for bringing year-round beauty to shaded garden areas.

  • Liriope (Liriope muscari): Also known as lilyturf, this hardy groundcover is excellent for filling in shaded garden beds, producing spikes of lavender flowers in late summer.

    
    

Why It Matters:

• Optimal Plant Selection: Choosing plants that are well-suited to your specific zone ensures they will thrive and contribute to a healthy, beautiful garden.

• Effective Garden Planning: Understanding your zone helps you plan your planting schedule, allowing you to take full advantage of Tennessee’s diverse growing seasons.

• Sustainable Gardening: By selecting plants that naturally thrive in your zone’s conditions, you reduce the need for extra water, fertilizers, and pesticides, promoting a more eco-friendly garden.

  
  

Get Involved: Share Your Gardening Experience

We want to hear from you! Whether you’re gardening in the cool, mountainous regions of Zone 6 or the warmer, humid areas of Zone 8, your experiences and tips can inspire and guide others.

Join the Conversation:

• Comment Below: Share your gardening successes, challenges, and questions with fellow Tennessee gardeners.

• Join Our Facebook Group: Connect with a community of shade gardening enthusiasts by joining our Shade Gardening Group on Facebook. It’s a great place to exchange ideas, find inspiration, and support your gardening journey.

  
  

Let’s grow together, Tennessee! 🌻