My garden used to look amazing in April and completely dead by August. Sound familiar?
After watching my supposedly “hardy” plants shrivel up three summers in a row, I finally quit trying to grow things that hate our weather.
These Zone 7 powerhouse plants have changed everything – they actually love our hot summers and weird spring freezes.
1. English Lavender
I’ll never forget the day I first planted English lavender in my garden. The Mediterranean beauty has become my absolute favorite low-maintenance plant.
Standing proudly at 2-3 feet tall, this aromatic wonder asks for just two simple things: plenty of sunshine and well-draining soil.
I’ve learned the hard way that lavender hates wet feet, so I always plant it in drier spots that remind it of its Mediterranean homeland.
My favorite way to use lavender is in mass plantings. The purple blooms create a stunning display that transforms my garden into a fragrant oasis on warm summer evenings.
2. Black-Eyed Susan
These cheerful native perennials have stolen my heart with their carefree nature and long blooming season.
Growing 2-3 feet tall, they’ve become the backbone of my sun-drenched garden beds.
I will warn you though – these enthusiastic spreaders can get a bit too friendly! I’ve had to rein them in occasionally, but their wildflower meadow vibe is worth the extra effort.
3. Cana Lily
Don’t let the name fool you – these aren’t true lilies, but they’re show-stoppers nonetheless.
I especially adore the Tropicana variety with its stunning variegated leaves and vibrant blooms.
Living in Zone 7 means I do have to dig up the rhizomes before first frost and store them indoors, but the summer display is worth this small effort.
I use them as a dramatic summer hedge and backdrop for shorter plants. Their impressive height adds such wonderful structure to my garden design.
4. Crown Imperial
This spring-blooming bulb has become my secret weapon for pest control!
While it may have a rather unique scent (think skunk-like), I’ve found it’s incredibly effective at keeping deer and rodents away from my prized plants.
Though relatively short-lived, these cold-hardy beauties put on such a magnificent spring show that I don’t mind refreshing them occasionally.
5. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
This native beauty has turned my garden into a butterfly paradise!
The vibrant blooms never fail to stop visitors in their tracks, and I love watching monarchs flutter around them all summer long.
One of my favorite features is how drought-tolerant it becomes once established – perfect for those busy gardening seasons when I can’t water as often as I’d like.
6. Hollyhock
These cottage garden classics bring such nostalgic charm to my space, reminding me of my grandmother’s garden.
Their tall, slender stalks lined with blooms create the perfect backdrop along my fence line.
I make sure to give them full sun, consistent water, and rich soil, and they reward me with the most spectacular vertical display.
7. Maiden Grass
This ornamental grass has become my go-to for year-round interest in the garden.
In early fall, I’m treated to gorgeous copper-colored flower heads that transition to silvery-white plumes.
What really sold me was discovering how beautiful the red stems look in autumn, and I now leave them standing through winter for stunning silhouettes in the snow.
8. Lily Turf (Liriope)
This ground cover has been my saving grace in those tricky small spaces where nothing else seems to thrive.
The striking flowers and lush foliage create a beautiful carpet effect in my shaded areas.
Just keep in mind – it spreads through rhizomes and can be quite vigorous. I’ve learned to keep an eye on it and manage any unwanted spreading.
9. Candytuft
The dazzling white flowers of candytuft have become a highlight in my moon garden.
I absolutely adore how the evergreen foliage keeps my garden looking alive even during the winter months.
A quick tip I’ve learned: trimming back the top third after flowering keeps it looking neat and compact all season long.
10. Yellow Alyssum
This cheerful ground cover has transformed my retaining wall from bland to beautiful.
The trailing stems covered in bright yellow flowers create the most gorgeous cascading effect.
I’ve found it to be incredibly forgiving in poor soil conditions, though it does insist on good drainage to perform its best.