Also, plant early spring bloomers that grow before the summer heat sets in.
Zone 8 means the plant can tolerate cold temperatures to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Zone 8a covers the northern parts of those states, while zone 8 b covers the southern sections.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
However, it is susceptible to powdery mildew, especially in zones 8 and higher.
Powdery mildew will not kill the plant but will negatively impact its appearance.
This plant prefers evenly moist soil.
USDA
The common bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) is one of them.
However, in zone 8, this perennial should be treated as a shade plant.
Standing about two feet tall, its claim to fame is its unique heart-shaped flowers.
Jacky Parker Photography / Getty Images
Its drought tolerance is a real plus in hot zone 8 summers.
However, this plant produces better blooms when the soil is consistently moist.
This perennial bears the classic daisy flower shape with white petals surrounding a yellow center.
shene / Getty Images
It requires well-drained soil because water-logged soil in winter can kill it.
Once established, this drought-tolerant plant only needs about 1 inch of water per week.
It returns yearly in zone 8a and zone 8b.
The Spruce / David Beaulieu
Divide it every three years or so to rejuvenate it.Deadhead spent bloomsto encourage additional blooming.
Bugleweed prefers moist soil but can tolerate a short drought; give at least 1 inch of water weekly.
Spotted Deadnettle
Another perennial ground cover option is spotted deadnettle (Lamium maculatum).
The Spurce / David Beaulieu
It grows less than one foot tall and is less aggressive than bugleweed.
This perennial has attractive variegated foliage and blooms.
It needs little care if planted in full shade, but keep the soil evenly moist.
The Spruce / David Beaulieu
Creeping Thyme
Creeping thyme (Thymus spp.)
is abetter-behaved ground coverthan bugleweed or spotted deadnettle.
It is low-growing, reaching just two to six inches tall (depending on the variety).
The Spruce / David Beaulieu
The trade-off, however, is that it is neither as showy nor as good at suppressing weeds.
The flowers are small, but this perennial does boast aromatic foliage.
Container-grown plants will need water daily during the height of summer.
The Spruce / David Beaulieu
Mix compost into the soil annually to promote fertility and drainage.
Keep the soil moist for best flowering, although this plant will survive in short periods of drought.
This daylily performs best in zone 8a or zone 8b when it receives shade in the afternoon.
The Spruce / David Beaulieu
It is grown for its large, bright, bi-colored flowers.
Although perennial, ‘Stargazer’ isgrown from a bulb.
you might plant the bulb in either spring or fall, six to eight inches deep.
The Spruce / David Beaulieu
Keep the soil consistently moist or water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
The rule of thumb for zone 8 is not during frosty or high heat periods.
A short variety, it reaches six inches tall when in bloom.
The Spruce / David Beaulieu
Dahlia
Dahlias (Dahliaspp.)
grow from tubers and are tropical and subtropical plants, unlike the reticulated iris and ‘Stargazer’ lily.
Dahlias are an incredibly diverse genus valued for their large, colorful blooms.
The Spruce / David Beaulieu
In either case, this plant is grown for its long, colorful flower spikes.
It has a long bloom period, and you’re able to coax more flower production through deadheading.
The flowers are small but come in tightly packed flower heads and are available in several bright colors.
The Spruce / David Beaulieu
Yarrow stands three feet tall.
The ‘Jack Frost’ cultivar is named for the silvery appearance of its foliage.
It is a perennial with blue flowers in spring.
The Spruce / David Beaulieu
Golden Japanese Forest Grass
Don’t forget ornamental grasses when planting your zone 8b garden.
It grows 12 to 18 inches tall.
In zone 8, it is important to keep its roots cool during the summer months.
The Spruce / David Beaulieu
Catmint
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Catmint thrives on neglect.
Choose a full-sun location with well-draining soil.
Lean soil and dry growing conditions will encourage more flowers and a stronger scent.
Jacky Parker Photography / Getty Images
Refrain from giving too much fertilizer, or the plants become floppy.
Catmint starts blooming in early summer and repeat blooms throughout the growing season.
Deadheading will promote a lush second bloom.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Seedlings and young plants need frequent watering every couple of days.
Then, give one inch of water weekly when it doesn’t rain.
Once established, catmints are drought-tolerant and don’t need watering.
The Spruce / K. Dave
They are not highly tolerant of high heat and humidity.
Shelter them in windy spots.
Natural rainfall is adequate for this plant.
gabrielabertolini / Getty Images
Provide supplemental water during prolonged dry spells.
These plants prefer warmer temperatures and are usually considered hardy to zone 10.
Oregano
gabrielabertolini / Getty Images
Oregano is aperennial herbnative to western Asia and the Mediterranean regions.
It tolerates moderate drought but will need extra water during hot, sweltering temperatures.
Oregano can tolerate heat and cold temperatures but does not like high humidity.
In humid climates, it requires good soil drainage and air circulation.
The difference between zone 8a and zone 8b is five degrees of tolerance.
Although beans, broccoli, and cauliflower can be started sooner, usually by early March.
Tomato and onion seedlings can also be transplanted outdoors by April.
Plants in the aster family, like coneflowers and daisies, are hardy in zone 8b and are low-maintenance.
Diseases of Achillea sp.
(Yarrow).University of Illinois Extension Focus on Plant Problems.
