Tennessee’s variable climate supports native plants like coneflower and black-eyed Susan that thrive in both heat and cold. If you are searching for the best tennessee landscaping plants, you need species that can handle humid summers, chilly winters, and occasional droughts. This guide walks you through top choices that look great and require less fuss.
You want a yard that stays colorful from spring to fall without constant watering. The key is picking plants adapted to Tennessee’s USDA zones 6 and 7. Let’s look at perennials, shrubs, trees, and groundcovers that work hard for you.
Best Tennessee Landscaping Plants
These plants are proven winners for Tennessee gardens. They resist local pests, tolerate clay soil, and attract pollinators. Each one adds texture or color to your landscape.
Native Perennials For Full Sun
Native perennials are low-maintenance and come back year after year. They support local wildlife and need less fertilizer.
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Blooms from June to August. Drought-tolerant once established. Attracts butterflies and bees.
- Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Bright yellow petals with dark centers. Flowers from July to September. Self-seeds easily.
- Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa): Orange clusters that monarch butterflies love. Needs well-drained soil. Blooms in midsummer.
- Liatris (Liatris spicata): Tall purple spikes that bloom from top to bottom. Great for cut flowers. Tolerates clay soil.
- Bee Balm (Monarda didyma): Red, pink, or purple flowers. Aromatic leaves. Can spread quickly, so give it room.
Shade-Loving Plants For Woodland Gardens
Many Tennessee yards have shady spots under trees. These plants thrive with less direct sunlight.
- Hostas: Hundreds of varieties with different leaf colors and sizes. Very reliable in shade. Watch for slugs.
- Fern (Various Species): Christmas fern, maidenhair fern, and lady fern all do well. They add soft texture.
- Heuchera (Coral Bells): Colorful foliage in shades of purple, bronze, and lime green. Small flowers in spring.
- Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense): Low-growing groundcover with heart-shaped leaves. Native and deer-resistant.
- Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum): Arching stems with dangling white flowers. Turns yellow in fall.
Evergreen Shrubs For Year-Round Structure
Evergreens keep your yard looking full in winter. They also provide privacy and wind protection.
- Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra): Native alternative to boxwood. Dark green leaves and black berries. Tolerates wet soil.
- Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia): Tennessee’s state wildflower. Pink or white blooms in late spring. Needs acidic soil.
- Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’): Compact, rounded shrub. Very heat-tolerant. No berries on female plants.
- Leucothoe (Leucothoe fontanesiana): Arching branches with glossy leaves. New growth is reddish. Good for shade.
- Japanese Pieris (Pieris japonica): White bell-shaped flowers in early spring. New leaves are red. Needs well-drained soil.
Flowering Shrubs For Seasonal Color
These shrubs put on a show during specific seasons. They are easy to grow and attract hummingbirds.
- Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia): White flowers that turn pink with age. Large leaves turn red in fall. Native to the Southeast.
- Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica): Fragrant white spikes in early summer. Foliage turns brilliant red in fall. Tolerates wet areas.
- Spicebush (Lindera benzoin): Yellow flowers in early spring. Red berries in fall. Leaves smell like spice when crushed.
- Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii): Bottlebrush-like white flowers in spring. Blue-green leaves turn orange and red in fall.
- Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora): Glossy leaves and pinkish-white flowers from summer to frost. Semi-evergreen in milder winters.
Small Trees For Front Yards
Small trees add height without overwhelming a typical suburban lot. They offer flowers, fall color, or interesting bark.
- Redbud (Cercis canadensis): Pink-purple flowers in early spring before leaves appear. Heart-shaped leaves. Native.
- Dogwood (Cornus florida): Iconic white or pink bracts in spring. Red berries in fall. Prefers partial shade.
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea): White flowers in early spring. Edible berries in June. Brilliant orange fall color.
- Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana): Evergreen with blue-green foliage. Provides winter cover for birds. Very drought-tolerant.
- American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana): Smooth gray bark that looks muscular. Yellow to red fall color. Tolerates shade.
Groundcovers For Slopes And Problem Areas
Groundcovers prevent erosion and fill gaps between larger plants. They require less mowing than grass.
- Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata): Forms a dense mat of pink, purple, or white flowers in spring. Evergreen foliage.
- Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis): Shiny green leaves that stay low. Excellent for deep shade. Spreads by runners.
- Liriope (Liriope muscari): Grass-like clumps with purple flower spikes in late summer. Tolerates sun or shade.
- Wild Stonecrop (Sedum ternatum): Native sedum with small white flowers. Good for rocky areas. Very drought-tolerant.
- Ajuga (Ajuga reptans): Bronze or green leaves with blue flower spikes. Spreads quickly. Can be invasive in some gardens.
How To Choose Plants For Your Tennessee Yard
Picking the right plant for the right spot saves you time and money. Follow these steps to avoid common mistakes.
- Check your soil type: Tennessee has clay, loam, and rocky soils. Do a simple jar test to see what you have. Clay holds water, so choose plants that tolerate wet feet.
- Measure sunlight hours: Full sun means six or more hours of direct light. Partial shade is three to six hours. Full shade is less than three hours. Match plants to your light conditions.
- Know your hardiness zone: Most of Tennessee is zone 6b or 7a. Check your specific county. Plants rated for zones 5-8 are safe bets.
- Consider drainage: If water pools after rain, you need plants that like moist soil. If water drains fast, choose drought-tolerant species.
- Think about mature size: A small shrub at the nursery can grow to six feet wide. Give plants enough space to reach their full size without crowding.
Dealing With Clay Soil
Clay soil is common in Tennessee. It drains slowly and can be hard to dig. But many native plants actually prefer it.
- Add organic matter like compost or leaf mold to improve drainage.
- Avoid amending individual planting holes too much. This can create a bathtub effect where water collects.
- Plant on slight mounds to keep roots above standing water.
- Choose plants like black-eyed Susan, coneflower, and oakleaf hydrangea that tolerate clay.
- Mulch with shredded bark to keep soil cool and reduce compaction.
Watering New Plants Correctly
New plants need regular water their first year. After that, many become drought-tolerant.
- Water deeply once a week if there is no rain. Deep watering encourages deep roots.
- Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to avoid wetting leaves. Wet leaves can cause fungal diseases.
- Water in the morning so plants have time to dry before night.
- Check soil moisture by sticking your finger two inches down. If it feels dry, water.
- Reduce watering in fall to help plants harden off for winter.
Seasonal Care Calendar For Tennessee Gardens
Following a simple schedule keeps your plants healthy year-round. Adjust based on your specific location.
Spring (March – May)
- Prune summer-blooming shrubs like butterfly bush and abelia before new growth starts.
- Cut back ornamental grasses to a few inches tall.
- Divide overgrown perennials like hostas and daylilies.
- Apply a slow-release fertilizer to established plants.
- Mulch beds with two to three inches of organic mulch.
Summer (June – August)
- Water deeply during dry spells. Focus on new plants and shallow-rooted species.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Watch for powdery mildew on phlox and bee balm. Improve air circulation.
- Remove weeds before they go to seed.
- Cut back leggy annuals to promote bushier growth.
Fall (September – November)
- Plant new trees and shrubs. Cool weather reduces transplant shock.
- Rake leaves and add them to compost piles. Shredded leaves make good mulch.
- Cut back dead perennial foliage after frost kills it back.
- Apply a layer of mulch around tender plants for winter protection.
- Test soil pH and add lime if needed for lawns.
Winter (December – February)
- Protect broadleaf evergreens from drying winds with burlap screens.
- Avoid walking on frozen grass. It can damage the crowns.
- Prune dormant trees and shrubs except for spring-blooming ones.
- Clean and sharpen garden tools.
- Order seeds and plan next year’s garden layout.
Common Landscaping Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced gardeners make errors. Here are pitfalls specific to Tennessee conditions.
- Planting too close to foundations: Roots can damage pipes and foundations. Leave at least three feet between shrubs and walls.
- Ignoring deer pressure: In many Tennessee suburbs, deer eat tulips, hostas, and roses. Choose deer-resistant plants like coneflower and ferns.
- Overwatering established plants: Native plants are adapted to local rainfall. Too much water causes root rot.
- Using too much fertilizer: Excess nitrogen produces lush leaves but fewer flowers. It also pollutes waterways.
- Planting invasive species: Avoid English ivy, privet, and burning bush. They escape gardens and harm natural areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best low-maintenance plants for Tennessee?
Native perennials like coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and butterfly weed need little care once established. They resist pests and tolerate drought. Add oakleaf hydrangea and Virginia sweetspire for shrubs that require minimal pruning.
Can I grow tropical-looking plants in Tennessee?
Yes, but treat them as annuals or bring them indoors. Hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos) has huge flowers and comes back each year. Elephant ears and canna lilies need winter storage in colder zones.
What plants bloom all summer in Tennessee?
Annuals like zinnias, marigolds, and petunias bloom from spring until frost. Perennials like black-eyed Susan, bee balm, and liatris bloom for six to eight weeks. Deadheading extends their flowering period.
How do I keep deer from eating my plants?
Choose deer-resistant plants like coneflower, ferns, lamb’s ear, and boxwood. Use physical barriers like fencing or netting. Deer repellents with putrescent egg solids can help but need reapplication after rain.
What groundcover works best on a sunny slope?
Creeping phlox and liriope are excellent choices. They spread quickly and hold soil in place. Sedum and juniper also work well on hot, dry slopes. Avoid English ivy, which is invasive.
Final Tips For A Thriving Tennessee Landscape
Start with a small area and expand as you learn. Observe how water moves across your yard after a storm. Group plants with similar water and light needs together. This makes irrigation and care easier.
Visit local botanical gardens like Cheekwood in Nashville or the Memphis Botanic Garden. See what grows well in your region. Talk to neighbors who have nice yards. They can tell you what works in your specific microclimate.
Remember that landscaping is a process. Plants take time to mature. Enjoy the changes through the seasons. With the right choices, your Tennessee yard can be beautiful, functional, and low-maintenance for years to come.