Gardeners in zone 8 can expect a wide range of weather conditions. The average annual minimum temperatures may be 10 to 15 degrees F. (-9 to -12 C.). However, as a rule, the areas have long growing seasons and mild to warm seasons. That means there are plenty of zone 8 flowering shrubs suitable for the area. Natives are a perfect choice since they are well adapted to the unique weather conditions, but many exotics can thrive in zone 8 too.
Selecting Flowering Shrubs for Zone 8
Adding some shrubs to new or existing landscaping, or just need to know how to grow flowering shrubs in zone 8? Zone 8 shrubs that flower add extra elegance to the landscape and the special surprise that blooming plants offer. Some regions in zone 8 can be quite challenging with either coastal aspects or hot punishing summer temperatures to consider. There are many plants from which to choose, however, each able to thrive in zone 8. The zone is not all you have to worry about when shopping for new landscape plants. The location is important as well as light exposure and space. You don't want to put a full sun plant on the north side of the house where it will receive little light. In the same way, you would not want to put a shrub that can get quite tall at the foundation of your house in front of a window, unless you really want to block the light to your home. You may also want to consider whether you need a plant that is evergreen or deciduous. If you really want to nitpick, the type of soil, amount of average rain, and even whether blooms are scented or not, could all be possible requirements. Some common zone 8 flowering shrubs to choose include:
- Abelia
- Serviceberry
- American Beautyberry
- Camellia
- Deutzia
- Forsythia
- Oakleaf Hydrangea
- Mountain Laurel
- Jasmine
- Viburnum
- Weigela
Some regions in zone 8 can get very hot summers and average temperatures that can be quite difficult for plants unless they are heat tolerant. Along with heat often comes drought issues, unless you have drip lines on your plants or are out every evening manually watering. Flowering plants that fruit usually need quite a bit of water during the bloom period; however, many zone 8 shrubs that flower do not develop significant fruits and can be drought tolerant, especially when mature. For hot weather shrubs that also tolerate drought, try:
- Pineapple Guava
- Japanese Barberry
- Thorny Elaeagnus
- Althea
- Sweetspire
- Primrose Jasmine
- Wax Leaf Ligustrum
- Banana Shrub
- Mock Orange
- Pyracantha
How to Grow Flowering Shrubs in Zone 8
Flowering shrubs for zone 8 need to be chosen for beauty, functionality, maintenance, and site characteristics. Once you have done that, it is time to install your new plants. The best time for planting most plants is when the cool season arrives. Choose a site with the same exposure the plant requires and dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball. If necessary, check drainage by filling the hole with water. If it drains out fairly quickly, you are fine. If not, you need to mix in some gritty material. Remove twine and burlap, if applicable, or loosen roots on container grown plants. Spread roots out into the hole and back fill, carefully packing around the roots. The plant should be in the hole so that the bottom of the stem is just at soil level. Water in well to settle the soil. Water your plant as it establishes twice per week. Then follow the indications on the plant tag regarding all other water and care requirements.