Discover Virginia’s Planting Zones — Plus, 5 Keys to Keeping Flowers, Shrubs, and Trees Alive

Establishing a garden in Virginia is a highly rewarding experience. There are opportunities to grow a wide range of fruits, vegetables, shrubs, trees, and flowers. But how do you choose which are best suited for your area? The trick is to select plants that will thrive in your local growing region and environment. We can help you sort through the wealth of available information. Below is a guide to Virginia’s planting zones, a few ideas about what to plant, and a guide to maintaining a flourishing garden.

Let’s dive in!

What Are USDA Hardiness Zones?

Some plants are better suited for certain climates than others. So, when you try growing a tropical plant like papayas or bananas in a colder environment, they likely won’t live. Likewise, more cold hardy plants will struggle in warm, humid environments. The best way to select plants that will thrive in your area is to consult the USDA Hardiness Zones map. 

This handy tool separates the country into thirteen planting zones (1-13). Each then gets subdivided into two sections. The data used to create these zones is historical weather patterns. The USDA compiled the coldest average temperature for the last 30 winters and grouped parts of the country with similar winter weather. 

Every complete zone represents a ten-degree Fahrenheit range. The half zones (a and b) break down further into five-degree Fahrenheit ranges. These planting zones help gardeners determine which plants will survive in their unique growing environment. You can visit the website and plug your zip code in to discover what your specific planting zone is.

What Are Virginia’s Planting Zones?

Virginia residents are blessed with a relatively broad range of growing zones. Depending on what part of the state you live in, you may be within zones 5a to 8b.

Those who live in the western part of the state will be in (or closer to) zone 5a. The zones gradually increase as you go east through the state until ultimately reaching 8b along the coastal areas. Learning which growing zone you live in will help you make more informed gardening decisions.

Use these growing zones as a general guide rather than a hard and fast rule. Stick to plants that you know will survive in your area if you want to ensure they will thrive. However, if you feel up to a challenge, consider planting items that do best in the next zone and see how they do. Take notes every year to learn which plants may work in your area and which definitely don’t.

What Flowers Live in These Zones?

Since Virginia has such a wide range of planting zones, locals can choose from many annual and perennial flowers! 

Annual Flowers

• Zinnia (Zinnia elegans), USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 11
• Pansy (Viola tricolor), USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 9
• Petunia (Petunia axillaris), USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 11
• Calendula (Calendula officinalis), USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 11
• Alyssum (Lobularia maritima), USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9
• Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus), USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 11

Perennial Flowers

• Whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata), USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9
• Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica), USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9
• Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8
• Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis), USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9
• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8)
• Canada Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8

What Shrubs Live in These Zones?

Feel confident selecting shrubs to help boost your Virginia landscape. Many beautiful varieties can survive the local weather. These include:

• Lantana (Camara vulgaris), USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 11
• Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9
• Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8
• Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 11
• Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 11
• Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium), USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9

What Trees Live in These Zones?

Those with extra space in their garden or yard may consider adding a tree (or several). This upper canopy layer provides shade, a home for birds, and possibly some food. The following will grow well in Virginia:

• Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens Engelm), USDA Hardiness Zones 1 to 11
• American Holly (Ilex opaca), USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9
• Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus), USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 8
• Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree (Citrus x limon ‘Meyer’), USDA Hardiness Zones 8b to 11
• Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8
• White Dogwood (Cornus Florida), USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9

5 Tips to Keep Your Plants Alive in Virginia

Since Virginia has such a diverse climate, you can grow a healthy and thriving garden. However, there are a few seasonal tips to keep in mind to ensure all your hard work is rewarded.

1. Combat Pests

Any type of garden or landscaping is bound to attract pests. However, when they remain unaddressed, these unwanted guests can wreak havoc on your beautiful space. Inspect your plants regularly for pest infestations so you can address problems before they worsen. As long as you catch the issue early on, solutions like soapy water, neem oil, or insecticidal soap may be effective. 

2. Watch for Diseases

Shrubs are particularly prone to fungal infections, but flowers are not immune to these issues either. Keep an eye on your plants, watching for early signs of disease. Take steps to quickly combat any issues that arise to prevent the spread and ensure your plants stay alive. 

3. Maintain Soil Health

Every Virginia gardener should monitor their soil health annually. Since many urban and suburban areas have depleted soil, your plants won’t get the nutrients they need to thrive. You can have the soil tested by your local extension office to determine whether any amendments need to be added. Then, consider using an appropriate fertilizer to maintain the nutritional balance your plants need.

4. Use Protection

Using protection during the most extreme weather will help ensure your plants thrive. There are options like shade cloth that work well during the summer. This specialty cloth helps protect your more delicate plants or young seedlings from the harsh sun. In the winter, consider adding frost covers on nights when the temperature dips down too low. Understanding the unique needs of your plants will help you determine when each of these preventative measures is appropriate.

5. Watering

Avoid over or underwatering. However, that is easier said than done. It is easy to learn one way or another unintentionally. But if your plants don’t get the right amount of water, they cannot thrive. Try to loosely group your plants based on how much moisture they need to make watering easier. Take care not to water when the top layer of soil looks dry since that does not accurately indicate watering needs. When in doubt, stick your finger into the soil. When the top inch or two (depending on the plants’ needs) is dry, you can water.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/HansJoachim