Stunning native plants that thrive in USDA Hardiness Zone 8, from the mesmerizing blooms of butterfly weed to the stunning fall foliage of oakleaf hydrangea, these plants will not only beautify your garden but also attract a range of local wildlife and pollinators.
Bring a burst of vibrant orange to your garden with this pollinator magnet! Butterfly weed thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it a low-maintenance choice. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and enjoy the butterflies that flock to this beauty.
2) Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
These cheerful, daisy-like flowers feature bright yellow petals and dark brown centers. Plant them in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil for a summer-to-fall display. Deadhead regularly to keep the blooms coming and the plants looking tidy.
3) Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Attract butterflies and bees with these stunning purple-pink flowers. Echinacea loves full sun and tolerates drought once established. Deadhead faded blooms to encourage rebloom, and leave some seedheads for the birds to enjoy in winter.
4) Blazing star (Liatris spicata)
Add a vertical accent to your garden with these tall, spiky flowers in shades of purple and pink. Blazing star prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Cut back the stems after flowering to maintain a neat appearance.
5) Bee balm (Monarda didyma)
Hummingbirds and bees adore these showy, red, pink, or purple flowers. Bee balm thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage rebloom and divide the plant every few years to maintain vigor.
6) Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
This hummingbird favorite features striking, deep red flowers on tall spikes. Cardinal flower prefers moist to wet soils and partial to full sun. Plant it near a water feature or in a rain garden for a stunning display.
7) Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Brighten up your fall garden with these golden-yellow, plume-like flowers. Goldenrod thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. This tough plant is drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance.
8) Aster (Symphyotrichum spp.)
These star-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white are a late-season treat. Asters prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Pinch back the stems in early summer to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
9) Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
Enjoy a long-lasting display of bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with these low-maintenance beauties. Coreopsis loves full sun and well-draining soil. Deadhead regularly to prolong blooming, and cut back the plants in late fall.
10) Gayfeather (Liatris spp.)
These tall, spiky flowers in shades of purple and white add a unique texture to the garden. Gayfeather prefers full sun and well-draining soil. The flowers bloom from the top down, creating a long-lasting display.
11) Ironweed (Vernonia spp.)
Towering stems of vibrant purple flowers make ironweed a standout in the late summer to fall garden. This tough plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates a range of soil types. Cut back the stems in late fall to maintain a tidy appearance.
12) Phlox (Phlox spp.)
Fragrant clusters of flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white grace this versatile plant. Garden phlox prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage rebloom and divide the plant every few years to maintain vigor.
13) Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)
This charming, low-growing plant features delicate, star-shaped white flowers atop attractive foliage. Foamflower thrives in partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil. It makes an excellent groundcover and can tolerate some foot traffic.
14) Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum biflorum)
Arching stems with dangling, bell-shaped white flowers give this plant an elegant appearance. Solomon’s seal prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil. It’s a perfect addition to woodland gardens or shady borders.
15) Wild ginger (Asarum canadense)
Unique, maroon flowers bloom at ground level beneath heart-shaped leaves. Wild ginger makes a great groundcover for shady areas with moist, well-draining soil. The leaves have a ginger-like scent when crushed.
16) Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
This evergreen fern features glossy, dark green fronds that add texture and interest year-round. Christmas fern prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil. It’s a low-maintenance choice for woodland gardens and shady borders.
17) Beautybush (Callicarpa americana)
Clusters of small, pink flowers in summer give way to stunning, bright purple berries in fall. Beautybush thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. This adaptable shrub is a great choice for attracting birds to your garden.
18) Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
Unique, spherical white flowers resembling pincushions adorn this wetland shrub in summer. Buttonbush prefers full sun to partial shade and moist to wet soils. It’s a fantastic choice for rain gardens, pond edges, or other damp areas in your landscape.
19) Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica)
Fragrant, white flower spikes in summer and brilliant red fall foliage make this shrub a multi-season star. Virginia sweetspire thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. It’s a versatile plant that can tolerate a range of conditions.
20) Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
Large, oak-like leaves and showy, white flower panicles that fade to pink make this shrub a summer standout. Oakleaf hydrangea prefers partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. It’s a low-maintenance choice for mixed borders or as a focal point.
21) Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)
Delicate, fringe-like white flowers cover this small tree in late spring, creating a stunning display. Fringetree prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. It makes a beautiful specimen tree or can be used in a mixed border.
22) Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)
Showy, white or pink bracts surround small, clustered flowers in spring, followed by bright red berries in fall. Flowering dogwood prefers partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. This small tree is a stunning addition to any landscape.
23) Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Brilliant pink-purple flowers line the branches of this small tree in early spring before the heart-shaped leaves emerge. Eastern redbud thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It makes a lovely specimen tree or can be used in a mixed border.
24) Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)
Delicate, white, star-shaped flowers in early spring give way to edible, blueberry-like fruits in summer. Serviceberry prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. This multi-stemmed shrub or small tree offers multi-season interest with its attractive foliage and smooth, gray bark.
25) Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
With their clusters of fragrant, colorful flowers that bloom in summer, phlox is a garden favorite. They prefer full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming and divide every 3 – 4 years to maintain vigor.
