Welcome to The Zone! This article is Part 16 in the GardenTabs Zone Series, where we look at all USDA Plant Hardiness Zones and recommend the top 17 plants for your region.
Zone 8b
Zone 8b encompasses various regions in North America, including parts of the United States, such as the southern coastal areas of California, the Gulf Coast, and parts of the southern states.
It is also found in select areas of Europe, including parts of the Mediterranean and southern regions of Spain and Portugal.
Zone 8b experiences average minimum temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 °F (-9.4 to -6.7 °C). These regions have mild winters, hot summers, and a long growing season.
Here are 17 of the Best Plants to Grow in Zone 8b
1. Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Oleander is a showy evergreen shrub with beautiful clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow.
Oleander can tolerate temperatures as low as 15 °F (-9.4 °C) and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
2. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)
Bougainvillea is a stunning flowering vine known for its vibrant, papery bracts surrounding tiny white flowers.
Its striking colors, including shades of pink, purple, orange, and red, add a tropical flair to Zone 8b gardens.
Bougainvillea can tolerate temperatures as low as 15 °F (-9.4 °C) and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
3. Lantana (Lantana spp.)
Lantana is a hardy and colorful perennial that adds a vibrant touch to Zone 8b gardens.
It produces clusters of flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink, attracting butterflies and bees.
Lantana can tolerate temperatures as low as 15 °F (-9.4 °C) and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
4. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
Crape Myrtle is a popular flowering tree that adds color to Zone 8b gardens with its vibrant blooms in shades of pink, purple, white, and red. It blooms in summer and early fall, creating a stunning display of flowers.
Crape Myrtle can tolerate temperatures as low as 15 °F (-9.4 °C) and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
5. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is a fragrant and versatile herb that thrives in Zone 8b's warm and sunny conditions.
Its aromatic foliage and delicate blue flowers add culinary and sensory delight to any garden.
Rosemary can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 °F (-6.7 °C) and prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
6. Texas Sage (Leucophyllum spp.)
Texas Sage, also known as Purple Sage or Texas Ranger, is a tough and drought-tolerant shrub that thrives in the hot and dry conditions of Zone 8b.
It produces vibrant purple flowers and silver-gray foliage add color and texture to the garden.
Texas Sage can tolerate temperatures as low as 15 °F (-9.4 °C) and prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
7. Esperanza (Tecoma stans)
Esperanza, also known as Yellow Bells or Yellow Trumpet Bush, is a vibrant, heat-tolerant perennial that brings sunshine to Zone 8b gardens.
It showcases clusters of golden-yellow trumpet-shaped flowers, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
Esperanza can tolerate temperatures as low as 15 °F (-9.4 °C) and prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
8. Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima)
Mexican Feather Grass is an ornamental grass that adds movement and texture to Zone 8b gardens. It's delicate, feathery plumes that sway gracefully in the breeze create a whimsical and ethereal atmosphere.
Mexican Feather Grass can tolerate temperatures as low as 15 °F (-9.4 °C) and prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
9. Agapanthus (Agapanthus spp.)
Agapanthus, also known as Lily of the Nile, is a stunning flowering plant that produces clusters of blue or white flowers atop tall stalks.
It brings a touch of elegance to Zone 8b gardens and can tolerate temperatures as low as 15 °F (-9.4 °C).
Agapanthus thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
10. Confederate Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
Confederate Jasmine is a fragrant and evergreen vine that brings beauty and charm to Zone 8b gardens. Its white, star-shaped flowers and glossy foliage add a romantic and tropical touch.
Confederate Jasmine can tolerate temperatures as low as 15 °F (-9.4 °C) and prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
11. Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.)
Hibiscus is a stunning flowering shrub that adds a tropical vibe to Zone 8b gardens. Its large and vibrant blooms in shades of red, pink, yellow, and white create a focal point in the landscape.
Hibiscus can tolerate temperatures as low as 15 °F (-9.4 °C) and prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
12. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
Sago Palm is a striking and slow-growing cycad that brings a touch of exotic elegance to Zone 8b gardens. Its dark green, feathery leaves create a dramatic focal point.
Sago Palm can tolerate temperatures as low as 15 °F (-9.4 °C) and prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
13. Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea)
Society Garlic is a versatile herbaceous perennial known for its clusters of delicate purple flowers and garlic-like fragrances. It adds beauty and a touch of culinary delight to Zone 8b gardens.
Society Garlic can tolerate temperatures as low as 15 °F (-9.4 °C) and prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
14. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
Bird of Paradise is a stunning tropical plant that adds a touch of exotic beauty to Zone 8b gardens. Its vibrant orange and blue flowers resembling a bird in flight, create a striking focal point.
Bird of Paradise can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 °F (-6.7 °C) and prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
15. Mexican Honeysuckle (Mexican Flame Vine—Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides)
Mexican Honeysuckle is a charming and low-maintenance perennial vine that blooms with clusters of bright orange or yellow tubular flowers. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, adding life and vibrancy to Zone 8b gardens.
Mexican Honeysuckle can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 °F (-6.7 °C) and prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
16. Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora)
Red Yucca is a hardy and drought-tolerant perennial that brings a touch of desert beauty to Zone 8b gardens.
It features tall spikes of coral-red tubular flowers, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
Red Yucca can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 °F (-12.2 °C) and thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.
17. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Russian Sage is an elegant and aromatic perennial that adds a soft, silvery touch to Zone 8b gardens.
It showcases long, lavender-blue flower spikes and finely textured foliage, creating a stunning visual appeal.
Russian Sage can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 °F (-28.9 °C) and prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
Delve into more fascinating articles:
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Revel in the Joy
Zone 8b offers a favorable and warm climate for gardening, with mild winters and hot summers. You can create a breathtaking and vibrant garden that thrives in this zone by selecting the right plants.
From the colorful Bougainvillea and Lantana to the fragrant Rosemary and Jasmine, these 17 best plants add beauty, fragrance, and color to your landscape.
When choosing plants for your Zone 8b garden, consider their specific requirements, including sunlight, soil conditions, and water needs.
By providing the ideal growing conditions, you can ensure the success of these plants and enjoy a flourishing garden throughout the seasons.
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