The Ultimate Guide to Planting in Grow Zone 7
By Richard "Woodie" Buller, GGD co-founder with 35+ years in horticulture
Published On: Oct 21, 2026
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USDA Grow Zone 7 is one of the most versatile gardening regions in the country. Winters are cold enough to support many traditional deciduous trees, spring-flowering shrubs, and herbaceous perennials, while the relatively long growing season allows gardeners to experiment with Southern favorites such as crape myrtles, gardenias, evergreen magnolias, and certain camellias.
That flexibility is exciting, but it can also make choosing plants more complicated. A plant labeled for Zone 7 may survive the winter, yet still struggle with summer heat, humidity, drought, heavy clay, poor drainage, or an exposed planting site. Successful Zone 7 gardening begins with understanding what the zone number tells you, and what it does not.
This ultimate guide to planting in Zone 7 covers planting seasons, climate considerations, soil preparation, watering, mulching, landscape design, and some of the best trees, shrubs, perennials, groundcovers, and ornamental grasses for Zone 7 gardens.
| In this Article | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Zone 7 Planting at a Glance
| Zone 7 characteristic | What gardeners should know |
|---|---|
| Average annual extreme minimum | 0 to 10°F |
| Zone 7a | 0 to 5°F |
| Zone 7b | 5 to 10°F |
| Best general planting seasons | Early spring and fall |
| Typical landscape strengths | Long growing season and broad plant selection |
| Common challenges | Summer heat, humidity, drought, clay soil, drainage, deer, and late freezes |
| Tree and shrub planting | Fall through early spring when the soil is workable |
| Perennial planting | Spring or early fall |
| Mulch depth | Approximately 2 to 3 inches |
| Main selection rule | Match the plant to the site, not only the hardiness zone |
What Does USDA Grow Zone 7 Mean?
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map divides the country according to average annual extreme minimum winter temperatures. Zone 7 locations generally experience average annual extreme minimum temperatures between 0 and 10°F.
Zone 7 is divided into two half-zones:
- Zone 7a: Average annual extreme minimum temperatures of 0 to 5°F
- Zone 7b: Average annual extreme minimum temperatures of 5 to 10°F
The difference between Zone 7a and Zone 7b may appear small, but five degrees can matter when growing plants near the limit of their cold tolerance. A shrub rated for Zones 7 to 10 may be dependable in a protected Zone 7b garden but suffer winter damage in an exposed Zone 7a location.
Hardiness zones measure winter cold. They do not account for summer heat, humidity, rainfall, soil type, frost dates, elevation, wind exposure, or drainage. Two Zone 7 gardens in different parts of the country can have very different growing conditions.
Where Is Grow Zone 7 Located?
Zone 7 stretches across portions of several regions, including the Mid-Atlantic, parts of the Southeast, sections of the southern Midwest, higher elevations in warmer states, and portions of the Pacific Northwest.
Many areas of Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Tennessee, North Carolina, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and neighboring states fall within Zone 7. Small pockets also occur in other regions where elevation, proximity to water, or local terrain influences winter temperatures.
Because Zone 7 covers such a wide geographic area, gardeners should consider both their hardiness zone and regional climate. A plant suited to humid Zone 7 conditions in Maryland may require different care in a dry Zone 7 landscape in the West.
Understanding Microclimates in Zone 7
A microclimate is a small area where temperatures and growing conditions differ from the surrounding landscape. Microclimates can make parts of the same property warmer, colder, wetter, drier, windier, or more sheltered.
South- and west-facing walls absorb heat during the day and may create warmer planting pockets. These locations can help marginally hardy plants survive, but they can also expose plants to rapid temperature changes and excessive summer heat.
Low areas often collect cold air and may experience frost before the higher parts of the property. Exposed slopes and open corners can subject evergreens to drying winter winds. Areas near downspouts may remain much wetter than the rest of the garden.
Before choosing plants for Zone 7, observe:
- How many hours of direct sun does the site receive
- Whether the light occurs in the morning or the afternoon
- How quickly does the soil drain after heavy rain
- Where snow and ice collect
- Which areas receive strong winter winds
- Where reflected heat comes from pavement or buildings
- Whether deer, rabbits, or voles regularly visit the property
These conditions often have more influence on plant performance than the zone number alone.
When Is the Best Time to Plant in Zone 7?
Early spring and fall are generally the best planting seasons in Zone 7. Mild temperatures reduce transplant stress, while seasonal rainfall helps newly planted roots become established.
Spring Planting in Zone 7
Spring is an excellent time to plant trees, shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, and groundcovers. Install plants after the soil becomes workable but before intense summer heat arrives.
Containerized plants can be planted later in spring, but they will require careful watering as temperatures rise. Newly installed plants should never be allowed to dry completely during their first growing season.
One challenge with spring planting is the possibility of a late frost. Warm weather can encourage new growth before the danger of frost has passed. Tender foliage and early flowers may need temporary protection during an unexpected cold snap.
Summer Planting in Zone 7
Summer planting is possible because containerized plants arrive with established root systems. However, hot weather increases water demand and transplant stress.
When planting in summer, plant early in the morning or on a cloudy day. Water the root ball thoroughly before planting, irrigate deeply after installation, and check soil moisture frequently. Avoid planting during periods of extreme heat whenever possible.
Fall Planting in Zone 7
Fall is often the best season for planting trees, shrubs, and many perennials in Zone 7. The soil remains warm enough for root development even after air temperatures begin to cool. Plants can establish roots without supporting a large amount of new top growth.
Try to plant trees and shrubs several weeks before the ground is likely to freeze. Perennials benefit from enough time to root into the surrounding soil before repeated freezing and thawing begin.
Continue watering fall-planted landscapes until the soil freezes if rainfall is limited. Cool air does not mean the root ball has enough moisture.
Winter Planting in Zone 7
Trees and shrubs can sometimes be planted during winter when the ground is not frozen, saturated, or covered with snow. Dormant-season planting can work well, especially in the warmer parts of Zone 7.
Avoid planting during unusually cold, windy, or wet conditions. Marginally hardy plants are generally better planted in spring so they have an entire growing season to become established before their first winter.
The Best Trees for Zone 7
Zone 7 gardeners can grow an impressive range of shade trees, flowering trees, native trees, privacy trees, and broadleaf evergreens. Select trees according to mature size, soil drainage, sun exposure, and available root space.
Eastern Redbud Tree
Eastern Redbud is an outstanding native flowering tree for Zone 7. Rosy pink flowers cover its branches in early spring before its heart-shaped leaves emerge. Its manageable size makes it useful in front yards, woodland edges, mixed borders, and areas beneath taller canopy trees.
Redbuds perform best in well-drained soil with full sun or partial shade. In hotter Zone 7 gardens, protection from intense afternoon sun can reduce stress.
Heritage River Birch
Heritage River Birch is a fast-growing native tree with attractive peeling bark and a graceful multi-stem form. It tolerates heat, humidity, clay, and periodically wet soil better than many other birch trees.
This is an excellent choice for rain gardens, large lawns, low areas, and landscapes where dependable summer performance is as important as winter hardiness. Give it enough room for its broad mature canopy.
Bracken's Brown Beauty Magnolia
Bracken's Brown Beauty Magnolia brings classic Southern Magnolia character into Zone 7 landscapes. It features glossy evergreen leaves with cinnamon-brown undersides and large, fragrant white flowers.
Plant this evergreen magnolia in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. A protected location is particularly valuable in colder Zone 7a gardens.
Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae
Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae is one of the most useful evergreen privacy trees for Zone 7. Its fast growth, dense foliage, and pyramidal habit make it an effective screen, windbreak, or property-line planting.
Space Green Giants according to their mature width rather than placing them tightly for immediate coverage. Adequate spacing improves air circulation and allows each tree to develop a strong, natural form.
Nellie Stevens Holly
Nellie Stevens Holly provides privacy, glossy evergreen foliage, and bright red berries. It can be grown as a large shrub, a small tree, a formal hedge, or an informal screen.
This adaptable holly performs in full sun to partial shade and becomes moderately drought-tolerant after establishment. Its dense growth also provides valuable shelter for birds.
Bloodgood Japanese Maple
Bloodgood Japanese Maple brings deep red-purple foliage and refined structure to Zone 7 gardens. It works well as a specimen near an entry, patio, courtyard, or woodland edge.
Choose a location with good drainage and some protection from harsh afternoon sun and drying winds. Japanese maples dislike deeply compacted soil and prolonged waterlogging.
Crape Myrtle Trees
Crape myrtles are especially valuable in Zone 7 because they flower during the heat of summer, after many spring-blooming trees have finished. Varieties such as Ebony Glow Crape Myrtle combine summer flowers with dark foliage and an upright architectural habit.
Plant crape myrtles in full sun with well-drained soil. In colder Zone 7a locations, choose hardy varieties and plant them in areas that receive good sunlight and protection from extreme winter exposure.
The Best Shrubs for Zone 7
Zone 7 supports an unusually broad selection of flowering, native, and evergreen shrubs, hydrangeas, hollies, and plants for difficult conditions.
Limelight Hydrangea
Limelight Hydrangea is a dependable panicle hydrangea with large, cone-shaped flowers that open green, mature to creamy white, and develop pink tones as the season progresses. It blooms on new wood, making pruning more straightforward than it is with many bigleaf hydrangeas.
Limelight performs in full sun to partial shade. In Zone 7, consistent moisture helps maintain healthy foliage and strong flowering during hot summer weather.
Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea
Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea is a compact native cultivar with white flower clusters that mature to deep pink and ruby red. Its oak-shaped leaves develop burgundy fall color, while exfoliating stems add winter texture.
Oakleaf hydrangeas prefer well-drained soil and benefit from afternoon shade in hot climates. Avoid placing them in soggy locations.
Henry's Garnet Sweetspire
Henry's Garnet Sweetspire, or Itea virginica, is a useful native shrub for moist borders, rain garden edges, woodland gardens, and mixed foundation plantings. Fragrant white flower spikes appear in late spring to early summer, followed by rich red and burgundy fall foliage.
It grows in full sun to partial shade and tolerates wetter soil than many traditional foundation shrubs.
Hummingbird Summersweet
Hummingbird Summersweet, or Clethra alnifolia, is a compact native shrub that produces fragrant white flowers during midsummer. It is particularly useful in moist soil, partial shade, rain gardens, and pollinator-friendly plantings.
Its flowers attract bees and butterflies at a time when many spring-flowering shrubs are no longer blooming.
Skip Laurel
Skip Laurel creates a dense, broadleaf evergreen screen in full sun to partial shade. Its upright habit works well along property lines, beside patios, and wherever year-round privacy is needed.
Good drainage is essential. Planting cherry laurels too deeply or in persistently saturated soil can lead to root problems.
Sky Pencil Holly
Sky Pencil Holly has a narrow, columnar form that fits entrances, small foundation beds, courtyard gardens, and large containers. Its dark evergreen foliage provides year-round structure without taking up as much width as a traditional shrub.
Although hardy in Zone 7, plants in containers need additional root protection because container soil becomes colder than the surrounding ground.
Frostproof Gardenia
Frostproof Gardenia brings fragrant white flowers and glossy evergreen foliage to warmer Zone 7 landscapes. It grows best in acidic, well-drained soil with steady moisture.
In Zone 7a, plant gardenias in a sheltered location protected from drying winter winds. Avoid late-season fertilization, which may encourage tender growth before cold weather.
The Best Perennials for Zone 7
A long growing season allows Zone 7 gardeners to create perennial borders with flowers from early spring through fall. The best results come from combining plants with different bloom times, foliage textures, heights, and wildlife benefits.
Cheyenne Spirit Coneflower
Cheyenne Spirit Coneflower, or Echinacea, produces flowers in a mixture of purple, pink, red, orange, yellow, cream, and white. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and becomes drought-tolerant after establishment.
Leave some seed heads standing at the end of the season to provide winter interest and food for birds.
Walker's Low Catmint
Walker's Low Catmint, or Nepeta × faassenii 'Walker's Low', creates a broad mound of aromatic gray-green foliage topped by lavender-blue flowers. It is a strong choice for sunny borders, pollinator gardens, rose beds, walkways, and deer-aware landscapes.
After the first heavy bloom, shear the plant back by approximately one-third to encourage fresh foliage and another flush of flowers.
Jeana Garden Phlox
Jeana Garden Phlox adds tall clusters of pink flowers to summer borders and pollinator gardens. Good air circulation and appropriate spacing help keep phlox foliage healthy in humid Zone 7 summers.
Plant it in full sun to light shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Summerific Perfect Storm Hibiscus
Summerific Perfect Storm Hibiscus provides tropical-looking flowers on a winter-hardy perennial. It dies back to the ground during winter and emerges relatively late in spring, often after nearby perennials are already growing.
Give hardy hibiscus full sun, rich soil, and consistent moisture. Mark its location so the dormant crown is not accidentally disturbed in early spring.
Mountain Mint
Mountain Mint is a native perennial valued for its long bloom season and exceptional pollinator activity. It performs well in sunny, naturalistic plantings and mixes beautifully with coneflowers and native grasses.
The aromatic foliage is generally avoided by deer, although no plant is completely deer-proof.
Hostas and Shade Perennials
Hostas such as Patriot and Frances Williams bring bold foliage to shady Zone 7 gardens. Combine them with ferns, astilbe, hellebores, and sedges to create layers of color and texture without relying entirely on flowers.
Provide consistent moisture and protect hostas where deer browsing is heavy.
The Best Groundcovers and Sedges for Zone 7
Groundcovers reduce exposed soil, soften bed edges, suppress some weeds, and connect larger plants into a unified design. Select spreading plants carefully and give aggressive groundcovers clear boundaries.
Pennsylvania Sedge
Pennsylvania Sedge, or Carex pensylvanica, is a native sedge for dry shade, woodland gardens, and naturalistic lawn alternatives. Its fine foliage creates a soft, flowing texture beneath trees and shrubs.
It is most effective when planted in repeated groups rather than as isolated individual plants.
Everillo Carex
Everillo Carex provides bright chartreuse-to-golden foliage in partial shade. It makes an excellent edging plant and creates a strong contrast beside dark evergreen shrubs, ferns, and burgundy-leaved plants.
Keep the soil consistently moist but well-drained, especially during establishment.
Creeping Phlox
Creeping Phlox creates a low carpet of spring flowers over slopes, walls, and sunny bed edges. It prefers full sun and sharply drained soil.
Trim lightly after flowering if the planting needs tidying, but avoid cutting deeply into old woody growth.
Vinca Minor
Vinca minor is a durable evergreen groundcover for partial shade. It can spread beyond its intended area, so use it only where its growth can be contained and where local guidance does not discourage planting it.
Gardeners seeking a native woodland alternative should consider Pennsylvania Sedge or other regionally appropriate native groundcovers.
The Best Ornamental Grasses for Zone 7
Ornamental grasses bring movement, vertical structure, fall color, and winter interest to Zone 7 gardens. They are especially effective when planted in groups or repeated through a mixed border.
Standing Ovation Little Bluestem
Standing Ovation Little Bluestem is a native warm-season grass with upright blue-green foliage that develops red, orange, and burgundy tones in fall. Its narrow form remains more upright than many older little bluestem selections.
Plant it in full sun with well-drained soil. Leaner soil generally produces stronger, more upright growth than heavily fertilized conditions.
Northern Sea Oats
Northern Sea Oats is a native grass for partial shade and woodland edges. Its flat seed heads move in the breeze and turn bronze as the season progresses.
It can self-seed readily in favorable conditions, so remove seed heads before they mature if spreading is not desired.
Pink Muhly Grass
Pink Muhly Grass produces clouds of pink flowers in fall. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and is particularly effective when planted in groups.
Avoid wet winter soil, which can be more damaging than cold temperatures.
How to Design a Successful Zone 7 Landscape
A strong landscape begins with structure. Select the trees and large evergreen plants first, then add shrubs, perennials, grasses, and groundcovers in descending layers.
Evergreens such as Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae and Nellie Stevens Holly create the year-round framework. Flowering trees such as Eastern Redbud and crape myrtle provide seasonal focal points. Shrubs fill the middle layer, while perennials, grasses, and groundcovers bring color and texture closer to the ground.
Repeat important plants throughout the landscape instead of using one of everything. Repetition creates rhythm and makes the garden feel intentional. Grouping three, five, or seven compatible perennials usually creates more impact than scattering individual plants throughout the property.
A useful Zone 7 planting might combine:
- An Eastern Redbud as the spring focal point
- Nellie Stevens Holly for evergreen structure
- Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea for flowers and fall foliage
- Cheyenne Spirit Echinacea for summer color
- Standing Ovation Little Bluestem for fall and winter structure
- Pennsylvania Sedge beneath areas of partial shade
The goal is not to keep every square foot in bloom. A successful landscape balances flowers with foliage, structure, texture, seasonal change, and negative space.
Preparing Zone 7 Soil for Planting
Zone 7 soils vary widely, but many Mid-Atlantic and southeastern gardens contain dense clay. Clay is not necessarily poor soil. It often holds nutrients well, but compaction and slow drainage can limit root growth.
Before planting, perform a drainage test and, when possible, obtain a soil test. Soil test results can identify pH problems and nutrient deficiencies before unnecessary fertilizer or lime is applied.
Dig planting holes two to three times wider than the container, but no deeper than the root system. Trees and shrubs should be planted with the root flare visible at or slightly above the surrounding grade.
Backfill primarily with the native soil. Creating a small pocket filled with rich, amended soil can discourage roots from expanding into the surrounding ground. Improving a broad planting bed is more effective than amending one narrow hole.
How to Plant Containerized Plants in Zone 7
Water the plant thoroughly before removing it from the container. Slide the root ball out carefully and inspect the roots. Loosen outward-facing roots and correct tightly circling roots before planting.
For trees and shrubs, identify the root flare before determining planting depth. For perennials and grasses, position the crown level with the surrounding soil unless the plant's specific instructions recommend otherwise.
After positioning the plant, backfill with native soil and water slowly to settle the ground around the roots. Avoid compacting wet soil with heavy foot pressure.
Finish with a two- to three-inch layer of organic mulch. Keep mulch several inches away from tree trunks, shrub stems, and perennial crowns.
Watering New Plants in Zone 7
New plants require consistent watering while their roots expand into the surrounding soil. Rainfall alone is not always enough, particularly when a dense canopy, roof overhang, or thick mulch prevents water from reaching the root ball.
Check the soil with your finger rather than watering on a rigid calendar. If the soil around the root ball feels dry several inches below the surface, water slowly and deeply. If it feels wet or saturated, wait and check again.
Trees and shrubs generally benefit from deep, less frequent watering rather than light daily sprinkling. Perennials and smaller containerized plants may dry more quickly and require more frequent attention during hot weather.
Continue monitoring new plantings throughout their first full growing season. Trees and large shrubs may need supplemental water during drought for two years or longer.
Mulching Zone 7 Gardens
A two- to three-inch layer of mulch helps conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature, suppress weeds, and protect roots from repeated freezing and thawing.
Spread mulch broadly rather than piling it deeply. Keep it away from trunks and plant crowns. Mulch piled against bark can hold excess moisture, hide damage, and encourage disease or decay.
Organic mulches such as shredded bark gradually break down and improve the soil surface. Refresh the mulch when needed, but check the existing depth before adding more.
Protecting Zone 7 Plants During Winter
Most properly selected Zone 7 plants do not require elaborate winter protection. The greatest risks are often drying winds, fluctuating temperatures, wet soil, animal damage, and poor establishment, rather than cold alone.
Continue watering evergreens and newly planted trees or shrubs during dry fall weather. Moist soil helps plants enter winter in better condition.
Protect young trunks from deer rubbing, rabbits, and voles when necessary. Broadleaf evergreens planted in exposed locations may benefit from a burlap wind barrier, but plastic should not be wrapped tightly around the foliage.
Container-grown plants need special attention because their roots are more exposed to cold. Move containers to a sheltered location, group them together, or insulate the pots. A plant hardy in the ground to Zone 7 may not be equally hardy in an aboveground container.
Common Zone 7 Gardening Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes is assuming that every plant labeled Zone 7 will perform equally well throughout the region. Winter hardiness is only part of the decision. Heat, humidity, drainage, rainfall, and soil also matter.
Other frequent problems include:
- Planting trees and shrubs too deeply
- Choosing plants without checking the mature size
- Placing sun-loving plants in too much shade
- Planting moisture-sensitive species in poorly drained clay
- Watering only the soil surface
- Allowing a newly planted root ball to dry out
- Piling mulch against trunks and stems
- Fertilizing without a soil test or diagnosed need
- Planting marginally hardy shrubs in exposed Zone 7a locations
- Installing plants too close together for quick coverage
- Ignoring deer pressure until damage occurs
Good planting practices cannot turn the wrong plant into the right plant. Begin with a species suited to the site, then support it with correct planting depth, steady establishment watering, and enough room to mature.
Building a Low-Maintenance Zone 7 Garden
Low-maintenance gardening begins with plant selection and design. Choose plants that naturally fit the available light, soil moisture, drainage, and space. A shrub that wants moist partial shade will always require more attention when planted in a hot, dry foundation bed.
Use trees and shrubs to provide permanent structure, then repeat groups of dependable perennials and grasses. Limit the number of plants that require specialized pruning, winter protection, or constant watering.
Native and well-adapted plants such as Eastern Redbud, Heritage River Birch, Henry's Garnet Sweetspire, Hummingbird Summersweet, Echinacea, Mountain Mint, Pennsylvania Sedge, and Little Bluestem can help create a resilient landscape with strong wildlife value.
Low maintenance does not mean no maintenance. Every garden requires watering during establishment, periodic weeding, occasional pruning, and observation. The goal is to build a landscape in which the necessary work produces a worthwhile result.
Woodie's Take
Zone 7 is a gardener's sweet spot. You can grow many of the cold-hardy plants associated with northern gardens while also enjoying Southern favorites that need a longer, warmer growing season. The opportunity is tremendous, but the best Zone 7 landscapes are built with restraint.
Start with the site. Learn where the water goes, where the afternoon sun hits hardest, and where the winter wind moves across the property. Then choose plants that fit those conditions and give them enough room to become what they are supposed to be.
As I often tell gardeners, a hardiness zone can tell you whether a plant should survive the winter, but it cannot tell you whether you have put it in the right place. Get the placement, planting depth, drainage, and first-season watering right, and most of the hard work is already behind you.
Start Planning Your Zone 7 Garden
Zone 7 gives homeowners an enormous plant palette. The most successful gardens combine reliable evergreens, flowering trees, multi-season shrubs, pollinator-friendly perennials, native grasses, and groundcovers adapted to the property's actual conditions.
Garden Goods Direct offers dedicated collections of Zone 7 trees, shrubs, and perennials that can help narrow the selection. Before ordering, compare each plant's mature size, sunlight, soil, and water requirements with the location where it will be planted.
A thoughtful Zone 7 garden does more than survive winter. It provides structure in January, flowers in spring and summer, color in fall, and habitat year-round.
Shop Zone 7 Trees Shop Zone 7 Shrubs Shop Zone 7 Perennials
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in Zone 7
What temperatures define USDA Zone 7?
USDA Zone 7 has an average annual extreme minimum winter temperature between 0 and 10°F. Zone 7a ranges from 0 to 5°F, while Zone 7b ranges from 5 to 10°F.
When should I plant trees and shrubs in Zone 7?
Fall and early spring are generally the best times to plant trees and shrubs in Zone 7. Containerized trees and shrubs may also be planted at other times when the ground is workable, but summer planting requires careful watering.
When should I plant perennials in Zone 7?
Plant perennials in spring after severe freezing conditions have passed or in early fall while the soil remains warm. Fall-planted perennials need enough time to begin establishing roots before the ground freezes.
Can I plant during the summer in Zone 7?
Yes. Containerized plants can be installed in the summer, but they require thorough watering and close monitoring of moisture levels. Avoid planting during extreme heat when possible.
What are the best evergreen plants for Zone 7?
Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, Nellie Stevens Holly, American Holly, Skip Laurel, Bracken's Brown Beauty Magnolia, and many junipers are strong evergreen choices. The best selection depends on available space, sunlight, soil drainage, and regional conditions.
What flowering plants grow well in Zone 7?
Eastern Redbud, crape myrtle, Limelight Hydrangea, Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea, Hummingbird Summersweet, Echinacea, Nepeta, garden phlox, and hardy hibiscus all perform well in suitable Zone 7 sites.
How much mulch should I use in a Zone 7 garden?
Apply approximately two to three inches of organic mulch over the root zone. Keep mulch away from trunks, stems, and perennial crowns to prevent excess moisture and decay.