Johnson’s Landscaping has provided quality service to the communities of Northwest D.C., Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Kensington, Silver Spring, Rockville, Potomac, and Olney since 1960. Over the years, one thing our customers ask us time and time again is what plants are best for flower gardens in the area. Maryland is considered to be Zone 7 for hardiness so plants chosen for landscaping need to be hardy in this region. There are many beautiful flowers, shrubs, trees, and groundcovers that thrive in the Potomac area, and here is just a sampling of them!
AstilbeÂ
Astilbe is a perennial plant that gets a very beautiful, showy flower plumes and has glossy foliage that resembles ferns. Its flower clusters can be anywhere from 6 inches to 2 feet in height there are many varieties from dwarf to giant Astilbe that can be 6 inches tall to more than three feet tall. Astilbe may look delicate but they are tough and thrive in Zone 7 conditions and are great for shady areas that need a splash of color!
HyacinthÂ
Hyacinth is a very common Northern flower that comes from bulbs which are planted in the fall and bloom in the spring. They have a sweet, lingering fragrance and can be planted in staggering rows to bring bight color and relaxing fragrance to any garden. The spikes of flowers are made up of smaller bell-shaped flowers that can be either single or double. These beautiful flowers work great outdoors and can also be used in containers for use on patios, decks, and balconies.
Sedum
Sedum is a beautiful perennial flower that grows well in the Potomac area. It has thick, succulent leaves, fleshy stems, and the colorful blooms are formed in large clusters of tiny star-shaped flowers. There are many types of sedums, which makes it a versatile plant for use in gardens and can be used as a foreground or background plant, focal piece, or in larger mass plantings and beds. Sedums are easy to care for and are good for cut flowers so you enjoy their beauty outside and inside your home.
Zinnias
Zinnias are among the easiest annuals to grow in the Maryland area. They grow quickly and bloom heavily, bringing a bright splash of vibrant color. They make a great option for mass plantings and can also be used in flower beds for borders or in containers and hanging baskets too. Zinnias have a single bright, daisy-like flower at the end of each stem. There are many color combinations and several different types that offer variations on flower structure and overall plant size.
Coreopsis Zagreb
Coreopsis Zagreb is a hardy perennial that does extremely well in Zone 7 gardens. This variety of coreopsis is known for its feathery foliage and profusion of bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom from early summer through fall. It stays compact and tidy, typically growing about 12 to 18 inches tall, making it ideal for borders or as a filler plant in mixed flower beds. Coreopsis Zagreb is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and attracts pollinators like butterflies, making it a beautiful and beneficial addition to Maryland gardens.
Salvia May Night
Salvia May Night is a standout perennial that thrives in the Potomac area and throughout Zone 7. With deep violet-blue flower spikes rising above gray-green foliage, this salvia variety blooms heavily in late spring and often reblooms through summer with deadheading. Its upright form makes it great for back borders or as a vertical accent in garden beds. Not only is it easy to grow, but it’s also highly attractive to bees and butterflies while being deer-resistant. Salvia May Night adds bold color and structure to any landscape design.
Peonies
Peonies are classic perennials that perform beautifully in Zone 7 gardens, especially when given full sun and well-drained soil. These long-lived plants can reward you for decades with their large, fragrant blooms in shades of pink, white, red, and coral. The lush foliage remains attractive after flowering, offering season-long visual interest. Peonies can be used as specimen plants or in rows for a dramatic spring display. With proper planting and a little patience, they’ll return year after year bigger and better than before.
Echinacea
Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is a favorite among gardeners in the Bethesda and Rockville areas. These perennials are not only easy to grow but also bring lasting color and pollinator activity to your landscape. Their sturdy stems hold up vibrant, daisy-like flowers with raised centers in shades of purple, pink, orange, and white. Echinacea blooms from mid-summer into fall and is both heat- and drought-tolerant, making it perfect for low-maintenance gardens. They also make excellent cut flowers for arrangements.
Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia, often referred to as black-eyed Susan, is another reliable performer for Zone 7. With its golden yellow petals and dark brown centers, rudbeckia brings a cheerful, wildflower feel to garden beds and naturalized areas. These sun-loving perennials bloom profusely in summer and early fall and attract butterflies and other beneficial insects. Rudbeckia works well in groupings or borders and is very adaptable to a range of soil conditions, making it a dependable favorite for Maryland homeowners.
Phlox subulata
Phlox subulata, also known as moss phlox or creeping phlox, is an excellent groundcover that flourishes in Zone 7. It produces a dense mat of needle-like foliage and is covered in small, star-shaped flowers each spring. The blooms can be pink, purple, blue, or white, depending on the variety, and they spill beautifully over walls, rocks, or the edge of garden beds. Moss phlox is especially good for sunny slopes and borders where erosion control and spring color are both desired. Once established, it requires little maintenance and returns reliably every year.
Contact us today to discover even more amazing plants that work well in our Zone 7 area. Johnson’s Landscaping is ready to help you make your yard or garden the best that is possibly can be with beautiful flowers that are perfect for our area!
