A hardiness zone is a geographic area with consistent climate conditions that allow specific plants to grow and thrive. The U.S. Department of Agriculture maintains the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which allows gardeners and farmers to determine which plants are likely to flourish throughout specific regions of the United States. 

The USDA map divides the country into 13 [growing zones](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-planting-zones). Each USDA zone represents a 10-degree range of temperatures based on the zone's average annual minimum winter temperature.
USDA Hardiness Zone 8 is a warm zone with a long growing season, comprising hot summers and mild winters with the coldest annual temperatures between ten and twenty degrees Fahrenheit. In North America, Zone 8 is one of the warmest zones, containing much of the southern quarter of the United States, including much of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Arizona, California, and coastal Oregon and Washington. Small patches of Zone 8 climate also occur in Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Hawaii.

Zone 8 contains two subsets: Zone 8a (with the lowest average temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Fahrenheit) and Zone 8b (with minimum temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit).
If you’re looking to incorporate plants into your landscaping or garden that will thrive in Zone 8, here are some popular options:

- __Herbs__: Zone 8 is a healthy climate for several warm-loving herbs, including [lavender](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-and-care-for-lavender), Mexican oregano, [rosemary](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-and-care-for-rosemary), and [sage](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-sage-in-your-home-garden).
- __Flowers__: Many of the flowering plants that thrive in the low temperatures of Zone 8 can add color to your landscaping and attract pollinators like bees and [hummingbirds](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hummingbird-flowers-guide). Year-round evergreen flowering plants in Zone 8 include abelia, evergreen daylilies, lantana, Mexican petunia, [oleander](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/oleander-planting-guide), and phlox, and deciduous options such as asters and warm-loving [peonies](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/peonies-guide). Flowering plants with perennial varieties in Zone 8 include dahlias, deciduous daylilies, canna lilies, hardy geraniums, hibiscus, [salvia](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-salvia-from-seed-in-your-garden), and yarrow (*achillea millefolium*). Zone 8 flowering plants that aren’t quite as heat-tolerant and grow best in partial or full shade include bleeding hearts (*dicentra*), [coneflowers](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-echinacea-and-other-coneflowers-in-your-garden) (*echinacea*), hydrangeas, and certain heat- and drought-tolerant cultivars of lilacs.
- __Fruits__: Zone 8 can support many fruits in the garden, especially blackberries, [blueberries](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-and-harvest-blueberries-in-your-home-garden), cantaloupe, grapes, and watermelon. Due to the milder cold temperatures, Zone 8’s climate zone can also support many different types of [fruit trees](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/the-best-fruit-trees-for-a-home-garden), including [apples](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-apple-trees-at-home), apricots, bananas, cherries, citrus (like clementine tangerines, grapefruit, lemons, and [kumquats](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/kumquat-tree-gardening-guide)), figs, pears, peaches, and plums.
- __Ground cover__: Ground covers that do well in Zone 8 climates include ajuga, creeping juniper, English ivy, and heat-tolerant hostas.
- __Succulents__: Zone 8 is a popular zone for many succulents, like [agave](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/agave-plant-guide), aloe, and sedum.
- __Trees__: Many trees thrive in the warm growing conditions of Zone 8, including American persimmon, [crape myrtle](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/crepe-myrtle-care-explained), cypress, dogwood, fig, juniper, oak, queen palm, green ash, and southern magnolia.
- __Vegetables__: With long, warm summers and mild winters, Zone 8 is a great climate for vegetable gardens, allowing gardeners to plant early in the season or start their crops indoors before the last [frost date](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-determine-frost-dates-for-gardening-your-region#) for an even longer growing season. Early spring and early summer veggies include beans, beets, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, [corn](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-care-for-and-harvest-corn-in-a-home-garden), cucumber, kale, lettuce, okra, onions, peas, [spinach](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-spinach-in-your-home-garden), squash, and tomatoes. Gardeners can plant many cool-season vegetables again in early fall and grow them through the mild winters (often with [mulc](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-mulch-your-vegetable-garden)h to insulate them), including arugula, [broccoli](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-and-harvest-broccoli-in-your-home-garden), beets, celery, collard greens, fava beans, peas, and [radishes](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-and-care-for-radishes).
Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/) and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.
Zone 8 is one of the warmest growing climates in the United States, with warm summers and mild winters. Learn more about this planting zone and the best plants to grow in these areas.

Zone 8 is one of the warmest growing climates in the United States, with warm summers and mild winters. Learn more about this planting zone and the best plants to grow in these areas.

Zone 8 Plants: Best Plants to Grow in Hardiness Zone 8

A hardiness zone is a geographic area with consistent climate conditions that allow specific plants to grow and thrive. The U.S. Department of Agriculture maintains the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which allows gardeners and farmers to determine which plants are likely to flourish throughout specific regions of the United States. The USDA map divides the country into 13 <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-planting-zones' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-planting-zones","linkCopy":"growing zones","category":null}'>growing zones</a>. Each USDA zone represents a 10-degree range of temperatures based on the zone&#39;s average annual minimum winter temperature.

What Are Plant Hardiness Zones?

USDA Hardiness Zone 8 is a warm zone with a long growing season, comprising hot summers and mild winters with the coldest annual temperatures between ten and twenty degrees Fahrenheit. In North America, Zone 8 is one of the warmest zones, containing much of the southern quarter of the United States, including much of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Arizona, California, and coastal Oregon and Washington. Small patches of Zone 8 climate also occur in Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Hawaii.Zone 8 contains two subsets: Zone 8a (with the lowest average temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Fahrenheit) and Zone 8b (with minimum temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit).

US States in Hardiness Zone 8 

If you’re looking to incorporate plants into your landscaping or garden that will thrive in Zone 8, here are some popular options:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Herbs: Zone 8 is a healthy climate for several warm-loving herbs, including <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-and-care-for-lavender' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-and-care-for-lavender","linkCopy":"lavender","category":null}'>lavender</a>, Mexican oregano, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-and-care-for-rosemary' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-and-care-for-rosemary","linkCopy":"rosemary","category":null}'>rosemary</a>, and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-sage-in-your-home-garden' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-sage-in-your-home-garden","linkCopy":"sage","category":null}'>sage</a>. </li><li class="">Flowers: Many of the flowering plants that thrive in the low temperatures of Zone 8 can add color to your landscaping and attract pollinators like bees and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hummingbird-flowers-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hummingbird-flowers-guide","linkCopy":"hummingbirds","category":null}'>hummingbirds</a>. Year-round evergreen flowering plants in Zone 8 include abelia, evergreen daylilies, lantana, Mexican petunia, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/oleander-planting-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/oleander-planting-guide","linkCopy":"oleander","category":null}'>oleander</a>, and phlox, and deciduous options such as asters and warm-loving <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/peonies-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/peonies-guide","linkCopy":"peonies","category":null}'>peonies</a>. Flowering plants with perennial varieties in Zone 8 include dahlias, deciduous daylilies, canna lilies, hardy geraniums, hibiscus, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-salvia-from-seed-in-your-garden' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-salvia-from-seed-in-your-garden","linkCopy":"salvia","category":null}'>salvia</a>, and yarrow (achillea millefolium). Zone 8 flowering plants that aren’t quite as heat-tolerant and grow best in partial or full shade include bleeding hearts (dicentra), <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-echinacea-and-other-coneflowers-in-your-garden' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-echinacea-and-other-coneflowers-in-your-garden","linkCopy":"coneflowers","category":null}'>coneflowers</a> (echinacea), hydrangeas, and certain heat- and drought-tolerant cultivars of lilacs. </li><li class="">Fruits: Zone 8 can support many fruits in the garden, especially blackberries, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-and-harvest-blueberries-in-your-home-garden' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-and-harvest-blueberries-in-your-home-garden","linkCopy":"blueberries","category":null}'>blueberries</a>, cantaloupe, grapes, and watermelon. Due to the milder cold temperatures, Zone 8’s climate zone can also support many different types of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/the-best-fruit-trees-for-a-home-garden' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/the-best-fruit-trees-for-a-home-garden","linkCopy":"fruit trees","category":null}'>fruit trees</a>, including <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-apple-trees-at-home' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-apple-trees-at-home","linkCopy":"apples","category":null}'>apples</a>, apricots, bananas, cherries, citrus (like clementine tangerines, grapefruit, lemons, and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/kumquat-tree-gardening-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/kumquat-tree-gardening-guide","linkCopy":"kumquats","category":null}'>kumquats</a>), figs, pears, peaches, and plums. </li><li class="">Ground cover: Ground covers that do well in Zone 8 climates include ajuga, creeping juniper, English ivy, and heat-tolerant hostas. </li><li class="">Succulents: Zone 8 is a popular zone for many succulents, like <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/agave-plant-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/agave-plant-guide","linkCopy":"agave","category":null}'>agave</a>, aloe, and sedum. </li><li class="">Trees: Many trees thrive in the warm growing conditions of Zone 8, including American persimmon, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/crepe-myrtle-care-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/crepe-myrtle-care-explained","linkCopy":"crape myrtle","category":null}'>crape myrtle</a>, cypress, dogwood, fig, juniper, oak, queen palm, green ash, and southern magnolia. </li><li class="">Vegetables: With long, warm summers and mild winters, Zone 8 is a great climate for vegetable gardens, allowing gardeners to plant early in the season or start their crops indoors before the last <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-determine-frost-dates-for-gardening-your-region#' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-determine-frost-dates-for-gardening-your-region#","linkCopy":"frost date","category":null}'>frost date</a> for an even longer growing season. Early spring and early summer veggies include beans, beets, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-care-for-and-harvest-corn-in-a-home-garden' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-care-for-and-harvest-corn-in-a-home-garden","linkCopy":"corn","category":null}'>corn</a>, cucumber, kale, lettuce, okra, onions, peas, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-spinach-in-your-home-garden' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-spinach-in-your-home-garden","linkCopy":"spinach","category":null}'>spinach</a>, squash, and tomatoes. Gardeners can plant many cool-season vegetables again in early fall and grow them through the mild winters (often with <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-mulch-your-vegetable-garden' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-mulch-your-vegetable-garden","linkCopy":"mulc","category":null}'>mulc</a>h to insulate them), including arugula, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-and-harvest-broccoli-in-your-home-garden' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-and-harvest-broccoli-in-your-home-garden","linkCopy":"broccoli","category":null}'>broccoli</a>, beets, celery, collard greens, fava beans, peas, and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-and-care-for-radishes' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-and-care-for-radishes","linkCopy":"radishes","category":null}'>radishes</a>. </li></ul>

Best Plants to Grow in Hardiness Zone 8

Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described &quot;Gangster Gardener.&quot; Get the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.

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Zone 8 is one of the warmest growing climates in the United States, with warm summers and mild winters. Learn more about this planting zone and the best plants to grow in these areas.

Zone 8 is one of the warmest growing climates in the United States, with warm summers and mild winters. Learn more about this planting zone and the best plants to grow in these areas.
