Fall Gardening in Zone 7: Best Plants to Grow Now

As the summer heat begins to wane and the leaves start to turn, gardeners in Zone 7 find themselves in a unique position. Fall is the perfect time to plant a variety of trees, shrubs, and perennials that will establish strong roots before the winter and bloom beautifully in the spring. Let's explore the best plants to add to your garden this fall.

Fall planting offers several advantages. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall create ideal conditions for plants to establish strong root systems. Additionally, the reduced stress from heat and drought allows plants to focus their energy on growth rather than survival. So, let's dive into the best plants to plant in fall for Zone 7.

Trees and Shrubs

Fall is an excellent time to plant trees and shrubs. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall provide the perfect conditions for these larger plants to establish strong root systems.

When selecting trees and shrubs, consider the size at maturity, growth rate, and fall color. Here are some great options for Zone 7:

Trees

**Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida):** This small tree provides beautiful spring flowers, fall color, and attractive berries that birds love. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.

**Red Maple (Acer rubrum):** Known for its stunning fall foliage, the red maple grows at a moderate rate and prefers full sun to partial shade. It's a great choice for a shade tree or specimen plant.

Shrubs

**Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.):** Hydrangeas come in various sizes and types, offering beautiful summer flowers and fall color. They prefer partial shade and consistent moisture.

**Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.):** Blueberries are excellent fall plants that provide beautiful fall color and delicious berries in the summer. They prefer full sun and well-drained, acidic soil.

Perennials and Grasses

Fall is also a great time to plant perennials and ornamental grasses. These plants will establish strong root systems and may even bloom in their first year.

When selecting perennials and grasses, consider their size, color, and bloom time. Here are some great options for Zone 7:

Perennials

**Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta):** This cheerful flower blooms from summer to fall and attracts pollinators. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

**Astilbe (Astilbe spp.):** Also known as false spirea, astilbe provides beautiful feathery plumes in summer and fall. It prefers partial shade and consistent moisture.

Ornamental Grasses

**Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'):** This tall, upright grass provides texture and movement to the garden. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

**Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue'):** This low-growing grass provides beautiful blue-green foliage and is drought-tolerant once established. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

As you prepare your garden for the coming seasons, remember that fall is a time of transition. Embrace the change and use it to your advantage by planting a variety of trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses that will thrive in your Zone 7 garden. Happy planting!