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Plant Guide

Best Plants for New York, New York

📍 New York, NY 🌡️ USDA Zone 7a/7b 🌱 347+ compatible plants

Gardening in New York

New York falls in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a/7b, which means your plants need to survive winters with minimum temperatures in the 0°F to 10°F range. The 347+ plants below are proven performers for your zone — including deer-resistant varieties, pet-friendly options, and pollinator-attracting species.

Top Plant Picks for New York

Butterfly Bush
Butterfly Bush
Buddleja davidii
Vibrant purple blooms burst from summer to fall, attracting butterflies in a dazzling display of color. This drought-tolerant shrub thrives in USDA zones 5-9 and is low maintenance.
Zone 5–9🐝 Pollinator
Maiden Grass
Maiden Grass
Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'
Graceful plumes of silvery pink bloom in late summer, adding elegant movement and texture to any garden. This low-maintenance grass thrives in USDA zones 5-9 and is deer resistant.
Zone 4–9🦌 Deer-Resistant🐾 Pet-Friendly†
Crocosmia Lucifer
Crocosmia Lucifer
Crocosmia Lucifer
Fiery red blooms light up summer gardens with vibrant, arching spikes that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. This deer-resistant, drought-tolerant beauty thrives in USDA zones 5-9.
Zone 5–9🦌 Deer-Resistant🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
Yellowwood
Yellowwood
Cladrastis kentukea
Showy clusters of fragrant white blooms appear in late spring, lighting up landscapes with their elegance. This low-maintenance tree thrives in USDA zones 4-8 and is highly deer resistant.
Zone 4–8🦌 Deer-Resistant🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
Russian Sage
Russian Sage
Perovskia atriplicifolia
Sky-blue blooms from July to October create airy, vibrant spikes that brighten any full sun garden. This deer-resistant beauty thrives in zones 4-9 and attracts buzzing pollinators all season long.
Zone 4–9🦌 Deer-Resistant🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
Dahlia
Dahlia
Dahlia pinnata
Vibrant pink and white blooms dazzle from June to September, adding long-lasting color to sunny gardens. Low-maintenance and pollinator-friendly, this Dahlia thrives in USDA zones 4-9 with medium water needs.
Zone 4–9🐝 Pollinator
Linden Tree
Linden Tree
Tilia spp.
Fragrant yellow and white blooms from June to September make this tree a stunning summer highlight. Attracting pollinators and thriving in zones 4-9, it’s low maintenance and dog- and cat-friendly.
Zone 4–9🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
Coreopsis
Coreopsis
Coreopsis grandiflora
Bright yellow, daisy-like blooms light up gardens from early summer to fall with a cheerful, long-lasting display. Thrives in USDA zones 4-9, offering low maintenance and attracting pollinators with ease.
Zone 4–9🦌 Deer-Resistant🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
Scabiosa
Scabiosa
Scabiosa columbaria
Delicate pale blue blooms brighten summer gardens with a charming, airy presence. This deer-resistant perennial thrives in USDA zones 3-9 and attracts abundant pollinators.
Zone 5–9🦌 Deer-Resistant🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
American Hornbeam
American Hornbeam
Carpinus caroliniana
Delicate blue-green leaves turn vibrant orange and red in fall, adding stunning seasonal color. This shade-tolerant tree thrives in USDA zones 3-9 and is deer resistant.
Zone 3–9🦌 Deer-Resistant🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
Paper Birch
Paper Birch
Betula papyrifera
Striking white bark peels beautifully in spring and summer, adding year-round interest to landscapes. This low-maintenance tree thrives in USDA zones 2-6 and resists deer browsing.
Zone 2–7🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
Flowering Dogwood
Flowering Dogwood
Cornus florida
Showy white blossoms bloom in spring, creating a stunning display that brightens any landscape. This low-maintenance tree thrives in USDA zones 5-9 and is deer resistant.
Zone 5–9🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator

Get a Personalized Plant List for New York

Answer 4 quick questions about your yard — sun, soil, deer pressure, and pet situation — and get a custom list of plants that will thrive in Zone 7a/7b.

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Other Cities in Zone 7a/7b

Philadelphia, PA Nashville, TN Oklahoma City, OK Washington, DC Memphis, TN Baltimore, MD Albuquerque, NM Raleigh, NC Tulsa, OK

Browse All 347+ Plants for Zone 7a/7b

The 12 picks above are a sample. Use the full directory to filter by sun, water, deer resistance, and more.

View All Zone 7 Plants →

† "Pet-friendly" means not listed as toxic by ASPCA for dogs and/or cats. Always supervise pets around plants. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435.