About This Collection
Zone 8 is one of the most diverse climate zones in the United States, spanning the mild, rainy Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Portland), the hot and humid Gulf Coast (Houston, New Orleans), and the warm, dry climate of parts of California and Arizona. What these regions share is mild winters — temperatures rarely drop below 10°F — paired with long, warm growing seasons.
Zone 8 gardeners have access to an extraordinary range of plants. Broadleaf evergreens like camellias, gardenias, and Southern magnolias thrive here. Mediterranean herbs — rosemary, lavender, and sage — grow as perennials rather than annuals. Ornamental grasses, agapanthus, and crape myrtles provide summer color and winter structure.
The challenge in Zone 8 is often heat and drought tolerance rather than cold hardiness. PlantWise filters for plants that handle both the mild winters and the hot summers typical of Zone 8 climates.
Find Zone 8 Plants for My Yard → or browse the interactive directory.
Featured Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
What does USDA Zone 8 mean?
Zone 8 means your average annual minimum winter temperature is between 10°F and 20°F (-12°C to -7°C). Winters are mild enough for many broadleaf evergreens to survive outdoors year-round.
What states are in Zone 8?
Zone 8 includes western Washington and Oregon (Seattle, Portland), coastal California, the Gulf Coast states (Houston, New Orleans, Jacksonville), and parts of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Parts of Arizona and New Mexico also fall in Zone 8.
Can I grow tropical plants in Zone 8?
Some tropicals survive Zone 8 winters with protection or in sheltered spots. Bananas, cannas, and elephant ears often return from the roots even if tops freeze. True tropicals (hibiscus, bougainvillea) need frost protection or must be overwintered indoors.
What are the best shrubs for Zone 8?
Top Zone 8 shrubs include knockout roses, camellias, gardenias, crape myrtles, loropetalum, abelia, and southern indica azaleas. Most provide year-round interest with minimal care in Zone 8 climates.