The Best Plants For USDA Zone 6

Bee Balm (Monarda) — PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Cold winters, warm summers, and a mid-length growing season mean plenty of planting options for USDA Zone 6. From bulbs like crocus and daffodils to woody shrubs like the azalea, the floral offerings for Zone 6 are top notch. But knowing when to plant, when to prune, and when to throw in the towel for a less finnicky flower (looking at you, rose) is key. Here we’ve listed some of the best plants to grow in USDA Zone 6 along with information to help you determine if it’s the right pick for your yard.

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Herbaceous Perennial: Astilbe (Astilbe Japonica)

These shade-loving perennials grow in clump-like formations. They feature fern-like leaves and feathery plumes in shades ranging from white to burgundy that appear in late spring and early summer. Astilbe require rich, moist soil, and can stand a little sunlight in more northern locations. They can be planted in either the spring or fall, but you’ll want to avoid summer planting. If plants start to get too full or you want to plant more, you can divide existing mature plants as they spread quickly and easily. They like deep watering every week. Mulch in the spring with organic bark mulch to help maintain appropriate soil moisture levels. Deadheading is not essential though you can opt to do so after flowers fade to keep the plant looking tidy. Prune to the ground in the fall to reduce chance of disease and other concerns.

USDA Growing Zones: 4-9
Bloom/Foliage Color: white, pink, red/burgundy
Light Requirements: partial to full shade
Soil Requirements: moist, well drained
Water Requirements: heavy watering every week

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Woody Shrub: Azalea (Rhododendron)

Azaleas come in many varieties and are native to the United States and Asia. They are typically between six- to 10-feet tall and oftentimes nearly as wide. They need protection from harsh afternoon sun and both overwatering and over-fertilizing should be avoided. They can be pruned after blooming in April. They’re not to be confused with the rhododendron of the same genus which blooms later in the spring and feature bell-shaped blooms with 10 or more stamens, rather than the azalea’s funnel-shaped bloom with 5 stamens. Azaleas absorb water through both their roots and leaves so include both when you water.

USDA Growing Zones: 4-8
Bloom/Foliage Color: white, yellow, orange, red, purple, lavender, pink
Light Requirements: Dappled sun, afternoon shade
Soil Requirements: moist, well-drained
Water Requirements: both leaves and root zone must be watered

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Perennial: Smooth Purple Coneflower (Echinacea Laevigata)

This easy-to-grow wildflower that takes its name from the cone-like center of its flower is native to Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. You can find smooth purple coneflowers growing along the side of the road just as you would find it planted in gardens. Once it’s established it’s remarkably resilient, able to put up with drought, humidity, heat, and even unideal soil. It grows up to 5 feet in height with a span of just 1.5 feet. It blooms in the summer and self-seeds. While you can deadhead, leave a few of the blooms around for both reseeding and the birds.

USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
Bloom/Foliage Color: pink, purple
Light Requirements: full sun
Soil Requirements: moist, well drained
Water Requirements: medium to minimal watering

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Perennial: Bee Balm (Monarda)

Plant bee balm in your yard and you’ll quickly see where this fragrant flowering perennial gets its name. It attracts a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. One of the primary issues associated with bee balm is powdery mildew, but regular watering should help. They often range in height from two to four feet, but can be taller. You can deadhead if you don’t want them to self-seed. Instead, prune in the late spring or even into summer if you want to push back the bloom schedule.