Gardeners in the Peach State are blessed with a long growing season, with hot summers and mild winters common throughout the state. But what planting zone is Georgia in? Georgia’s hardiness zones range from zone 7a to 9b.
In this article, we’ll discuss what that means for Georgia homeowners and gardeners so you can select the right plants and grasses for your yard.
What zone is north Georgia?
North Georgia comprises hardiness zones 7a, 7b, and 8a. North Georgia is formed by three physiographic provinces: The Blue Ridge, the Appalachian Plateau, and the Ridge and Valley region.
Because of the varying altitudes in the region, minimum average winter temperatures also vary. The northernmost counties like Union, for example, have minimum averages that vary from 0 to 5 F (zone 7a) and to 5 F to 10 F (zone 7b). Other cities, like Marietta, lie in the 8a zone, with a minimum average ranging from 10 F to 15 F.
Plants to grow in north Georgia
Ayotte, Gilles, 1948- | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0
The best plants for north Georgia are those native to the region. Native plants are naturally adapted to the local weather and climate. Here are a few plants that are native to northern Georgia:
- Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis): This evergreen tree with feathery branches is perfect for the Appalachian Plateau, where the winters are cool and summers are not as hot.
- Bellwort (Uvularia perfoliata): A perennial herb that has an interesting flowering pattern, the bellwort’s hanging flower stems appear right out of the center of the leaf. This herb is also a possible addition for landscapes in the Appalachian Plateau.
- Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis): This perennial tree is the largest birch out of the other eastern birches. Great for the Ridge and Valley area, where the weather is similar to the Appalachian Plateau.
- Piedmont azalea (Rhododendron canescens): This deciduous shrub with showy pink or white flowers is well-adapted to high-altitude areas such as the Blue Ridge.
- Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia): Thriving in wet areas, this evergreen shrub will do well in gardens in the Blue Ridge region. Considered one of the most beautiful flowering shrubs, its unique flowers will certainly embellish your home.
Best grass to grow in north Georgia
Forest & Kim Starr | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 3.0
North Georgia is in a transition zone, where both warm-season and cool-season grasses can grow.
The best grass seeds for north Georgia are:
- Turf-type tall fescue
- Zoysiagrass
- Bermudagrass
- Perennial ryegrass
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Fine fescue
What zone is central Georgia?
The large area of central Georgia is located in the Piedmont, comprising planting zones 8a and 8b. Cities like Decatur, which are located in the upper parts of the region, are in zone 8a.
As you go further down, close to the Coastal Plain, the climate gets warmer, and more and more cities, like Augusta, fall in zone 8b. The fall line, the border that separates the Piedmont from the Coastal Plain, is also considered part of central Georgia.
Plants to grow in central Georgia
DM | Flickr | CC BY-ND 2.0
The climate in central Georgia is generally hot and humid, with cool winters. Rainfall is more concentrated in the upper part of the Piedmont than in the southern area. Some of the best native plants to grow in central Georgia are:
- Piedmont azalea (Rhododendron canescens): This deciduous shrub has fragrant white or pink flowers.
- Red maple (Acer rubrum): A deciduous tree with beautiful color in fall, when the leaves turn a stunning red or orange color.
- River birch (Betula nigra): This deciduous tree has an interesting exfoliating bark and beautiful yellow fall color.
- Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis): A perennial wetland flowering plant that hummingbirds love.
- American holly (Ilex opaca): This evergreen tree produces beautiful red berries and pointy leaves. It is also commonly found in dry and sandy soils in south Georgia.
Best grass to grow in central Georgia
Central Georgia occupies almost 1/3 of the state, and the weather is generally warmer than in north Georgia. In the Piedmont region, warm-season grasses are the best options.
According to the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Zoysiagrass is one of the best choices for central Georgia. Other viable options are:
- Bermudagrass
- St. Augustinegrass
- Centipedegrass
What zone is south Georgia?
Located in the Coastal Plain region, south Georgia includes hardiness zones 8b, 9a, and 9b. Savannah, the oldest city in Georgia, is in zone 9a, while Columbus is 8b. This high-precipitation area, especially on the coast, has only a few hard freezes a year.
Plants to grow in south Georgia
Kerry Wixted | Flickr | CC BY 2.0
Going with the native plants of the region promotes a healthy ecosystem while requiring less time and resources spent on maintaining your garden:
- Yellow jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens): This evergreen vine produces beautiful yellow flowers but has a high flammability rating and high poison characteristics.
- Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata): This perennial flower has cute pink flowers and is a host for the endangered monarch butterfly.
- Common white snakeroot (Ageratina altissima): An herbaceous perennial that produces small, fluffy white flowers that provide nectar to butterflies and other beneficial pollinators.
Best grass to grow in south Georgia
Michael Rivera | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0
South Georgia, just like Central Georgia, is a favorable region for warm-season grasses that can handle the hot temperatures and high humidity of the area. The best options for homeowners to build a beautiful Georgia landscape in their yards are:
- St. Augustinegrass
- Zoysiagrass
- Centipedegrass
- Bermudagrass
More Georgia resources
In case you’d like to learn more about lawn care and maintenance, we have other Lawn Love articles that might interest you:
- How and When to Plant Grass Seed in Georgia
- When to Aerate Your Lawn in Georgia
- Month-to-Month Lawn Care Calendar for Georgia
FAQ about planting in Georgia
What are the USDA hardiness zones?
The USDA hardiness zones are a general guide to help you choose which perennials to plant based on the average minimum temperatures in each state. These minimum averages are divided into 13 zones, and each of these zones is subdivided into an “a” and “b.”
You can use the hardiness zones in your yard as a way to know which plants will thrive in your region and which plants will not.
What planting zone is Atlanta, Georgia?
The planting zone for Atlanta, Georgia is USDA hardiness zone 8a.
What are common weeds in Georgia?
Some common weeds in Georgia lawns are:
- Dandelions
- Chickweed
- Wild onion
- Crabgrass
But don’t worry, weeds can be controlled by applying pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicides in Georgia.
Contact a pro
Still not sure which plants or grasses would fit right into your yard? Consult with a lawn care professional. We have qualified Lawn Love pros in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Decatur, and Marietta, to name a few cities, who have the right tools and expertise to transform your lawn into your dream landscape. Get in touch today.
Main Image Credit: Warren LeMay | Flickr | CC0 1.0
