Jonesboro, AR – JonesboroRightNow.com – Gardening is a rewarding hobby that provides a great reason to get outdoors.

Getting one’s hands dirty in the garden often pays off with a colorful, awe-inspiring, and aesthetically appealing finished product.

Craighead County falls within Zone 7b, with some areas bordering Zone 8a, according to the 2023 USDA Hardiness Zone Map. Zone 7b’s growing season is characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Average last frost dates for this region fall between March 21 and 31.

There are many suitable plants for this zone for anyone looking to garden. Fruit trees, shrubs, and especially perennials all have the potential to thrive in Craighead County.

Perennials are plants that live multiple years. Even though perennials may die back above ground each winter, their roots remain alive, which is why the colorful blooms typically return anew once warm weather makes a comeback.

Gardeners who want to capitalize on the hardiness of perennials can consider these plants for their gardens this season.

Coreopsis:

Coreopsis are perennials that thrive in a wide range of conditions, including various types of soil. So gardeners who find their soil is predominantly clay as well as those with sandy soil may be able to successfully plant coreopsis on their properties.

Better Homes & Gardens (BHG) notes coreopsis are native to the United States and produce colorful blooms that can withstand hot and dry weather throughout the summer.

Russian sage:

Russian sage produce purplish-blue flowers that BHG notes retain their color for weeks. Russian sage can be planted in a variety of the hardiness zones defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and many gardening experts recommend them to gardeners whose local climates tend to be especially hot and dry.

Hellebore:

BHG notes hellebore are ideal for gardeners who want some color in the early days of spring. Hellebore, sometimes referred to as “Lenten Roses,” have an early flowering season, so their blooms, which can be pink, white, purple, yellow, green, rose, or purple, can be a welcome sign in spring.

Baptisia:

Gardening experts note these purple-blooming perennials thrive in sun. Gardeners who want perennials with particularly long life expectancies can consider baptisia, as experts note they can live for many decades. Baptisia are drought-tolerant, and they can grow in soil that may not be considered great for other plants.

Coneflower:

The unique look of coneflowers has generated many enthusiasts of these perennials that bloom from early summer to fall. Coneflowers are highly adaptable, making them capable of growing in various zones and soil types. Once established, coneflowers are considered very drought-tolerant.

Perennials can add aesthetic appeal to landscapes year after year. Gardeners are urged to speak to experts at local gardening centers to identify the perfect plants for their gardens.