Cottage Garden Plants for Zone 8

Strawberry-Tree

• Strawberry-tree (Arbutus unedo) is a rounded evergreen shrub or small tree growing 8 to 15 feet tall with a spread equally around. Over time, the tree takes on a twisted structure with dark reddish-brown bark that flakes and shreds. Its leaves are dark green and leathery with red stems. In late fall or early winter, the strawberry-tree produces showy white or pink blossoms and is appropriate for cottage gardens in hardiness zone 8.

Mexican Orange

• Mexican orange (Choisya ternata) is a dense evergreen shrub that grows to about 6 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. Mexican orange shrubs produce fragrant white flowers in spring through late summer. This shrub does well in hardiness zones 7 to 10.

Baby's Breath

• Baby's breath (Gypsophila paniculata) is a perennial flower that grows well in hardiness zone 8. Baby's breath grows 18 to 36 inches tall with delicate, round white or pink flowers. It prefers full sun and well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.

Hardy Begonia

• The hardy begonia (Begonia grandis) will grow well in hardiness zones 6 through 9. This perennial flower will grow to about 2 feet tall and prefers partial shade with rich, moist soil. Hardy begonia, a Southern heirloom plant, can be used as a shady border plant in the cottage garden.

English Daisy

• Reminiscent of old English gardens, the English daisy (Bellis perennis) is also commonly known as true daisy. The English daisy prefers some sun with shade in the afternoon and grows to 6 to 12 inches tall. Its flowers are semi double or double, white or pink and round in shape. A perennial in cooler temperatures, the English daisy is grown as an annual in hardiness zone 8 and above.