Zone 7 Landscape Plants

Magnolia

• The magnolia is a low-maintenance tree that is relatively disease and pest free. There are about 80 different varieties and each have large flowers that bloom in the spring. Magnolias come in a variety of sizes, guaranteeing there is one right for any space in the yard. The Ann and Jane magnolias are shrublike trees that reach a mature heigth of between 8 and 10 feet, while the Goldfinch and Anise magnolias mature at between 30 and 40 feet. Flowers are typically white or pink, but there is some variety among cultivars. After the flowers drop, they form seed pods that resemble pine cones. Magnolias should be planted in areas where they are sheltered from direct wind, in full sun or partial shade. They will attract wild birds with their seed cones.

Smoketree

• The smoketree is named for its distinctive flowers, which resemble puffs of smoke. There are several varieties that are suited to the cold winter lows of Zone 7, including velvet cloak, royal purple, daydream and nordine. Between 8 and 18 feet tall depending on the variety, smoketrees have oval leaves that turn shades of red and orange in the autumn months. Pruning should be done in the spring before the leaves begin to develop; if the tree is pruned too late, it will not develop its trademark flowers. Caution should be taken with this plant around children and pets, as the seeds are poisonous.

Maple

• The maple tree also is well suited to the Zone 7 climate, with a number of varieties recommended for this--and surrounding--zones. The Freeman maple is a hybrid created from the red and silver maples. It is fast growing, with a mature height of up to 60 feet and a spread of between 20 and 40 feet, making it an excellent shade tree. Prefering full sun and well-drained soils, the Freeman maple is considered a hardy tree that does well in a city environment. Red maples and sugar maples also do well in Zone 7, and all varieties have eye-catching fall foliage that includes yellows, reds and oranges.

English ivy

• Varieties of English ivy commonly are used not only as ground cover, but also in elevated planters and containers where they are allowed to grow into cascades of green leaves. English ivy also can be used in creating topiaries, as the long, leafy vines are easy to train around a metal framework. This plant does well in drained, fertilized soil; where the soil is nutrient rich, it is extremely fast growing and may require pruning. Ivy vines can be trimmed to remain inside a flowerbed border or trained to grow up the sides of trees, buildings, latticework or pergolas, making them a beautiful backdrop to any landscape.