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Flowers That Grow Well in Zone 5 in the Southeast With Sun Exposure

Living in the Southeastern U.S. offers gardeners many choices. The summer heat brings out many flower possibilities. What you grow depends on the amount of space you have and the type soil in your area. Test the soil's pH and add amendments, such as compost and pine straw as needed, especially for clay soils. Select sun-loving flowering plants in early spring or autumn from a nearby quality nursery.
  1. Annuals and Wildflowers

    • If you live in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 5 locales in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, you can grow dozens of different wildflower and annual types. Petunias, pansies, marigolds, daisies, poppies, baby's breath, foxglove, forget-me-nots, snapdragons and nasturtiums give your garden a colorful start. Cosmos, asters, coreopsis, alyssum, sunflowers and bluebonnets are others that do well in the sun. Some plants listed as annuals may reseed in the Southern states, too.

    Roses

    • Roses can be climbers or shrubs.

      Few plants rival the rose for blooms and scent. Grow hybrid teas, climbers, floribundas, moss roses and damasks in the garden's sunny spots. The come in red, yellow, purple, pink, white and other colors. Roses come back year after year with proper care and pruning. Choose healthy plants and feed them regularly with organic fertilizers and compost. Mulching helps conserve moisture, especially in those hot Southern summers.

    Bulbs

    • Lilies abound in many Southeastern gardens. Daylilies come in many colors, and some are scented. Other suitable bulbs are tulips, daffodils, irises and gladiolas. Many bulbs require planting in the fall, so prepare the soil before there's any chance for a potential frost or very cold temperatures. Plant the bulbs in full sun where you can enjoy views of the flowers out your windows. These also make nice cutting flowers.

    Other Perennials

    • The hydrangea flowers' color depends on the soil's pH.

      Hydrangeas are common plants in the Southeast. Their large, fat bloom heads are blue or pink depending on the soil's acidity. Jasmine vines grow easily and have a nice fragrance. Gardenias are shrubs with flowers that are not only beautiful and delicate, but their fragrance is very pleasant. Dogwoods are actual trees that flower in the early spring, as do plum and Bradford pears. The blossoms come in the common white or pink.