Perennials in Middle Tennessee

Middle Tennessee consists of 41 counties east of the Tennessee River characterized by rolling hills and stream valleys. Perennials growing in this area must be able to survive in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 6 and 7.

Growing Conditions

USDA Zone 6 has average minimum annual temperatures of minus 10 to zero degrees Fahrenheit and Zone 7 has temperatures of zero to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Perennials require fertile soil conditioned with compost or fertilizer. During the wintertime, perennials need mulching, such as wood chips or straw, for protection against harsh weather.

Types

The creeping forget-me-not (Omphalodes verna) is 8 inches tall and 12 inches wide with blue flowers. The strawberry begonia (Saxifraga stolonifera) is a 6- to 8-inch tall evergreen perennial with stunning heart-shaped leaves threaded with silver. Coralbells (Heuchera sanguine) are 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide with pink, white and red flowers.

Uses

Shorter perennials placed around the edges of the flower bed help form a border for the garden. Tall perennials planted in the back of the garden make picturesque backgrounds and climbing varieties can create privacy screens. Spreading perennials fill empty spaces and serve as ground coverings.

References

• United States National Arboretum: United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map
• University of Florida Extension: Perennial Gardening in Florida
• Michigan State University Extension: Creeping Forget-Me-Not
• North Carolina State University Extension: Strawberry Begonia
• Michigan State University Extension: Coral Bells