Tennessee has hot, humid summers and mild winters. Rain peaks in spring and early summer, while fall tends to dry out. This combination supports a wide range of perennials, shrubs, native trees and annuals.
For your Nashville landscaping, this means choosing plants that can handle intense humidity, summer thunderstorms, occasional frost, and fall dry spells. Plants should also be ready for the urban heat island of Nashville’s core. Keep reading to discover the best plants for Tennessee’s climate, with Milosi Landscape!
Top Perennial Flowers to Brighten Your Beds
Perennials come back year after year, making them a smart investment. Consider:
- Black‑eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Thrives in full sun, heat‑tolerant, and brings bright summer blooms.
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Loved by pollinators, it’s deer‑resistant and drought‑resilient.
- Salvia (Salvia nemorosa): Long‑blooming with upright spikes; great for pollinator gardens.
- Pansies (Viola tricolor var. hortensis): Ideal for fall/winter bloom; they tolerate cold and mild winters well.
For a pollinator and low‑maintenance garden, mix these with native Southern bush honeysuckle (Diervilla sessilifolia); a native Tennessee shrubby perennial that attracts bees and hummingbirds!
Best Shrubs & Trees for Nashville Landscaping
To give structure and year-round appeal, use shrubs and small trees suited to Tennessee’s climate:
- Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora): Classic evergreen with bold, fragrant flowers.
- Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica): A Nashville summer staple—heat‑tough, colorful, and versatile.
- Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana): Semi-evergreen, fragrant, and adaptable to varied conditions.
- River Birch (Betula nigra): Handles moist spots, adds architectural interest, and tolerates Nashville’s soils.
These strengthen Nashville landscaping by offering seasonal interest and resilience to storms and temperature swings.
Native & Drought‑Tolerant Perennials for Sustainable Gardens
Choosing native and drought‑tolerant species supports biodiversity and reduces maintenance. Try:
- Eastern Blazing Star (Liatris spicata): Purple spikes that wildlife love; drought-friendly once established.
- Native Wildflowers & Grasses: As promoted by Nashville area commercial landscape trends, they offer beauty with minimal upkeep.
- Yucca filamentosa & Yucca rostrata: Tough and sculptural, they survive heat, drought, and poor soil in Nashville.
- Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix): Remarkably cold‑tolerant palm option.
These hardy plants reduce water use and still thrive through summer’s humidity!
Seasonal Annuals That Shine in Tennessee
Annuals bring vibrant color when perennials are resting. For fall, choose pansies, ornamental kale, and snapdragons for cool-season color. In summer, petunias, zinnias, and marigolds add bold hues.
After planting your annuals, add fresh mulch and consistent water during scorching summer days.
Climate‑Smart Tips for Thriving Nashville Landscaping
When planning your yard, follow these best practices:
- Group plants by water need to cut waste and stress.
- Mulch beds to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Use drip irrigation or sensors.
- Plan for winter interest with evergreen species, bark texture, and structural shrubs.
A thoughtful layout ensures a garden that endures temperature swings, humidity, storms, and occasional frost.
Maintenance Made Easier by Season
Keeping plants healthy year-round includes:
- Spring: Prune dead material, add mulch, and start a moderate fertilizer.
- Summer: Stay on top of watering and deadheading, focusing on drought‑struggling plants.
- Fall: Plant bulbs, refresh mulch, and cut back perennials as they die back.
- Winter: Care for trees and shrubs with occasional pruning and inspect for damage.
Year-round landscape maintenance includes seasonal color rotation, plant care, soil and turf management, irrigation checks, and disease/insect prevention.
Choose Milosi for Your Nashville Landscaping
Milosi Landscape, serving Nashville and beyond since 2002, excels in both design and ongoing plant care, offering exceptional customer service. Our services include:
- Full landscape and hardscape design, outdoor living spaces, and custom pools.
- Seasonal maintenance programs for turf, irrigation, plant health care, color rotation.
- Personalized service with dedicated account managers.
Ready to grow something amazing? Contact us at Milosi Landscape today and let our expert Nashville landscaping transform your outdoor space!