Best Plants to Grow in Missouri

Want to know about the best plants according to the Planting Zones of Missouri? Keep on reading to get all the details!

Missouri, situated in the heart of the United States, boasts a range of USDA Hardiness Zones (5 to 7) due to its diverse climate and geographical variations. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about the planting zones of Missouri, providing local gardeners with valuable insights to make informed decisions for thriving landscapes.

What Exactly are Planting Zones

Planting zones, as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), are geographical areas characterized by their average annual minimum temperatures. For Missouri gardeners, understanding the planting zones is akin to having a map that directs them toward planting success.

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USDA Hardiness Zones in Missouri

Missouri’s varied topography, ranging from the Ozarks to the plains, results in a diverse range of microclimates. These microclimates, in turn, lead to various USDA Hardiness Zones found throughout the state. Here’s a breakdown of the different zones you’ll encounter in Missouri:

Zone 5a: Encompasses the northern parts of Missouri, including cities like Kansas City. This zone experiences winter temperatures that may plummet from -15°F to -20°F, making it essential to select plants well-suited to these cold conditions.
Zone 5b: Includes areas near St. Louis, where winters are slightly milder with lows of -10°F to -15°F. While this zone experiences relatively warmer temperatures, it’s still important to consider cold-hardy plant options.
Zone 6a: Spans central portions of the state, like Springfield, where winter lows average between -5°F to -10°F. This zone offers a longer growing season compared to its northern counterparts discussed above.
Zone 6b: Covers regions around Jefferson City, where winter temperatures range from 0°F to -5°F. It’s important to take advantage of the more temperate climate in this zone.
Zone 7a: Includes the southernmost parts of Missouri, like Cape Girardeau. Winter lows average 0°F to 5°F, allowing for a broader range of plant choices.
Zone 7b: Encompasses a small southeast corner of the state with even warmer winters, averaging 5°F to 10°F. This zone provides opportunities for some subtropical plant selections.

Factors Influencing Missouri’s Planting Zones

Missouri’s diverse climate results from various factors, including elevation, proximity to water bodies, and its position within the continent.

This is why this US state experiences both continental and subtropical influences, leading to temperature extremes and distinct precipitation patterns.

The convergence of these factors creates a unique mosaic of microclimates, each contributing to the overall planting zones found in the state.

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Best Plants for Missouri

Choosing plants that thrive in your Zone is essential for gardening success. Let’s explore some of the options for each zone and provide insights into selecting the ideal plants:

1. Zone 5a

Ideal Plants: Opt for cold-hardy varieties like peonies, Siberian iris, and snowdrops. These plants can withstand the harsh winters in this zone.

2. Zone 5b

Ideal Plants: Consider plants like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths for their early spring charm. These plants can brighten up your garden as winter transitions into spring.

3. Zone 6a

Ideal Plants: Embrace plants like hostas, astilbes, and hydrangeas that thrive in milder temperatures. These plants enjoy the longer growing season of Zone 6a.

4. Zone 6b

Ideal Plants: Opt for ornamental grasses, daylilies, and phlox to complement this zone’s climate. These plants can add beauty to your garden throughout the growing season.

5. Zone 7a

Ideal Plants: Consider plants like crepe myrtles, camellias, and magnolias that flourish in milder winters. These plants can bring beauty and fragrance to your garden.

6. Zone 7b

Ideal Plants: Choose subtropical plants like citrus trees, palms, and hibiscus that thrive in this warmer zone. These plants can bring a touch of the tropics to your landscape.

Ideal Trees & Shrubs for Missouri’s Planting Zones

When it comes to creating a lush and vibrant landscape, a wide range of plant types can be considered. Here’s a breakdown of ideal plants for each zone, divided into different categories:

1. Trees

Zone 5a: Choose hardy trees like red maple, white pine, and chinese flame . These trees can withstand the colder temperatures of this zone.
Zone 5b: Opt for trees such as redbud, dogwood, and sugar maple. These trees add color and beauty to your landscape.
Zone 6a: Consider trees like oak, maple, and hickory. These trees thrive in the milder temperatures of Zone 6a.
Zone 6b: Choose trees such as cypress, sweetgum, and cedar. These trees enhance the visual appeal of your garden.
Zone 7a: Opt for trees like magnolia, southern live oak, and sweetbay magnolia. These trees flourish in the milder winters of Zone 7a.
Zone 7b: Consider trees such as palm, citrus, and crepe myrtle. These subtropical trees can add an exotic touch to your landscape.

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2. Shrubs

Zone 5a: Choose shrubs like forsythia, viburnum, and spirea. These shrubs bring early spring color to your garden.
Zone 5b: Opt for shrubs such as lilac, potentilla, and hydrangea. These shrubs thrive in the slightly warmer temperatures of Zone 5b.
Zone 6a: Consider shrubs like azalea, boxwood, and weigela. These shrubs add beauty to your landscape throughout the growing season.
Zone 6b: Choose shrubs such as butterfly bush, ninebark, and rose of Sharon. These shrubs attract pollinators and add charm to your garden.
Zone 7a: Opt for shrubs like camellia, abelia, and gardenia. These shrubs thrive in the milder winters of Zone 7a.
Zone 7b: Consider shrubs such as hibiscus, oleander, and tropical hibiscus. These subtropical shrubs can create a tropical oasis in your garden.

3. Perennial Flowers

Zone 5a: Choose perennials like coneflower, Russian sage, and hosta. These flowers can withstand the colder temperatures of this zone.
Zone 5b: Opt for perennials such as daylily, iris, and coreopsis. These flowers add color and charm to your garden.
Zone 6a: Consider perennials like astilbe, phlox, and rudbeckia. These flowers thrive in the milder temperatures of Zone 6a.
Zone 6b: Choose perennials such as sedum, black-eyed Susan, and bee balm. These flowers attract pollinators and enhance your garden.
Zone 7a: Opt for perennials like salvia, yarrow, and gaillardia. These flowers flourish in the milder winters of Zone 7a.
Zone 7b: Consider perennials such as lantana, agapanthus, and canna lily. These subtropical perennials add a burst of color to your landscape.

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4. Annual Flowers

Zone 5a: Choose annuals like pansy, snapdragon, and viola. These flowers bring vibrant colors to your garden in early spring.
Zone 5b: Opt for annuals such as petunia, marigold, and zinnia. These flowers thrive in the warmer temperatures of Zone 5b.
Zone 6a: Consider annuals like begonia, impatiens, and celosia. These flowers add beauty to your garden throughout the growing season.
Zone 6b: Choose annuals such as cosmos, sunflowers, and portulacas. These flowers attract pollinators and create a cheerful display.
Zone 7a: Opt for annuals like geranium, lobelia, and salvia. These flowers thrive in the milder winters of Zone 7a.
Zone 7b: Consider annuals such as verbena, gazania, and pentas. These subtropical annuals add a tropical flair to your garden.