Georgia Climate Snapshot
Understanding your local climate is key to creating a thriving, low-maintenance garden
Hardiness Zones
6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Annual Rainfall
45–55 inches annually (Atlanta 50 inches; Savannah 49 inches), fairly well distributed
Frost Window
Last frost: March 15–25 (Atlanta) to February 15–28 (Savannah/coastal); first frost: November 15 (Atlanta) to December 1 (Savannah)
Water Notes
High summer humidity causes fungal disease pressure — overhead watering encourages black spot and powdery mildew. Occasional summer drought in July–August despite overall high rainfall; Atlanta has periodic water restrictions during drought years.
Popular Landscaping Styles
Discover design styles perfectly suited to Georgia's unique climate and landscape
Classic design with azaleas, camellias, and magnolias
Key Features:
- •Spring-blooming azaleas
- •Camellia hedges
- •Magnolia and dogwood trees
- •Brick or gravel pathways
Layered planting under tree canopy with hostas and ferns
Key Features:
- •Hostas and hellebores
- •Native ferns
- •Coral bells and astilbe
- •Moss-lined pathways
Naturalized design with Southeastern native plants
Key Features:
- •Native understory trees
- •Wildflower drifts
- •Pine straw mulch
- •Wildlife habitat layers
Contemporary take on Southern garden with native plants
Key Features:
- •Clean-lined planting beds
- •Native ornamental grasses
- •Architectural evergreens
- •Outdoor living integration
Recommended Plant Palettes
Native and adapted plants that thrive in Georgia's climate
Azalea
Rhododendron spp.
Spring blooms in pink, white, coral; prefers acidic soil
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia
White summer flowers; burgundy fall foliage
Eastern Redbud
Cercis canadensis
Pink-purple spring flowers before leaves
Southern Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora
Evergreen tree with huge fragrant white flowers
Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica
Summer blooms in many colors; excellent bark
Confederate Jasmine
Trachelospermum jasminoides
Fragrant white flowers; evergreen vine
Loropetalum
Loropetalum chinense
Pink or white fringe flowers; burgundy foliage varieties
Lantana
Lantana camara
Multicolored flower clusters; attracts butterflies
Hosta
Hosta spp.
Bold foliage in countless varieties
Autumn Fern
Dryopteris erythrosora
Coppery new growth; evergreen
Lenten Rose
Helleborus orientalis
Early spring flowers; evergreen foliage
Japanese Forest Grass
Hakonechloa macra
Cascading golden foliage in shade
Seasonal Garden Checklist
Your year-round guide to maintaining a beautiful Georgia garden
Plant cool-season vegetables and pansies
Mulch beds with pine straw or hardwood
Prune summer-blooming shrubs
Fertilize azaleas and camellias
Divide perennials and refresh mulch
Monitor for and treat common pests
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about landscaping in Georgia
Explore Garden Styles in Georgia
Browse detailed design guides with climate-adapted tips and plant lists for Georgia.
Free Planning Tools
Use our free tools to plan and build your Georgia garden.
Ready to Design Your Georgia Garden?
Upload a photo of your yard and get AI-powered garden designs tailored to Georgia's climate with native and adapted plants.
Design Your Garden