Louisiana Climate Snapshot
Understanding your local climate is key to creating a thriving, low-maintenance garden
Hardiness Zones
8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Annual Rainfall
50-65 inches annually
Frost Window
February-November
Water Notes
High rainfall; humid conditions
Popular Landscaping Styles
Discover design styles perfectly suited to Louisiana's unique climate and landscape
Intimate tropical courtyard
Key Features:
- •Tropical plants
- •Fountains
- •Container gardens
- •Brick or flagstone
Native wetland plants
Key Features:
- •Bald cypress
- •Louisiana iris
- •Swamp plants
- •Water features
Traditional Louisiana style
Key Features:
- •Camellias
- •Azaleas
- •Magnolias
- •Formal elements
Bold tropical plantings
Key Features:
- •Palms
- •Gingers
- •Elephant ears
- •Bright colors
Recommended Plant Palettes
Native and adapted plants that thrive in Louisiana's climate
Louisiana Iris
Iris giganticaerulea
State wildflower; blue blooms
Bald Cypress
Taxodium distichum
State tree; wetland specialist
Trumpet Creeper
Campsis radicans
Orange tubular flowers
Swamp Sunflower
Helianthus angustifolius
Yellow flowers for wet areas
Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica
Summer flowering tree
Lantana
Lantana camara
Heat and drought tolerant
Plumbago
Plumbago auriculata
Blue flowers all summer
Pentas
Pentas lanceolata
Butterfly magnet
Camellia
Camellia japonica
Winter blooming shrub
Azalea
Rhododendron spp.
Spring flowering shrub
Cast Iron Plant
Aspidistra elatior
Extremely shade tolerant
Ginger
Hedychium spp.
Fragrant tropical foliage
Seasonal Garden Checklist
Your year-round guide to maintaining a beautiful Louisiana garden
Plant cool-season vegetables
Plant spring bulbs
Prune roses and trees
Plant warm-season annuals
Plant summer vegetables
Mulch and water heavily
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about landscaping in Louisiana
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