Maryland Climate Snapshot
Understanding your local climate is key to creating a thriving, low-maintenance garden
Hardiness Zones
6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a
Annual Rainfall
40-50 inches annually
Frost Window
April-November
Water Notes
Moderate rainfall; well-distributed
Popular Landscaping Styles
Discover design styles perfectly suited to Maryland's unique climate and landscape
Coastal and estuarine plants
Key Features:
- •Salt-tolerant plants
- •Waterfront design
- •Maritime plants
- •Bay-friendly
Rolling hills and traditional style
Key Features:
- •Mixed woodlands
- •Perennial gardens
- •Formal elements
- •Four-season interest
Western Maryland highlands
Key Features:
- •Conifers
- •Rock gardens
- •Cold-hardy plants
- •Naturalistic
City and rowhouse gardens
Key Features:
- •Small spaces
- •Container gardening
- •Shade plants
- •Historic plants
Recommended Plant Palettes
Native and adapted plants that thrive in Maryland's climate
Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
State flower; yellow and black
White Oak
Quercus alba
State tree; deciduous hardwood
Eastern Redbud
Cercis canadensis
Early spring flowers
Maryland Golden Aster
Chrysopsis mariana
Native wildflower
Bayberry
Myrica pensylvanica
Salt-tolerant shrub
Beach Plum
Prunus maritima
Coastal fruit shrub
Rosa Rugosa
Rosa rugosa
Salt-tolerant rose
Seaside Goldenrod
Solidago sempervirens
Coastal wildflower
Eastern Hemlock
Tsuga canadensis
Native evergreen
Trout Lily
Erythronium americanum
Spring ephemeral
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Arisaema triphyllum
Woodland spring flower
Christmas Fern
Polystichum acrostichoides
Evergreen fern
Seasonal Garden Checklist
Your year-round guide to maintaining a beautiful Maryland garden
Plant spring bulbs
Protect tender plants
Start seeds indoors
Plant cool-season crops
Plant trees and shrubs
Plant warm-season vegetables
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about landscaping in Maryland
Explore Garden Styles in Maryland
Browse detailed design guides with climate-adapted tips and plant lists for Maryland.
Free Planning Tools
Use our free tools to plan and build your Maryland garden.
Ready to Design Your Maryland Garden?
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