Plants that thrive in zone 8 gardens can withstand temperatures of 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Mulching, irrigation, and good site selection can all help to alleviate this problem. Alternatively, you may plant early-spring bloomers that will grow and bloom before the summer heat hits. Perennials should be included in your garden if you enjoy plants that survive for a long period. These plants will last more than two years in your garden, producing a lovely scene.

Some zone 8 perennials are grown for their leaves, while others are grown for their blooms, and yet others are grown for their ornamental value. Plant decorative grasses and ferns for zone 8 foliage consideration. For flowering perennial zone 8 gardens, consider lilies, hardy geraniums, daisies, and herbs. Take some time to figure out the microclimates your yard or garden has, whether it's an open portion of your backyard that gets direct sunlight all day, a shady region behind a large tree, a rock-covered hill, or a marshland. 

Bugleweed is a fast-growing perennial ground cover with lustrous dark green foliage and gorgeous blue, violet, or purple flower spikes. It matures to a width of 1 to 3 feet and a height of 2 to 4 inches at maturity. Bugleweed looks great in borders, rock gardens, along slopes, and in deck or porch planters. Bugleweed grows best in full to partial shade. Choose a site with good air circulation and healthy, well-draining soil. Feed bugleweed 1 inch of water weekly while the plants are establishing themselves. Give the plants 1 inch of water every two to three weeks after they've established themselves. Water the top 1 to 2 inches of soil when it becomes dry.

Daylilies are summer-blooming perennials with lovely flowers. A mature clump can yield 200-400 blooms over the course of a month or more, despite the fact that their gorgeous blooms only last a day. Daylilies are a charming addition to any landscape, whether planted alone or in mass as a slope ground cover. Daylilies require a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day to attain their full potential. They may grow in a wide range of soil conditions, from light sand to deep clay. Nonetheless, they prefer nutrient-rich loamy soil. If you have sandy soil, you might expect it to dry quickly. Water frequently during the first growing season. Only water if the weather is exceptionally dry in the future.

Bleeding heart is a shade-loving woodland plant that blooms in the cooler months of the year. The pillow-like, heart-shaped flowers that twirl like a single pendulous drop got this plant its name. After flowering, these plants die but come again next spring. A bleeding heart requires regular watering to keep the soil continually moist. The bleeding heart plant thrives in organic soil in a shady or partially shaded location. It prefers humus-rich, moist soil with plenty of organic matter, but it isn't fussy about pH. It prefers somewhat acidic soil, although it will grow in neutral soil as well. Temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal, and the bleeding heart can tolerate severe humidity.

The dark green leaves of this perennial have a clumping habit. On erect stems, this coneflower grows in clumps of 2-3 feet tall. The flowers, too, are green when they first emerge. The Firebird is a fast-growing seed that germinates in three weeks. It is, however, a biennial, blooming only in its second year of growth. Plant it in the spring or fall for the best results. It's ideal for naturalized areas, meadows, prairies, and wildflower gardens, as well as beds and borders. Coneflowers of all types thrive in full or partial sun. To establish a deep, extensive root system during the first growing season, stick to a regular watering schedule. Coneflowers prefer fertile, well-draining soil but tolerate poor soil.

In the early spring, plant new garden phlox plants. During summer, huge clusters of pink, purple, lavender, or white flowers bloom for several weeks and produce wonderful cut flowers. They should survive and return year after year if planted in a sunny location and well-draining soil.

Water garden phlox plants once a week for the first few weeks, then as needed to keep the soil mildly moist. Apply water to the soil instead of the foliage to keep the foliage as dry as possible. Garden phlox dislikes hot, humid summers, so it's not a suitable choice for Southern gardeners.

Shasta daisies bloom in 2 to 3-foot tall clusters that are 1 to 2 feet wide. They have all-white daisy petals, yellow disk florets, and glossy dark green leaves that contrast. Its leaves are considered evergreen in warm places and will last all year. These flowers should be grown in the early spring or summer, especially in colder climates. Shasta daisies sown in the fall may not establish themselves before the cold winter rolls in. Although Shasta daisies love evenly moist soil, well-established plants may withstand drought for a period of time. The Shasta daisy's survival is also dependent on excellent drainage. Although Shasta daisies will endure partial shade rather than full sun, they will not tolerate damp soil or standing water.

Beautiful variegated leaves can double or triple the height of the spotted dead nettle. When it blooms In late spring and early summer, spotted deadnettle attracts a variety of pollinators, including bumblebees. It thrives in acidic, loose, humus-rich soil. Despite its preference for wet conditions, this plant is tolerant of dry conditions and may thrive in the shadow. Poorly draining soil is unfavorable to it. They require less water if grown in full shade.  In some areas, spotted dead-nettles will become naturalized. However, this might be problematic when trying to grow them in areas where you require a well-behaved plant, like a problem region needing a ground cover.

Some creeping varieties are tall and shrub-like, while others are low-growing and vine-like. Their leaves are planted for their fine texture and spread out to softly carpet the ground, but they also produce colorful flowers. Flowering creeping thyme attracts bees and is a great addition to a honey bee-friendly garden. The pollen from the flowering thyme will really flavor the honey.

Creeping thyme's short stocky form makes it an ideal ground cover. Cultivating creeping thyme is simple due to its adaptability to various soils and light exposures. This ground cover prefers well-draining soil with a fine texture, although it will grow in full sun to partial shade.

Iris reticulata has stunning cobalt blue flowers with yellow patterns on the falls. Despite the fact that the flowers are barely 3" wide and 4" tall, their brilliant blue hue stands out. They look best in mass plantings in rock gardens, as borders, and along paths, streams, and ponds. They can also be forced into containers. Iris reticulata are best grown in full sun to part shade in medium, well-draining soil. In order for the bulbs to develop buds for the next year, the soil must be reasonably dry during the summer. Plant additional bulbs each fall to ensure consistent flowering from year to year, or cultivate this plant as an annual by planting new bulbs each fall to ensure consistent flowering.

Herbaceous perennial 'Stargazer' has spicy-scented blossoms that some consider overwhelming. The plant's own seeds or bulblets, as well as rooted scales, can all be used for propagation. This plant takes several years to generate enough bulblets to yield any quantity of flower bulbs. . Plant stargazer lilies among ground cover to keep their feet in the shade. Full sun is ideal, but Stargazers can also thrive in partial shade. It is necessary to stake the plants in shaded areas since their stems grow excessively long and lanky. A wet medium soil is ideal for growing Stargazer. They require slightly acidic soils, but can also thrive on neutral soils.

Red hot poker can grow up to 5 feet tall, and their colorful blooms and sweet nectar attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and birds to the garden. Sword-shaped leaves wrap the stem's base, and tubular flowers in shades of red, yellow, and orange dangle like a torch from them. Its rhizome, which eventually forms clumps that can become overcrowded, spreads through the ground. Divide them in the spring to minimize crowding. However, it flourishes best in full light with enough soil moisture. The only thing that will kill these tough perennials is poor drainage.  Root rot is exacerbated by moist soil in the winter months.

Dahlias come in a wide range of colors, patterns, flower sizes, and flower styles.   Late summer color can be added to garden borders from July through October with the help of these plants. They thrive in moist, temperate conditions. A growing season of at least 120 days allows dahlias to brighten any sunny garden, despite their inability to thrive in extremely hot climates. Tuber-grown dahlias can be started indoors in early spring and transplanted or planted outside once the threat of frost has passed. Dahlias require full light and a rich, loamy, well-draining soil with enough organic matter and a pH of around 6.5 in order to produce a number of blooms.

Japanese forest grass is an elegant, non-spreading shrub. There are long flat foliar blades and an arching shape to this grass. It comes in solid or striped colors. Most plant species have stripes and are white or yellow variegated. In winter, Japanese forest grass sheds its leaves and dies back to the ground. During spring, it can take a long time to reemerge. It's important to keep the grass moist but not waterlogged.  

It prefers fertile, rich soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Apply an organic mulch around the base to help it retain moisture. Consider adding rotten manure and compost to native soils to improve water retention and nutrient content. Plant in the spring, out of direct sunlight to avoid scorching the leaves.

During the growing season, the yarrow can reach a height of over 3 feet. Flower stalks approximately four times the height of the foliage and fern-like feathery green leaves characterize this plant. The most common methods of propagation for yarrow are division and seed. You should grow your yarrow plants in full sun, whether they are grown from seed or purchased as whole plants. The long, thin stems of the plant can become floppy if it doesn't get enough sunshine, and it will need to be staked. They may grow in a variety of soil types but prefer well-draining soil. Even in poor, dry, low-fertility soil, the yarrow plant will thrive.

This clumping perennial's dark-green heart-shaped leaves spread from rhizomatous roots. Little blue blooms with white centers develop on stalks in the spring and last for about four weeks. Siberian bugloss blooms from early to mid-spring. It's a tiny plant that can reach a height of 12 to 18 inches and a width of 12 to 24 inches. It's commonly utilized as a ground cover since it grows in clusters and spreads via underground rhizomes. Plant in part to full shade with well-draining soil that can be kept constantly moist. Siberian bugloss does not grow well in either dry or moist soil. It will benefit from organic mulch and a lot of organic materials to help it grow quickly and healthy.