USDA Zone 8  is a mild-climate zone, perfect for perennial specimens offered by Spring Hill Nursery or Wayside Gardens.  Much of the area where hardy zone 8 perennials thrive is in the rich organic soil of the lower Appalachians.  Soil is thick--a mixture of clay, silt, sand, gravel, and minerals.  Parent rock in zone 8 is granite, which (along with forestation and earthworms aplenty) creates pore space for drainage.  Water is

Azalea

Barrenwort

Columbine

Fern

ample for zone 8's hardy perennials, and moisture storage capacity is good.  Land-use tends more to woods, trails, and wildlife as well as to industrial agriculture in the southern end.  These facts combined create natural mulch and compost. They favor hardy perennials for zone 8 because the area does not get enough snow to blanket and protect the roots during winter.
 

Much of zone 8 lies bordered by rivers and mountains. Many nurseries offer hardy perennials for zone 8. For internet shoppers, DirectGardening.com is a new network that brings together many on-line nurseries.  Shop here for quality plants at great prices!
 

Virtually every major city in zone 8 has public gardens.  These provide magnificent displays of  zone 8 perennials. Among them are hellebores, barrenwort, lady's mantle, columbine, hostas, coral bells, grasses, ferns, smoketree, azaleas, and more.

Hardy perennials for zone 8 grow in shade or sun. They last year round, or they tuck themselves away at first frost and re-emerge in spring. They flower—or not. Their foliage comes in colors from bright green to deep red. Perennials draw even the most reluctant gardener in and make him a devotee.  Hardy perennials for zone 8 add enchantment to the place they live.

When you visit the area, be sure to take in the local horticulture!  Sellers of zone 8 perennials are many.

When you prepare to plant zone 8 perennials, remember the basics:  loosen the roots so they can stretch for water; make the hole as large as your nurseryman recommends; mix mulch, native soil, composte, and a root stimulant; and use so much water that you might as well be planting in mud!  Enjoy your hardy zone 8 perennials!  

Hellebores	Heuchera	Hosta	Lady's Mantle	Sedge Grass	Smoketree