If you’ve ever walked through a beautifully designed garden and found yourself stopping in your tracks to admire a single, striking plant, you’ve experienced the power of a specimen plant. These are the showstoppers, the conversation starters, the plants that give a landscape its personality and depth. Choosing the right ones for Middle Tennessee’s climate, however, takes a little know-how and a lot of local experience.
At Hewitt Garden and Design Center, our family has been helping Franklin-area gardeners find exactly the right plants for their spaces for 40 years. We know this soil, these summers, and these winters better than just about anyone. Here are five specimen plants we love recommending for gardens in and around Franklin, TN.
1. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
Few plants command attention the way a well-placed Japanese maple does. With their layered branching structure and foliage that shifts from deep burgundy to brilliant red depending on the variety, these trees bring four-season interest to any garden. They perform beautifully in Middle Tennessee, especially when planted in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade to protect their delicate leaves from our intense summer heat. Give them well-drained soil and a little patience, and they’ll reward you for decades.
2. Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
This one is a true Tennessee native, and it shows. Oakleaf hydrangeas are tough, adaptable, and genuinely gorgeous from spring through fall. Their large, cone-shaped white flower clusters emerge in early summer and gradually fade to a rich parchment tone, while the foliage turns deep burgundy and bronze in autumn. The exfoliating bark adds winter interest long after the leaves have dropped. As a plant store in Franklin, TN, we carry several varieties ranging from compact selections perfect for smaller spaces to large, dramatic cultivars that make a true statement in the landscape.
3. Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana)
If you want early spring drama, look no further. Saucer magnolias burst into bloom before their leaves even emerge, covering their branches in large, tulip-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple. In Franklin, they tend to bloom in late February or early March, which means they occasionally face a late frost. Planting them in a slightly sheltered location can help protect those blooms. Once established, these trees are long-lived and remarkably low-maintenance, making them a worthwhile investment in your landscape.
4. Weeping Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’ or similar)
The eastern redbud is already one of Middle Tennessee’s most beloved flowering trees, but the weeping form takes it to another level entirely. With gracefully cascading branches that drape toward the ground and that signature burst of rosy-pink spring bloom, a weeping redbud becomes an instant focal point in any garden design. It works beautifully as a standalone specimen near a patio or entry, where its sculptural form can be appreciated year-round. Our team at Hewitt can help you find the right variety and placement to make the most of this remarkable tree.
5. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
No list of specimen plants for Middle Tennessee would be complete without the crape myrtle. These heat-loving trees thrive in our long, warm summers and reward gardeners with months of colorful blooms in shades from white and lavender to deep red and coral. Beyond the flowers, their smooth, peeling bark and brilliant fall color make them genuinely multi-season performers. One important note: resist the urge to top them. Proper pruning, rather than the unfortunately common practice of severe cutting, keeps these trees healthy and naturally beautiful for years to come.
Finding the Right Specimen Plant for Your Garden
Selecting a specimen plant is about more than just picking something that looks beautiful at the nursery. It’s about understanding your space, your soil, your light conditions, and your long-term vision for the garden. That’s exactly the kind of guidance our team at Hewitt Garden and Design Center has been offering for four decades. Whether you’re visiting our garden nursery in Franklin, TN or exploring options for a larger landscaping project in Franklin, TN, we’re here to help you make choices you’ll be happy with for years to come.
We also offer plant delivery in Franklin, TN for those who need a little extra help getting their new plants home safely.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Specimen Plant?
Our knowledgeable team at Hewitt Garden and Design Center would love to help you discover the right statement plant for your Franklin garden. Stop by our plant store in Franklin, TN or reach out to us today to get started. We look forward to helping your garden become something truly special.