There’s nothing more disappointing to a gardener than planting the perfect plant in the perfect spot, only to watch it wither and die during a cold snap or heat wave.
While there are many factors that can affect a plant’s health, temperature is pretty decisive – one hard freeze and your petunias are goners. To prevent this, we go to great lengths to try to predict whether or not a plant will survive and thrive in our area.
Thankfully, there are some great resources out there to help, including systems that divide the U.S. into “planting zones,” such as the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and the American Horticultural Society Heat Tolerance Map.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
If you look at most any plant label, you’ll see a zone designation, such as “Hardy to Zone 7.” These labels refer to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones, which divide North America into 11 zones based on estimates of the minimum annual temperature. A plant is considered “hardy” if it will survive the winter in that particular zone.
Each zone represents a 10º F. temperature difference and is then further subdivided into “a” and “b” according to 5º differences. Zone 1 is the coldest and is subject to frost year-round while Zone 11 is the warmest and completely frost-free. If a plant is “Hardy to Zone 7,” that means it should survive the winter in zones 7 and warmer.
Once you know the hardiness zone you live in, you can choose plants that will survive the winter in your area.
Finding Your Hardiness Zone
USDA Hardiness Zone Map
| Zone | Temperature | Example Cities |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Below -50 F |
Fairbanks, Alaska; Northwest Territories (Canada) |
|
2a |
-50 to -45 F |
Prudhoe Bay, Alaska; Flin Flon, Manitoba (Canada) |
|
2b |
-45 to -40 F |
Unalakleet, Alaska; Pinecreek, Minnesota |
|
3a |
-40 to -35 F |
International Falls, Minnesota; St. Michael, Alaska |
|
3b |
-35 to -30 F |
Tomahawk, Wisconsin; Sidney, Montana |
|
4a |
-30 to -25 F |
Minneapolis/St.Paul, Minnesota; Lewistown, Montana |
|
4b |
-25 to -20 F |
Northwood, Iowa; Nebraska |
|
5a |
-20 to -15 F |
Des Moines, Iowa; Illinois |
|
5b |
-15 to -10 F |
Columbia, Missouri; Mansfield, Pennsylvania |
|
6a |
-10 to -5 F |
St. Louis, Missouri; Lebanon, Pennsylvania |
|
6b |
-5 to 0 F |
McMinnville, Tennessee; Branson, Missouri |
|
7a |
0 to 5 F |
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; South Boston, Virginia |
|
7b |
5 to 10 F |
Little Rock, Arkansas; Griffin, Georgia |
|
8a |
10 to 15 F |
Tifton, Georgia; Dallas, Texas |
|
8b |
15 to 20 F |
Austin, Texas; Gainesville, Florida |
|
9a |
20 to 25 F |
Houston, Texas; St. Augustine, Florida |
|
9b |
25 to 30 F |
Brownsville, Texas; Fort Pierce, Florida |
|
10a |
30 to 35 F |
Naples, Florida; Victorville, California |
|
10b |
35 to 40 F |
Miami, Florida; Coral Gables, Florida |
|
11 |
above 40 F |
Honolulu, Hawaii; Mazatlan (Mexico) |
An interactive version of this map with much more detailed information can be found at USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. You can download the map in various file formats and sizes at USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map Downloads.
Finding Your Heat Zone
A plant may survive the winter cold in your area, but what about the summer heat?
Using a similar format as the Hardiness Zone Map, the American Horticultural Society has published a map defining 12 zones based on summer temperatures. The zones are defined based on how many days the temperature typically goes above 86º F.
You can find your zone by consulting the AHS Heat Zone Map
Many plants are now also being labeled with both the USDA Zone and the AHS Zone. If your plant only has one zone label, you can assume is the USDA Hardiness Zone.
These maps are an invaluable tool for gardeners, but keep in mind that they are not set in stone. The maps are based on historical averages and cannot possibly predict the effects of:
-
- Sudden temperature changes, such as a late frost, that can injure or kill growing plants.
-
- Overall plant care and health, which can affect a plant’s ability to adapt to and survive tough times.
-
- “Micro-climates,” which occur in protected areas that may shield plants from cold and rain.
-
- Winter-long snow cover, which insulates plants and often allows gardeners to grow plants that otherwise wouldn’t be hardy in their zone.
- Other environmental factors, such as plant location, rainfall, sunshine, drainage, soil nutrients, air quality, day vs. night temperatures, elevation, etc.
Nevertheless, knowing your hardiness zone is very important and can save you time and money in the long run by helping you choose the correct plants for your garden. If a plant is not hardy or heat-tolerant in your zone, you may be able to extend its range by bringing it indoors during extreme temperatures.
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