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, especially when creating a planting schedule, 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.

    Further Information

    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Danny Lipford

    Danny Lipford

    Founder

    Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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