What exactly is a plant hardiness zone and why should you care?
The Plant Hardiness Zones divide the United States and Canada into 11 areas based on a 10 degree Fahrenheit difference in the average annual minimum temperature. (The United States falls within Zones 2 through 10). For example, the lowest average temperature in Zone 2 is -50 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, while the minimum average temperature in zone 10 is +30 to +40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Suggested hardiness zones have been indicated for all trees and perennials available online from the USDA and the Arbor Day Foundation. If a range of zones, for example, zones 4-9, is indicated, the tree or perennial is known to be hardy in zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.
Find your USDA Hardiness Zone, using the map or enter your zip code here: USDA Hardiness Zone Finder.
Suitable hardiness means a plant can be expected to grow in the zone’s temperature extremes, as determined by the lowest average annual temperature. Keep in mind that local variations such as moisture, soil, winds, and other conditions might affect the viability of individual plants.
Check out Root 98 Warehouse plants that will grow best in your area: plants categorized by zone!
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