Plant Hardiness - What You Need to Know to Keep from Killing Your Plants and Trees

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is anan average minimum temperature below (-) 50
essential tool for all landscapers and gardeners,degree Fahrenheit. Example locations include
whether professionals or weekendFairbanks, Alaska and Northwest Territories in
do-it-yourselfers. This simple and free tool will helpCanada.Zone 2 contains areas that see an
ensure you select only the correct plants, shrubs,average minimum temperature of (-) 50 to (-) 40
or trees for your region. If you do not follow thisdegrees. Example locations include Prudhoe Bay,
guide you risk the health of your plant, andAlaska and Pinecreek , Minnesota.Zone 3 ranges
ultimately your time and money.The Map wasbetween (-) 40 and (-) 30 degrees. Examples are
designed to show the average annual minimumInternational Falls, Minnesota and Sidney,
temperature range throughout the United States,Montana.Zone 4 ranges between (-) 30 and (-) 20
Canada, and Mexico. There are 11 different zonesdegrees. Examples are Minneapolis and St. Paul,
that describe the minimum temperature that canMinnesota and Northwood, Iowa.Zone 5 ranges
be expected. The zones were divided based on abetween (-) 20 and (-) 10 degrees. Examples are
10 degree Fahrenheit difference in the averageDes Moines, Iowa and Mansfield, Pennsylvania.Zone
annual minimum temperature.It is important to6 ranges between (-) 10 and 0 degrees. Examples
understand the zones in order to select a plantare St. Louis, Missouri, and Lebanon,
that will survive the winter in your region. This isPennsylvania.Zone 7 ranges between 0 and 10
called the plant's winter hardiness. The winterdegrees. Examples are South Boston, Virginia and
hardiness of the plant is one of the most crucialLittle Rock Arkansas.Zone 8 ranges between 10
factors for the survival and environmentaland 20 degrees. Examples are Dallas, Texas and
adaptation of the plant. A plant's hardinessGainesville, Florida.Zone 9 ranges between 20 and
indicates the lowest temperature the plant can30 degrees. Examples are Houston, Texas and
sustain and still survive.Most plants purchased atFort Pierce, Florida.Zone 10 ranges between 30
commercial stores will have their hardiness leveland 40 degrees. Examples are Victorville, California
indicated on their tag. Determine the Hardinessand Miami, Florida.Zone 11 is for annual minimum
Zone of the area in which the plant will be located,temperatures above 40 degrees. Examples include
and make sure the plant's hardiness falls withinHonolulu, Hawaii and Mazatlan, Mexico.
the correct zone.Zone 1 contains areas that see