Growing Zone Lookup Tool

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Here is a list of the USDA hardiness zones and what they mean for growing landscaping plants like trees, bushes, and fruit trees in each zone. The zones are based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, divided into 10°F increments. Each zone has two subcategories, "a" and "b," which represent 5°F increments.

Understanding USDA hardiness zones is essential for successful gardening and landscaping. These zones are based on the average annual minimum winter temperatures and help determine which plants are most likely to thrive in your region. From hardy evergreens in the coldest climates to lush tropical trees in frost-free areas, each zone offers unique opportunities and challenges.

 By matching plants to their ideal growing zones, you can create a beautiful and sustainable landscape, whether you’re planting fruit trees, ornamental shrubs, or privacy hedges. Let’s explore each zone and what it means for growing trees, bushes, and other landscaping plants.

Zone 1 (1a, 1b)

• Temperature Range: -60°F to -50°F
• Growing Conditions: Extremely cold with short growing seasons. Only the hardiest plants, such as native conifers, alpine species, and some hardy berries (e.g., lingonberries), can survive.
• Best for: Cold-hardy evergreens, Arctic willows, and extremely hardy fruit trees like Siberian crabapples.

Zone 1 is the harshest growing environment in the United States, covering areas like interior Alaska. The growing season is extremely short, often lasting only 30 to 60 days, so plants must grow quickly and endure prolonged periods of frost. Gardeners in this zone often rely on greenhouses or cold frames to extend the season and protect plants from the elements.

Zone 2 (2a, 2b)

• Temperature Range: -50°F to -40°F
• Growing Conditions: Slightly less harsh than Zone 1 but still limited to ultra-cold-hardy plants.
• Best for: Cold-hardy shrubs (e.g., junipers, elderberries), evergreens, and specialized fruit trees like certain cherries and plums

Zone 2 encompasses very cold regions, including parts of Alaska, northern Minnesota, and the Rocky Mountains. The growing season typically lasts about 60 to 90 days, requiring plants that can handle frost and thrive in cool temperatures. Perennials, hardy berries like currants and gooseberries, and native shrubs such as dogwood or juniper are well-suited for these conditions. Raised beds and mulching are often used to help warm the soil and extend the growing period..

Zone 3 (3a, 3b)

• Temperature Range: -40°F to -30°F
• Growing Conditions: Long winters with moderate growing seasons. Focus on hardy perennials and deciduous trees.
• Best for: Spruces, birches, apples, crabapples, and hardy ornamental shrubs like hydrangeas.

Ideal planting times:

• Spring: Late April to mid-June
• Summer planting from late June to mid-August is possible but requires more frequent watering to counteract heat stress. Avoid Planting during weeks where temperatures stay over 89°F
• Fall: Early September to early October

Zone 3 includes areas with cold winters but slightly longer growing seasons, such as parts of Montana, North Dakota, and northern New England. The growing season usually lasts 90 to 120 days, allowing for a wider range of plants compared to Zones 1 and 2. Cold-hardy fruit trees like apples, cherries, and plums, as well as shrubs like lilacs and spireas, perform well in this zone. Gardeners often rely on frost-resistant varieties and use season-extending techniques, like row covers or hoop houses, to protect plants from late spring and early fall frosts.

Zone 4 (4a, 4b)

• Temperature Range: -30°F to -20°F
• Growing Conditions: Cold winters but suitable for a wide variety of cold-hardy plants.
• Best for: Maples, oaks, lilacs, raspberries, strawberries, and fruit trees like apples and cherries.
• Spring planting window: Early May to late June (after frost danger passes).
• Summer planting from late June to late August with extra care for heat protection and regular irrigation.
• Fall planting window: Early September to late September.
• Late winter planting is possible for certain hardy evergreens (e.g., late February to early March) if soil is workable and frost danger has passed.

Zone 4 covers regions with cold winters and moderately long growing seasons, including parts of the Midwest, northern New York, and southern New England. The growing season lasts around 120 to 150 days, making it possible to grow a wide variety of hardy plants. Popular choices include maples, birches, and conifers for landscaping, along with fruit trees like apples, pears, and cherries. Many perennial flowers and shrubs, such as hydrangeas and peonies, thrive in this zone. Gardeners often mulch around plants to retain moisture and protect roots from winter freezes.

Zone 5 (5a, 5b)

• Temperature Range: -20°F to -10°F
• Growing Conditions: Moderate winters and warm summers, making it one of the most versatile growing zones.
• Best for: Pines, firs, hydrangeas, blueberries, peaches, and pears.
• Spring planting window: Mid-April to late May.
• Summer planting: Late May to early September, provided irrigation is consistent, and plants are shaded during peak heat.
• Fall planting window: Late August to mid-October (depending on frost timing).
• Winter planting for hardy plant types like many evergreen varieties is acceptable in late February to March when the soil isn’t frozen.

Zone 5 features cold winters and a growing season of 150 to 180 days, covering areas like much of the Midwest, parts of the Northeast, and the mountainous West. This zone supports a diverse array of plants, including deciduous trees like oaks and maples, evergreens, and hardy shrubs such as hydrangeas and roses. Fruit trees like peaches, pears, and cold-hardy varieties of apples thrive here, along with berry bushes like blueberries and raspberries. Gardeners in Zone 5 benefit from warm summers but should plan for frost protection during the shoulder seasons to maximize their harvests.

Zone 6 (6a, 6b)

• Temperature Range: -10°F to 0°F
• Growing Conditions: Milder winters allow for a longer growing season and a wide variety of landscaping plants.
• Best for: Dogwoods, red maples, azaleas, blackberries, figs, and grapevines.
• Spring planting window: Late March to mid-May.
• Summer planting: Late May to early September, provided irrigation is consistent, and plants are shaded during peak heat. Planting more fragile plant types during weeks with temperatures remaining over 85°F is not recommended.
• Fall planting window: Early September to late October.
• Winter planting for dormant trees is acceptable in late February to March when the soil isn’t frozen.

Zone 6 has a milder climate with winter lows ranging from -10°F to 0°F and a growing season of approximately 180 to 200 days. This zone includes areas like parts of the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest. A wide range of landscaping plants, such as dogwoods, magnolias, and azaleas, thrive here. Fruit trees like apples, pears, and even some peach varieties do well, along with vegetables like tomatoes and peppers. Gardeners in Zone 6 enjoy a balance of warm summers and relatively mild winters, but they may need to provide frost protection for sensitive plants during the colder months.

Zone 7 (7a, 7b)

• Temperature Range: 0°F to 10°F
• Growing Conditions: Warm, temperate climate with relatively mild winters, suitable for many ornamental and fruiting plants.
• Best for: Leyland cypress, crepe myrtles, magnolias, citrus (protected), and stone fruits like peaches and plums.
• Spring planting window: Mid-March to early May.
• Summer planting: Late May to mid-September. Focus on early morning or late evening watering and mulching to retain soil moisture.
• Fall planting window: Late September to early November.
• Winter planting for some hardy plant varieties (certain cold hardy evergreens) can start in late January if frost risk is minimal.

Zone 7 features mild winters with temperatures ranging from 0°F to 10°F and a growing season lasting 200 to 230 days. This zone spans parts of the southern Mid-Atlantic, the South, and regions of the Pacific Northwest. The warmer climate supports a variety of plants, including flowering trees like crepe myrtles and redbuds, evergreen shrubs, and ornamental grasses. Fruit trees such as peaches, plums, and figs flourish here, alongside berry bushes like blackberries and blueberries. Gardeners in Zone 7 benefit from a long planting window, allowing for multiple crop rotations, but should still be prepared for occasional frost during the winter months.

Zone 8 (8a, 8b)

• Temperature Range: 10°F to 20°F
• Growing Conditions: Long growing season and mild winters, ideal for a wide range of plants.
• Best for: Palms, southern magnolias, camellias, figs, pomegranates, and citrus.
• Spring: Mid-March to early May
• Summer planting: May through early September is fine with careful watering and mulch to reduce water evaporation. Avoid planting more fragile plant types if the average weekly temperature is over 85°F.
• Fall planting window: Mid-October to late November.
• Winter planting: January and February can accommodate hardy evergreens and other plant types that thrive in colder growing zones.

Zone 8 enjoys mild winters with temperatures ranging from 10°F to 20°F and a long growing season of 230 to 260 days. This zone covers much of the Southeast, parts of the Pacific Northwest, and areas in Texas and California. The climate is ideal for a wide variety of plants, including southern magnolias, camellias, and ornamental grasses. Fruit trees like figs, citrus (such as Meyer lemons), and pomegranates thrive here, along with heat-tolerant vegetables and herbs. With its long growing season, Zone 8 offers gardeners plenty of opportunities for year-round planting, though occasional frosts may still require protective measures for sensitive plants.

Zone 9 (9a, 9b)

• Temperature Range: 20°F to 30°F
• Growing Conditions: Subtropical climate with very mild winters and a nearly year-round growing season.
• Best for: Olive trees, citrus, avocados, hibiscus, and tropical plants like bananas.
• Spring planting window: Late February to mid-April.
• Summer planting: Hardy plant varieties and many tropical plants can be planted late April through October with consistent irrigation. Shade may be needed for some plants during the hottest months, and average weekly temperatures should be considered. 
• Fall planting window: Early November to mid-December.
• Winter planting: Year-round is possible, though mid-winter planting (January to early February) may require frost blankets during rare freezes. We do not recommend planting tropical plant varieties during the winter in zone 9.

Zone 9 features very mild winters with temperatures ranging from 20°F to 30°F and an extended growing season of 260 to 300 days. This zone includes much of Florida, southern Texas, southern California, and parts of the Gulf Coast. The warm climate supports a wide range of subtropical and Mediterranean plants, such as olive trees, citrus, avocados, and bougainvillea. Tropical fruits like bananas and guavas can also thrive with minimal frost protection. Zone 9’s nearly year-round growing season makes it ideal for vegetables, herbs, and flowers, though gardeners must manage heat and drought during the hot summer months.

Zone 10 (10a, 10b)

• Temperature Range: 30°F to 40°F
• Growing Conditions: Frost-free or very rare frost, perfect for tropical and subtropical plants.
• Best for: Mangoes, papayas, palms, bougainvillea, and year-round vegetables.
• Spring: Late January to late March
• Summer planting: May through October is viable, though extra watering is necessary. Some plant varieties will need shade during this planting season. 
• Fall: Early November to late December

• Winter planting: November through February is fine as there is little frost risk.

Zone 10 boasts frost-free or nearly frost-free winters, with temperatures ranging from 30°F to 40°F and a growing season that lasts 300 to 365 days. This zone includes southern Florida, coastal southern California, and parts of Hawaii. The climate is perfect for tropical and subtropical plants, including mangoes, papayas, coconuts, and palms. Ornamental plants like hibiscus, bird of paradise, and bougainvillea thrive in this warm environment. Zone 10 is also ideal for year-round vegetable gardening, though gardeners may need to provide shade and irrigation during the hottest months to prevent heat stress in plants.

Zone 11 (11a, 11b)

• Temperature Range: 40°F and above
• Growing Conditions: True tropical conditions with no frost, suitable for exotic and tropical species.
• Best for: Orchids, breadfruit trees, coconut palms, and other tropical trees.

• Planting Times: Any time of year, though planting in peak summer (June-August) may require extra water, shade and care during extreme heat.

Zone 11 represents true tropical climates, with temperatures rarely dropping below 40°F. This zone is found in regions like southernmost Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The year-round growing season is ideal for exotic tropical plants, including bananas, pineapples, coffee, and breadfruit. Ornamental plants like orchids, heliconias, and palms thrive in this lush, warm environment. Gardeners in Zone 11 enjoy continuous planting opportunities, but they must manage high humidity and heavy rainfall in some areas, as well as occasional droughts in others. This zone is perfect for creating vibrant, tropical landscapes.

Key Considerations for Growing in Each Zone

• Winter Protection: Lower zones require plants that can withstand significant cold, often needing insulation or mulching in winter.
• Plant Selection: Match the plant's hardiness rating to your zone.
• Seasonal Growth: Warmer zones allow year-round planting, while the coldest  zones have a strict growing window, typically in summer.

Each zone provides specific challenges and opportunities, so choose plants that thrive in your area's conditions for the best success in landscaping!