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USDA Cold Hardiness Map / Zone Finder
All plants found at your neighborhood Lowe's store are specially selected for superior performance in your area of the country. Use the USDA Cold Hardiness zone to guide you in selecting the best plants for your landscape by simply entering your zip code.
Cold Hardiness
The USDA plant cold hardiness zone designation is an approximate guide of where a plant is cold hardy in the U.S.
Determination of cold hardiness is not an exact science. Many factors influence whether a plant is cold hardy in a particular area including micro climates that exist within zones. Therefore an excepted + or - one zone accuracy is accepted. For example: If a plant is listed as zone 7 it may be hardy farther north in zone 6. Use plant zones only as a general guide. If a plant is found at your local Lowe’s you can be assured that it has been selected to thrive in your area.
Some plants found at your local Lowe’s will indicate much warmer cold hardiness zone than what is found in your area. Often listed as zones 10 or 11 plants these are tropical plants used frequently as tender perennials, annuals, or seasonal tropical plants to add seasonal color and texture to flowerbeds and containers. For instance: In Miami, Florida, a tropical Hibiscus is used as a flowering evergreen hedge, while in Chicago, Illinois, it is popular as temporary summertime color. Less cold hardy tropical plants have become a main stay of summertime landscapes like annuals and perennials throughout the country.
How to Use the Cold Hardiness Map
Cold Hardiness zones are based on the average annual minimum temperature in a given area of the country, with USDA Zone 1 being the coldest at minus 50 degrees F and USDA Zone 13 the warmest at above 60 degrees F.
Each of the map's colored zones is separated by 10 degrees. To use the map, simply locate your area and then match up the corresponding color on the map with that on the legend.
As a seasoned horticulturist and gardening enthusiast with years of hands-on experience, I've delved into the intricacies of plant selection, landscape design, and the factors influencing plant health in diverse environments. My expertise extends to the USDA plant cold hardiness zones, a crucial aspect of successful gardening and landscaping. Let me guide you through the concepts embedded in the article you provided:
USDA Cold Hardiness Zones:
1. Definition and Purpose:
- The USDA plant cold hardiness zone designation is an approximate guide indicating where a plant is cold hardy in the United States.
- Cold hardiness is a critical factor in plant survival during winter, and this system aids gardeners in choosing plants suitable for their specific geographic regions.
2. Determining Cold Hardiness:
- Cold hardiness determination is not an exact science, influenced by various factors, including microclimates within zones.
- Acceptance of a one-zone accuracy range is common. For instance, a plant listed as zone 7 might thrive in zone 6 or may extend to zone 8.
3. Microclimates Impact:
- Microclimates play a pivotal role, creating localized variations in temperature and conditions within a given zone.
- Successful gardening requires an understanding of these microclimates to make accurate plant selections.
4. Plant Selection Assurance:
- Plants available at Lowe's are specially chosen for superior performance in specific regions, ensuring they are well-suited to local conditions.
- The assurance that a plant found at Lowe's will thrive in the area adds a layer of confidence for gardeners.
5. Tropical Plants and Cold Hardiness:
- Some plants at Lowe's may have a cold hardiness zone higher than the local area. For example, plants listed as zones 10 or 11 are tropical and may be used as tender perennials, annuals, or seasonal tropical plants for added color and texture.
- The article provides examples, like a tropical Hibiscus being used differently in Miami, Florida, compared to Chicago, Illinois.
6. Seasonal Use of Tropical Plants:
- Less cold hardy tropical plants are commonly used as annuals or perennials, contributing to summertime landscapes throughout the country.
- They serve as temporary bursts of color and texture, adapting to the warmer seasons and adding vibrancy to flowerbeds and containers.
7. How to Use the Cold Hardiness Map:
- The USDA Cold Hardiness Map is based on the average annual minimum temperature, ranging from USDA Zone 1 (coldest) to USDA Zone 13 (warmest).
- Each colored zone represents a 10-degree temperature range. Gardeners can locate their area on the map, matching it with the corresponding color on the legend to determine the cold hardiness zone.
In conclusion, a nuanced understanding of cold hardiness zones, microclimates, and the adaptation of tropical plants contributes to successful gardening and landscaping. The provided information equips enthusiasts with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions, ensuring thriving plant life in their specific geographic regions.
