Know Your Zone

Before you start planting, it’s important to know what will thrive in your area—and that all starts with understanding your USDA Hardiness Zone. Our Know Your Zone guide makes it easy to find out which plants are best suited for your climate, so you can shop and grow with confidence. Whether you’re dreaming of vibrant annuals, hardy perennials, or anything in between, we’ll help you pick the right plants for your garden’s unique conditions.

USDA Hardiness Zones

Planting zones—also known as USDA Hardiness Zones—are a way to tell which plants are suitable for your area based on the average lowest winter temperatures. The United States is divided into 13 main zones, with each zone representing a 10°F range.

For example, Zone 7 has colder winters than Zone 9, so certain plants that thrive in Zone 9 may not survive the Winter in Zone 7. Knowing your zone helps you choose plants that are well-suited to your local climate, so you can grow a healthy, beautiful garden that comes back year after year.

Here's a simplified breakdown of the USDA Hardiness Zones:

  • Zone 1: -60°F to -50°F – Extremely cold. Only the hardiest plants survive here.

  • Zone 2: -50°F to -40°F – Very short growing season; limited plant options.

  • Zone 3: -40°F to -30°F – Still quite cold; hardy perennials and cold-tolerant plants do best.

  • Zone 4: -30°F to -20°F – Cold winters; plants need strong winter hardiness.

  • Zone 5: -20°F to -10°F – Moderate cold; many shrubs, perennials, and trees will thrive.

  • Zone 6: -10°F to 0°F – Popular gardening zone with a wide variety of hardy plants.

  • Zone 7: 0°F to 10°F – Milder Winters; many perennials, annuals, and vegetables grow well.

  • Zone 8: 10°F to 20°F – Warm climates with long growing seasons; ideal for many flowering plants.

  • Zone 9: 20°F to 30°F – Subtropical feel; great for citrus, succulents, and heat-loving plants.

  • Zone 10: 30°F to 40°F – Frost is rare; tropical and tender plants thrive here.

  • Zone 11: 40°F to 50°F – No frost; perfect for truly tropical plants year-round.

  • Zone 12: 50°F to 60°F – Mostly found in Hawaii and U.S. territories; lush, tropical growth.

  • Zone 13: 60°F to 70°F – Extremely warm; limited to the hottest U.S. territories.