The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which perennial plants are most likely to grow at a location. The map is based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature, presented in 10-degree F. zones and 5-degree F. half zones.

What is a USDA Growing Zone?

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has come up with 13 growing zones based on the average 30-year lowest winter temperature in areas. Each zone is 10 degrees Fahrenheit and ranges from the coldest, zone 1, to the hottest, zone 13.

You may sometimes see zones denoted with individual numbers itself, like 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. You may also see them broken down further into 5-degree increments, denoted by an "a" or "b" following the zone number, like 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, etc. 

Example: Zone 8 has an average minimum winter temperature of 10 °-20 °, a 10-degree range. To differentiate, sub-zones of zone 8a are 10°-15° and zone 8b is 15 °-20 °, both 5-degree ranges. Growing zones tell us: how cold it will get, and what kind of plants can survive at that temperature? You will be most successful when you plant things outdoors that are suitable for the growing zone you live in.

Unless you are living in Alaska or in the Continental United States very near the Canadian border, the new map will not affect you that much. You will become a half zone or even a full zone warmer. You can check on your ZIP code to know whether your zone has changed.

If your growing zone hasn't changed, there is nothing to do; you just carry on as you were, growing the same plants as always. If your growing zone has changed, you may want to take your new zone into account in your future plant sélection decisions. You may be able to plant warmer-climate plants that you weren't able to previously! For example, if you were categorised in zone 7 and are now in zone 8, you can plant citrus trees outside.

Some Plants and their USDA Hardiness Zones

Now, here are some of our favourite plants, so let's talk about their hardiness zones for you:

1.Bird of Paradise

The bird of paradise is hardy to USDA zones 10 to 12, it does well in warm, tropical climates. It can be grown outdoors in frost-free areas with protection from high winds. It grows in warm, tropical climates and is hardy to USDA zones 10 to 12. You can grow it outdoors in a frost-free area where it is protected from strong winds. Read more about Top 8 Advantages of Having Birds of Paradise in Your House.

2. Bromeliads

One of the more cold hardy is bromeliads, (Aechmea gamosepala) an ornamental plant from Peru which can withstand USDA growing zone 9. But generally speaking, pamper these greenhouse plants indoors except in a warmer region where most favour USDA growing zone 11. Read more about Types of Bromeliad Plants and How to Grow.

3.Rubber Plant

Rubber Plant does well in USDA hardiness zones 10-12. Not frost-tolerant, it should be grown outdoors only in warm, humid climates. In zones that are cooler, it can be grown outside during summer. It should be shifted indoors before temperatures drops in the fall. Read more about How to Grow and Maintain Ficus Rubber Tree.

4. Calathea

Calathea lancifolia, commonly referred to as rattlesnake plant, is a rhizomatous tropical evergreen perennial that is winter-hardy to USDA Zones 11-12. It is native to Brazilian rainforests.

How to Order Plants From Eureka Farms?

Now licensed for a full-scale nursery featuring an extensive inventory of landscaping trees, fruit trees, palm trees, and the largest house plants collection, from topiary trees and hedges to everything else in between. If you wish to pump up the curb appeal or finally get that porch that speaks of class, Eureka Farms will let you know how to finally do everything, from topiary trees to hedges and everything in between. Rest assured, we put all the care in the world into packing the shipment across the country and your plants will be reaching you as fresh as possible. Here are some of the ideas to let you spruce up the air quality, lift moods, and make an addition of natural beauty to your work-from-home office space with these easy-care indoor plants. Happy Planting!