Mastering Gardening Zones
Gardening zones (or plant hardiness zones) are useful tools for gardeners to find plants suitable for their environment. These USDA zones are based on annual minimum winter temperatures and are classified between Zone 1 (coldest) and Zone 13.
Plants grown for your zone should survive the cold winter and grow in the growing season. A Zone 4 perennial, for instance, might be hard-breeding and sensitive to Zone 9 heat and humidity but thriving in the cold north. On the other hand, a tropical plant that was zoned 10 would not survive a Zone 5 frost.
Gardens in zones are a good place to start, but microclimates (areas of your garden that are affected by sunlight, wind, and soil quality) also affect whether a plant thrives. Combine gardening zone information with local microclimate knowledge to grow a healthy, thriving garden.
How to Use Gardening Zones for Success
If you are designing your garden, the first step is to find your zone. You can find this information on USDA maps or gardening sites. When you know your zone, look for plants that are native to your area and hardy.
Consider timing as well. Annuals grow for one season in a year and are zone-neutral, so they needn't be winter-hardy to be attractive. But perennials and shrubs should be cold-hardy so they'll return year after year.
Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) is a good perennial to use in zones 3-9. Its evergreen fronds mean it has all-year-round color, even in cooler areas. The scented Mock Orange (Philadelphus species) will bloom in dense heads with a fragrant scent in late spring for zones 5-9. Where it is warmer, the Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), suitable zones 5-10, prefers the wetland and attracts pollinators.
Remember to include Sun and Shade needs. Even a zone-compatible plant will die under the wrong lighting conditions. The same goes for soil type, drainage, and watering, which must be right for a plant to succeed.
Favorite Plants for All Seasons Zones
You don't have to sacrifice style and variety to choose the right plants for your zone. There are three good choices for various growing zones:
Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
Zones: 3-9
Description: A perennial fern with evergreen fronds, this hardy plant lends texture to shady gardens and can be used year-round. It's a low-maintenance plant for the forest or as a ground cover.
Mock Orange (Philadelphus species)
Zones: 5-9
Description: A deciduous shrub with many pretty white flowers in late spring. Ideal for hedges or as a centerpiece in a cottage garden to attract pollinators and be elegant.
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
Zones: 5-10
Description: A striking shrub with round flower heads, Buttonbush prefers witty locations like the pond's edge or a rain garden. Its flowering, nectar-rich blossoms attract butterflies, bees, and birds, and it is the first choice of wildlife enthusiasts.
Choose zone-adapted plants such as these, and your garden will look beautiful while being eco-friendly and low-maintenance.
Doing What's Right For Your Garden Zone
You don't have to be creative in your zone to garden - you get creative. If you're careful in choosing the right plants, you can make a garden bed that flourishes without much maintenance, and will complement the local environment. Gardening successfully starts with respect for your zone, whether it's perennial or shrub species tolerant of wildlife.
Whether you're planting a shade-loving Christmas Fern in Zone 4, the aromatically aromatic Mock Orange in Zone 7, or a pollinator-friendly Buttonbush in Zone 9, your garden will be a mosaic of plants in their perfect conditions. If you match your decisions with your zone, you create a space outdoors that will last and look beautiful season after season.