New USDA Plant Hardiness Zones

[@jessicakillian3738]

The zone changes are interesting. Not changing what I buy based on it because we still have the same extremes here in Missouri, but thankfull for all the amazing proven winners plants im always able to grow here! I've already put in my spring order!

[@thepragmaticfarmer6308]

When our zone changed from 4b to 5a here in WI. I told my wife that we are still growing as if if we're 4b. Here we are, -22⁰F already. With NO snow on the ground for insulation even. I thought it would take a few more years to affirm my suspicions. Microclimates and extreme weather events will have more impact than ever on growing habits.

[@anthonyfrisk449]

I was a bit overzealous last summer after my hardiness zone went to 5a, from 4b, and decided to give a few zone 5 shrubs a shot. Well, this recent arctic blast here in Minneapolis was brutal, so only time will tell if these shrubs survived. Fingers crossed my Pink and Blue Chiffon and Doubletake Peach quince survive!

[@provenwinnersretail]

Please keep us posted on this Anthony! Our shrubs are quite hardy, but there are other factors that can effect this too. Stay warm!

[@BryanRezendez]

You need to blend USDA zone with a chill hours chart. I live near Portland Oregon and have way way more chill hours than the same zone in South Carolina.

[@kp-gbuniqueinterest]

Thank you for describing this. You guys are so helpful. PW Fan Boy for Life haha.

[@HoosierDaddy_]

It's a tough winter to push plants. There's a snow storm in Florida right now, lol. I'm hoping all of the new plants survive this cold winter!

[@easternsecrecy9777]

I would love it if we could have info on what to expect in HOT weather. I guess I should assume nothing will grow when it's over 100 for three months straight.

[@LinusCello75]

Are there certain plants that benefit from more cold weather? For example, when I moved on to my property 10 years ago, hemlocks were suggested as the cold snaps (and slightly colder zone) helped control woolly adelgid. Prior to this winter we were about a full zone warmer or more and the woolly adelgid has gotten worse.

[@LFN7]

No Canada...