The Plant Hardiness Zone Map Helps Florida Gardens and Landscapes Thrive
In partnership with: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
The concept of “getting in the zone” isn’t just a figurative state of mind for Florida gardeners – it’s a literal guide. From commercial landscaping to residential gardening, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a specific tool designed to help identify which plants can thrive in a given region.
An agricultural model dating back to 1927, the Plant Hardiness Zone Map is diagramed by the averages of the lowest annual temperatures. There are 13 zones across the U.S. and its territories. Zone 1 is the coldest, and Zone 13 is the warmest.
Each zone is further divided into half zones, marked as a and b. For instance, Zone 8 is divided into 8a and 8b half zones. Because of unique climactic variations throughout the state’s coastal, central, inland, northern and southern sectors, Florida encompasses four zones: 8, 9, 10 and 11.
“Florida has distinctive considerations, like extreme heat, high humidity and shorter periods of cool temperatures, as well as sandy soil and other elements,” says Nancy Garcia, a landscape professional and general manager at Garcia’s Nursery and Landscaping. “These conditions affect plants’ ability to endure season to season. While not often, parts of Florida do experience frosts. That’s why it’s imperative that landowners – and, when applicable, their landscape architects – opt for zone-appropriate plants.”
Likewise, choosing Florida-friendly landscaping, rather than invasive plant species, is essential to protecting water sources, soil and other natural resources in the Sunshine State.
“Native plants decrease the need for excessive maintenance, including fertilization, irrigation, mowing and pesticide application,” Garcia says. “Florida-friendly landscaping achieves beautiful, lush scenes. And these native plants lessen maintenance efforts, too, thus saving on time, money and pollutants.”
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Zone-by-Zone Growing Guide
Florida doesn’t quite experience four distinctive seasons in the year like other parts of the country. However, in Zone 8, northern Floridians still experience leaves changing seasonally from green to red, orange, yellow and burgundy.
For example, trees like red maple, bald cypress and crape myrtle boast classic autumn hues during the cooler fall and winter months. Plus, herbs such as lavender, rosemary and sage fare well in Zone 8, as do annuals, including lantana and marigold.
Zinnias thrive throughout Florida thanks to their drought tolerance. Spring is the ideal time to plant this beautiful flower in Florida, but they can also be planted throughout the fall in southern parts of the state thanks to the warmer temperatures. Zinnias are ideal for Florida garden planting, containers, borders or being grown for homemade bouquets.
Zone 9 boasts a longer growing season that is even considered to be year-round. Centrally located, this region of Florida is ideal for growing vegetables, like heirloom tomatoes, sweet peppers and okra. Fruit-producing plants likewise thrive, such as berries, grapes and assorted citrus, including the official state fruit, the orange.
Zone 10 blossoms with perennials, shrubs and florals. This area also does well with azaleas, birds of paradise, hibiscus and jasmine.
Zone 11 flourishes with tropical fruit trees, coconut palms and eucalyptus. Based in Homestead, which is Zone 11a, Garcia says she often works with bougainvillea vines and ornamental grasses.
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Sun-Kissed Florida Gardens
Each of Florida’s zones is ideal for pollinator plants that attract bees, butterflies and birds. And with year-round sun exposure, Floridians may also consider incorporating an aloe plant, which can aid sunburns.
Landscape designs should also be mindful of light level, water runoff and soil characteristics. Regarding the latter, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences offers homeowners soil testing options. Garcia also says the use of mulch helps curb soil erosion and weed growth.
The Plant Hardiness Zone Map is available at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov. Additional agronomist resources can be accessed at floridafriendlylandscaping.com.
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