There are cold hardy zones set forth across the United States to help gardeners determine what plants can survive as perennials in their area. Here in Eastern Nebraska we are considered zone 5. Any zone with a higher number is a warmer climate and lower colder climate for the winter months. Plants have been categorized according to those zones, identifying the coldest winter climates a plant can survive in. Although this labeling has helped take a majority of the guess work out of planting there are still variables that can throw that off. Climate changes, unusual weather patterns, pests and disease along with improper care can all alter the survival of a ‘should-be’ perennial or long lasting shrub/tree. In fact watering too much or too little is often the reason a plant doesn’t acclimate to its surroundings. Make sure to read the requirements usually listed on the plant tag to help determine the best place and care for the plants you use. Then plan for the worst and hope for the best by selecting plants that are cold hardy for colder zones since the law of the zones is not quite fool proof.
The attached photo shows the actual zone map from arborday.org
