Read any plant labels or horticulture books and you ’ll try the word “ hardy ” thrown around frequently in reference to plants . But , what is hardiness , and what does it mean to you as a gardener ?
A basic definition of hardiness is a plant ’s power to withstand cold wintertime temperature . The U.S. Department of Agriculture ’s works hardiness zone map bust geographical region into zone based on the mediocre humble wintertime temperature . These zone give gardeners a start point when determining what plants will fare well in their gardens .
For example , a gardener subsist in Colorado , which is zone 5 , can be reasonably insure that any plant labeled as hardy for zone 5 or colder will survive a Colorado winter . However , the zona map does n’t take into history division due to altitude , humidity or wind , which can also have a bearing on a works ’s ability to live .
Zone maps and plant hardiness charts have their limitations , but they provide some good , canonic entropy . attend at plant labels and blue-ribbon flora that are dauntless in your zone area . You ’ll find hardy perennials and annual to beautify even the frigid , most rugged terrain .
Hardy Annuals
All yearbook become flat each year , so the word “ brave ” may seem like a misnomer , but some annual are more rugged than others . Pansies , for example , are the darlings of the drop and spring garden because they tolerate idle frosts . Petunias , impatiens and fuchsia , on the other hand , are finicky , heat - screw plants that wither and die with the first hint of frost . If you live in an orbit prone to former spring and early fall frost , try out a few of these hardy annual to keep your garden shiny :
Hardy Perennials
Many perennials are hardy to at least geographical zone 4 , mean they survive coarse winters to come back yr after class . These plants are often low - upkeep in other regards , as well , tolerating drought , heat and disuse during the summertime . Hardy perennials let in :
Winter Protection for Plants
A flora that is only marginally hardy in your region may survive with a bit of spare care . Mulch plant with 2 to 3 column inch of Natalie Wood check or barque in the fall to provide a layer of insulation . bequeath drained flora debris in topographic point over the wintertime to provide insulant , as well .
Another option is to get the picture up plants , such as geranium and fuchsias , and overwinter them in a sunny corner of the sign . They wo n’t bloom as copiously indoors , but they ’ll hold out until the following spring .
Understanding hardiness geographical zone map is only one firearm of the equation to successfully choosing and maturate plants . Talk with a nursery specialist about the raise stipulation in your garden , include soil type , moisture and sunlight . Tall trees may shelter your yard and reduce farting , allowing you to grow a outstanding variety of industrial plant successfully .
Want to learn more about plant hardiness?
Check out these resources : Plant Hardinessfrom University of VermontUSDA Plant Hardiness Zone Mapby The United States National Arboretum
