Introduction

Ohio is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including numerous species of plants. People who enjoy gardening or landscaping are often curious about the plant zones in Ohio. Knowing the plant zone can help them choose the right plants for their garden or yard. In this article, we will answer the question: What plant zone is Ohio in?

What is a plant zone?

Before we answer the question, it's important to understand what a plant zone is. Plant zones are determined based on the average minimum temperature in an area. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the most commonly used method to determine plant zones in the United States. It divides the country into 13 main zones and assigns each zone a number based on its average minimum temperature.

What plant zone is Ohio in?

Ohio is located in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5 and 6. The northern part of Ohio, including cities like Cleveland and Akron, is in Zone 6a with an average minimum temperature of -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. The southern part of Ohio, including cities like Cincinnati and Dayton, is in Zone 6b with an average minimum temperature of -5 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

What does this mean for gardeners in Ohio?

Knowing the plant zones in Ohio is important for gardeners and landscapers because it helps them choose plants that are suitable for their area's climate. For example, plants that are well-suited for Zone 5 may not be able to withstand the colder temperatures in Zone 6. Gardeners should choose plants that are hardy enough to tolerate their climate to ensure success in their garden or yard.

Recommended Plants for Ohio

Ohio's plant zones provide gardeners with a wide variety of plant options. Here are a few recommended plants for each zone:

Zone 6a

Hydrangeas

Hostas

Lilacs

Boxwoods

Roses

Zone 6b

Crape Myrtles

Azaleas

Forsythias

Japanese Maples

Daffodils

Conclusion

Ohio's location in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5 and 6 provides gardeners with a wide variety of plant options to choose from. They should choose plants that can tolerate their area's climate to ensure success in their garden or yard. Understanding plant zones and researching suitable plants can help Ohioans create beautiful and healthy outdoor spaces.