USDA Hardiness Zones Across the U.S. - Spotlight on Missouri!

Discover Your USDA Hardiness Zone! 

Are you looking to cultivate a thriving garden in Missouri? Understanding your USDA Hardiness Zone is essential for selecting plants that can withstand the state’s diverse climate, from the rolling Ozark hills to the fertile plains of the Bootheel. Let’s explore the zones across Missouri and find the best shade-tolerant plants for your garden!

Missouri: Zones 5-7

Missouri’s climate varies from the cooler, northern regions to the warmer, more humid southern areas. Here’s a closer look at the zones in Missouri and some shade-tolerant plants that will thrive in each:

• Zone 5:

  
  

  Found in the northern parts of Missouri, including areas like St. Joseph and Kirksville, where winter temperatures can drop to -20 to -10°F. These shade-tolerant plants are perfect for the cooler regions:

  
  

  • Hostas (Hosta spp.): A staple in shade gardens, Hostas offer lush foliage in a variety of colors and patterns, thriving in the cool, shaded areas of Zone 5.

  • Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis): Known for its delicate, heart-shaped flowers, Bleeding Heart adds beauty to shady spots in spring and early summer.

  • Astilbe (Astilbe spp.): With its feathery plumes of pink, white, or red flowers, Astilbe brings bright color to shaded gardens and prefers the cooler conditions of Zone 5.

    
    

• Zone 6:

  
  

  Covers much of central Missouri, including cities like Columbia, Jefferson City, and St. Louis, with winter temperatures ranging from -10 to 0°F. This zone is ideal for a variety of shade-tolerant plants:

  
  

  • Ferns: Varieties like Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.) and Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) thrive in the rich, moist soils of shaded areas in Zone 6.

  • Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.): Known for their large, showy blooms, Rhododendrons thrive in the acidic, shaded soils typical of this region.

  • Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.): Prized for their colorful foliage, Coral Bells add visual interest and texture to shaded garden spots.

    
    

• Zone 7:

  
  

  Found in the southernmost parts of Missouri, including the Ozarks and the Bootheel, where winter temperatures range from 0 to 10°F. This warmer zone supports a wide variety of shade-tolerant plants:

  
  

  • Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.): Known for their large, colorful blooms, Hydrangeas thrive in the humid climate of Zone 7, adding a splash of color to shaded garden spots.

  • Camellias (Camellia spp.): With their glossy evergreen leaves and stunning winter and early spring flowers, Camellias are perfect for bringing year-round beauty to shaded areas.

  • Liriope (Liriope muscari): Also known as lilyturf, this hardy groundcover is excellent for filling in shaded garden beds, producing spikes of lavender flowers in late summer.

    
    

Why It Matters:

• Optimal Plant Selection: Choosing plants that are well-suited to your specific zone ensures they will thrive and contribute to a healthy, beautiful garden.

• Effective Garden Planning: Understanding your zone helps you plan your planting schedule, allowing you to take full advantage of Missouri’s growing seasons.

• Sustainable Gardening: By selecting plants that naturally thrive in your zone’s conditions, you reduce the need for extra water, fertilizers, and pesticides, promoting a more eco-friendly garden.

  
  

Get Involved: Share Your Gardening Experience

We want to hear from you! Whether you’re gardening in the cool northern regions of Zone 5 or the warmer, humid areas of Zone 7, your experiences and tips can inspire and guide others.

Join the Conversation:

• Comment Below: Share your gardening successes, challenges, and questions with fellow Missouri gardeners.

• Join Our Facebook Group: Connect with a community of shade gardening enthusiasts by joining our Shade Gardening Group on Facebook. It’s a great place to exchange ideas, find inspiration, and support your gardening journey.

  
  

Let’s grow together, Missouri! 🌻