Cold Climates

What is the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map?

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map divides the United States into 13 zones, based on the average annual minimum temperature. Each zone is further divided into two subzones, a and b, with a being the colder of the two.

New Hampshire is divided into six USDA plant hardiness zones: 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, and 6b. The coldest zone, 3b, is located in the northernmost part of the state, while the warmest zone, 6b, is located in the southernmost part of the state.

How to Use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

To use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, simply find your location on the map and note the zone number. This number will tell you which plants are likely to survive the winters in your area.

For example, if you live in zone 5a, you can choose plants that are rated for zones 5a and above. However, it is important to note that the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is not foolproof. Other factors, such as elevation, urban heat, and proximity to water, can affect the temperature in your area.

Choosing Plants for Your USDA Zone

When choosing plants for your garden, it is important to select varieties that are rated for your USDA plant hardiness zone. This will help ensure that your plants will survive the winter and thrive in your climate.

There are many different types of plants that can survive the cold winters in New Hampshire. Some popular choices include:

Trees: maple, oak, birch, pine, spruce

Shrubs: rhododendron, azalea, hydrangea, viburnum

Flowers: daisy, tulip, daffodil, iris, rose

Vegetables: broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, spinach

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to the USDA plant hardiness zone map, there are other factors to consider when choosing plants for your garden. These factors include:

Elevation: Plants that are grown at higher elevations are exposed to colder temperatures than plants that are grown at lower elevations.

Urban heat: Plants that are grown in urban areas are exposed to warmer temperatures than plants that are grown in rural areas.

Proximity to water: Plants that are grown near water are exposed to more moisture than plants that are grown away from water.

By considering all of these factors, you can choose the right plants for your garden and ensure that they will thrive for many years to come.

Pineapple Lilies: A Guide to Winter Care

Introduction

Pineapple lilies (Eucomis comosa) are striking flowers that add an exotic touch to any garden. They’re native to warm climates like South Africa, but with proper care, they can thrive even in colder regions. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about caring for pineapple lilies in cold climates, including how to protect them from frost, dig up and store their bulbs, and replant them in the spring.

Understanding Pineapple Lily Cold Tolerance

Pineapple lilies are not cold hardy, meaning they can’t withstand freezing temperatures. They’re native to warm climates and are adapted to temperatures above 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). If exposed to temperatures below this, their bulbs can become injured.

Winter Care for Pineapple Lilies

In areas with cold winters, it’s important to take special care of pineapple lilies to protect them from frost damage. Here are some tips:

Growing Pineapple Lilies in Containers

Growing pineapple lilies in containers makes it easier to protect them from the cold. You can keep them outside during the summer and bring them indoors for the winter. Choose a container with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix.

Digging Up and Storing Pineapple Lily Bulbs

If you’re planting pineapple lilies in the ground, you’ll need to dig up their bulbs each fall before the first frost. Let the foliage die back naturally, then carefully dig up the bulbs. Remove any excess soil and store the bulbs in a cool, dry place with temperatures between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 10 degrees Celsius).

Replanting Pineapple Lily Bulbs

In the spring, when the last chance of frost has passed, you can replant your pineapple lily bulbs. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Plant the bulbs six inches (15 cm) deep and 12 inches (30 cm) apart. Water the bulbs deeply and keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Protecting Pineapple Lilies from Frost

If you live in a zone where temperatures can drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), it’s important to take extra precautions to protect your pineapple lilies from frost damage.

Mulch: Spread a layer of mulch around your pineapple lilies to help insulate the soil and protect the bulbs from freezing.
Cover: If temperatures are expected to drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius), cover your pineapple lilies with a blanket or tarp.
Move indoors: If you’re growing pineapple lilies in containers, you can move them indoors to a warm, protected location until the danger of frost has passed.

Growing Pineapple Lilies in Cold Regions

With proper care, pineapple lilies can thrive even in cold regions. By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of these exotic flowers in your garden for years to come.

Additional Tips

Choose cold-hardy varieties of pineapple lilies, such as ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ or ‘Oakhurst’.
Plant pineapple lilies in a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Water pineapple lilies regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Fertilize pineapple lilies monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
Divide pineapple lily clumps every three to four years to prevent overcrowding.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for New Hampshire: Choosing Plants for Cold Winters

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for New Hampshire