Climate zones are based on the average minimum winter temperature in a region.

They help gardeners understand which plants can survive outdoors during winter. A plant rated for Zone 6, for example, can usually tolerate minimum temperatures typical for that zone.

Local conditions such as soil, wind, sunlight and moisture can still influence plant survival, so climate zones should be used as a general guideline rather than an exact rule.

Discover cactus, succulents and dry-climate plants suitable for different gardens and climates.