The United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) developed the Plant Hardiness Zone Map to help gardeners , sodbuster , and landscapers shape which plant are most probable to thrive at a placement . This categorization organisation plays a of the essence character in defining an orbit ’s microclimate related to plant animation and agriculture , including in Colorado Springs .
Each zone in the map is defined by the average one-year minimal wintertime temperature , divided into 10 - degree Fahrenheit zones . In total , there are 13 main hardiness zone , ranging from the extremely inhuman Zone 1 ( below -50 degrees Fahrenheit ) to the tropical Zone 13 ( above 60 degrees Fahrenheit ) . Each of these zones is also divided into two sub - zones ( a and B complex ) that dissent by 5 degrees Fahrenheit .
Identifying the USDA Hardiness Zone of Colorado Springs, Colorado
concord to the USDA Hardiness Zone Map , Colorado Springs , Colorado falls into Zones5a to 6a . This implies that the average annual minimum winter temperature ranges from -15 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit in Zone 5b , and -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit in Zone 6a .
The existence of the three zone within the city can be assign to the region ’s varied topography . Colorado Springs is situated near the easterly foot of the Rocky Mountains and is over a international nautical mile above ocean floor , creating a landscape painting that is both cragged and flat . This geographical variety give to clear-cut microclimates within the city . high elevation in the urban center , such as the Cheyenne Mountain , tend to fall in the dusty Zone 5b , while the low areas like downtown Colorado Springs typically fall in the warm Zone 6a .
Implications for Gardening and Agriculture
The hardiness zones play a critical role for both household gardener and commercial granger , as it provide crucial guidance on what works species can successfully develop in an area . For Colorado Springs , the 5b to 6a hardiness zone imply a moderately moth-eaten winter climate , which move the plant species that can successfully overwinter out of doors .
A encompassing change of plants can thrive in these zone , include evergreen plant tree diagram like Colorado Blue Spruce and Ponderosa Pine , shrubs like the Rocky Mountain Juniper , and flowers such as the Colorado Columbine and the Rocky Mountain Penstemon . gardener can also grow a variety of fruits and vegetables , such as apple , cherry tree , spinach , and kale .
It ’s of import to remember , however , that the USDA hardiness zone only bring home the bacon guidance on a works ’s ability to survive the wintertime . Other factors like summer passion , grease character , moisture availability , and tip exposure can also significantly impact a plant ’s wellness .
Native plants that grow in Colorado Springs
Native plants are those that occur of course in a neighborhood without human intervention . They are adapted to local filth , downfall , and temperature conditions , making them a large choice for sustainable landscape gardening . For Colorado Springs , situated in USDA Hardiness Zones 5b to 6a , the follow aboriginal plant are well - suited :
commemorate , these aboriginal plants not only add beauty to your garden , but they also bet a critical role in support local ecosystem by render habitat and intellectual nourishment for wildlife , from pollinators like bees and butterflies to shuttle and mammals .
Final Thoughts
The USDA Hardiness Zones of Colorado Springs are 5b and 6a . This categorisation help residents and grower determine the types of plants that can thrive in the area , thus optimizing gardening and farming practices . However , the hardiness zone is not the sole determinant of a plant ’s success in a particular area , and gardeners should also consider factors like summer heat , soil term , and moisture stage when decide what to plant . realize these zones and their implications can unlock the potential of a part ’s flora , enhancing the beauty and productivity of our landscapes .
