Check your zone
Use the USDA map or zip-code search to identify your local plant hardiness zone.
Find the right cold hardy succulents for your growing zone.
The official 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map helps gardeners understand average annual extreme minimum winter temperatures before choosing outdoor perennials.
Cold Hardy Planning
Use your zone as a starting point.
Plant hardiness zones are helpful for choosing succulents that can survive winter outdoors. Drainage, snow cover, wind exposure, containers, and microclimates still matter.
Choose hardy varieties
Look for cold hardy options such as Sempervivum, Sedum, and other outdoor-friendly selections.
Prioritize drainage
Cold hardy succulents handle winter best when roots are not sitting in wet soil.
Official USDA Reference
2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
This map is provided as an official USDA reference for gardeners and growers. It is based on average annual extreme minimum winter temperature and displayed as 10-degree zones with 5-degree half zones.
Zone Legend
What the colors mean.
The map groups areas by the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature. Lower zone numbers represent colder winter minimums; higher zone numbers represent warmer winter minimums.
- Zones help estimate perennial winter survival
- Container plants may need extra protection
- Wet winter soil can be harder on succulents than cold alone
- Local microclimates can change results within the same zip code
Kim's Garden Note
Cold hardy does not mean no care.
For outdoor succulents, the best winter success usually comes from selecting the right variety, using gritty well-draining soil, avoiding standing water, and placing plants where they receive the light and airflow they need.
Read the Care Guide