What are USDA hardiness zones? What are the temperature values of frost resistance zones? In which zone is Moscow located? In what zones of frost resistance is Russia located? - you will find answers to questions in the article.
Knowledge of the hardiness zones is often necessary when purchasing a previously unknown plant or a new variety supplied to the market from other countries. These data are always indicated by foreign manufacturers on labels or other accompanying documents, thus recommending the temperature limits within which the plant can be grown. The division into climatic zones in our country was carried out, taking into account many other factors, therefore it is more difficult and not widespread. The most popular temperature scale in the world for the USDA hardiness zones.
Frost resistance zones - climatic regions, which are determined according to the principle of the average temperature value of the minimum temperatures. When demarcating areas of frost resistance, synoptic data for many years are used. This vertical temperature scale is used in agriculture, horticulture, landscape design- in a word, wherever there is a change of seasons or a seasonal change of conditions environment.
First developed in the United States by the Department Agriculture(USDA - US Department of Agriculture) over time, the table has been improved and expanded. Currently, it contains 13 temperature zones, each of which is divided into 2 subzones. Zero (in the original version) or first zone - the area with the lowest temperatures, corresponds to the Arctic region. A 11-12-13 zones - tropical areas.
Despite some differences in the tables used in different countries, and on the subjectivity of this assessment, they are used to determine the optimal conditions for the growth of plants. The most popular scale for climatic zones, or hardiness zones, used in horticultural reference books is the USDA zone table. In 2012, the USDA hardiness zone map was updated. It presented higher minimum temperature values obtained as a result of observations over the past 30 years, which simultaneously confirms the overall warming of the climate.
USDA zones and temperature values of frost resistance zones are given in the table in degrees Celsius.
However, when choosing plants, it is necessary to take into account not only climatic regions and zones of frost resistance, but also other features that create a microclimate, for example, proximity to water bodies, altitude, local relief, protection from winds.
Factors and causes affecting frost resistance zones
Not only latitude, but dozens of other factors affect the minimum winter temperatures:
proximity to the ocean;
terrain relief;
the presence of cold or warm ocean currents;
protection from winds;
the presence of hot underground springs;
plant biocenoses.
For example, in the east of Europe, the climate is continental, with dry air and harsh winters. At the same time, Western Europe, being closer to the Atlantic Ocean with the warm Gulf Stream, has humid climate with mild winters. Because of this, at the same latitude there are several zones of frost resistance: from 5-6 in Eastern Europe up to 7-8 in the western part of the Eurasian continent.
The frost resistance zones of Russia lie within the 1st to 8th zones. Most of the territory of Russia falls into zones 2-5. This applies to both the European and Asian parts of the country. But if Central Siberia- these are 1-2 zones, Southern Siberia- 2, then as we approach The Pacific Ocean the same situation is observed as in Western Europe. Far East- zones 3 and 4, and coastal areas, Sakhalin and some islands - 5 or 6 zones.
Not only frost resistance zones and the local microclimate, created, for example, by the proximity of water bodies and relief, affect the life of the grown plant. The microclimate can be influenced by big cities... In megacities, houses create an artificial barrier that prevents winds. And the presence of heating systems and electricity raise the average temperature in winter by 5-8 degrees. An example is the territory of Moscow and the surrounding areas: they belong to the 5th zone. At the same time, the territory of the rest of the region is a pronounced 4th zone.
The determining factor in the selection of plants can also be the height snow cover in winter. With a good annual cover in zone 4, it is possible to grow plants in zones 5-6.
Below is a map of Russia and average temperature January following the observation from 1961 to 1990. It can be assumed that the zones of frost resistance (minimum temperature) in Russia will be geographically located within the same boundaries. Where purple is zone 1 (Verkhoyansk, Yakutsk), cornflower blue is zone 2 (Chita, Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk), blue is zone 3, light blue is zone 4 (Saratov, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky), turquoise is zone 5, green is zone 6 ( Vladivostok), light green - zone 7 (Sochi), yellow - zone 8 (Yalta).
Indicator plants
The so-called group of indicator plants is distinguished, which make it possible to determine the zone of frost resistance. Plants are understood to be part of natural biological communities rather than artificially grown.
Zones:
1.mosses, lichens, polar poppy
2. dwarf birch, bearberry, crowberry;
3. Siberian larch, European larch (ordinary);
4. western thuja, Cossack juniper, common juniper, wrinkled rose;
5. girlish grapes;
6. pointed yew; multi-flowered rose;
7. common ivy, boxwood evergreen;
8. berry yew; holly cotoneaster, monopest cotoneaster;
9. cherry laurel;
10. fuchsia; tangerine, lemon, globular eucalyptus;
11. rubber ficus, lyre ficus, bougainvillea
12. guaiac wood;
13. royal palm.
Indicator plants cannot fully be indicators of frost resistance zones, since the area of plants does not have boundaries confined to a particular zone. For example, western thuja grows in both 3 and 5 zones. And the cotoneaster, which is an indicator of zone 7, is grown in 6 and 5. Fuchsia and globular eucalyptus, whose homeland South America and Australia, respectively, cannot be objective indicators of frost resistance zones in Europe.
Below is a table of hardiness zones (USDA) we compiled with examples of localities and indicator plants 
V Lately the counters of shops and markets are full of exotic plants for our country. And familiar crops are being replenished with new varieties and varieties. Sellers assure that all these crops are regionalized and perfectly adapted for growing in our difficult climate. But is it really so?
The climate of our country, characterized by warm or even hot summers, but cold and long winters, is, of course, not suitable for all flora. Assess the ability of plants to withstand cold winter helps the concept called winter hardiness. Some (mosses and lichens) perfectly tolerate even the lowest winter temperatures, others (birch, oak) can grow only in more benign conditions, but still others (magnolia, oleander) are not at all adapted for harsh winters.
What plants are adapted for our climate, perhaps every experienced gardener knows. But what to do with the novelties of the market, how to find out whether the newly acquired green pet will survive harsh winter? In fact, there is no problem here - in the reference books, documents and on the labels of specimens from nurseries, the frost resistance zone suitable for the plant is indicated. Let's see what it is.
What are frost resistance zones
Zones of frost resistance (or winter hardiness) are climatic regions the globe suitable for growing certain types of plants. They are based on temperature scale showing the average annual minimum temperature in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Currently, the most complete scale of frost resistance, used everywhere, is the so-called USDA scale or zones.
USDA Zones
The USDA scale was first developed by the USDA for the needs of farmers and crop farmers, and then the proposed zoning began to be used around the world. The scale includes 13 zones (from 0 to 12), each of which is divided into 2 more subzones, the boundaries of which were determined based on the minimum average annual temperatures. At first, only the territory of the United States was described, and then other countries. Now all regions of the globe belong to one or another zone according to the USDA scale, and all plant species are divided according to their adaptability to different climatic conditions.
For example, a plant described as "hardy to zone 10" means it can withstand a minimum temperature of -1 ° C. A more resistant plant that is "hardy to zone 9" can withstand a minimum temperature of -7 ° C, etc.
Today USDA zoning is a universal scale of frost resistance used by modern farms. However, it has many disadvantages and does not take into account whole line critical factors, such as:
- Snow depth. It is known that snow perfectly protects the root system of plants from frost, therefore, crops that freeze in snowless regions can survive well where there is a lot of snow in winter.
[!] A plant breeder from Poland noticed one interesting feature: Azaleas, dying of cold in Eastern Europe, wintered well in the Moscow region, where the climate is much harsher. It turned out that the rhododendrons were protected by snow, which did not allow the root system to die.
- Temperature changes. Many cultures are afraid not so much of frost as of sudden temperature changes in winter. A sudden thaw, causing the snow to melt, and an equally sudden cold snap, leads to the death of the roots. This is why there are a number of plants, such as some types of bamboo, that can withstand very coldy cannot survive in our climate.
[!] In the 60s of the last century, due to such a sudden drop in winter temperature (from -1 ° C to -29 ° C), the maple collection of the Moscow State University Botanical Garden was badly damaged.
- Spring frosts are another factor holding back the cultivation of thermophilic species. In our country, this problem is especially relevant: in middle lane frosts can return even at the end of May.
[!] You don't have to go far for examples. The cold of May 2017 killed a significant part of the grapes in Crimea.
- Average annual rainfall. Humidity is an important climatic parameter that affects, among other things, the adaptation of plants. For example, some crops tolerate dry, cold air well, but do not survive in humid climates.
- Other factors: the difference between day and night temperatures, terrain (presence of hills and lowlands), soil types, duration daylight hours, wind rose, etc.
Russia, divided into USDA climatic zones, looks something like this:
Some cities of our country belong to the following frost resistance zones: zone 1 - Tiksi, Batagay, zone 2 - the greater territory of Russia, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Novosibirsk, zone 3 - Khabarovsk, Magadan, Vorkuta, zone 4 - Moscow and the Moscow region, Vologda, Arkhangelsk , Chelyabinsk, Ufa, zone 5 - St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, Voronezh, Bryansk, Saratov, zone 6 and 7 - Krasnodar.
As for the labels on plants from nurseries, for Moscow and St. Petersburg, you should choose crops acclimatized for zones 1-4, as well as 5a and, partially, 5b.
As you can see, USDA zoning is far from perfect, so work in this direction is constantly ongoing.
Alternatives
The flawed USDA system prompted the search for alternatives. And now they use not only the above concept, but also some others. Firstly, the USDA zones have been supplemented, and their number has been significantly increased. In addition, one of the means for determining the zones of frost resistance was the use of the so-called "indicator plants". It is known that the range of some species is strictly limited depending on the climate, and therefore the presence of any indicator plant indicates that the territory belongs to one or another zone of frost resistance.
In addition, some countries have developed their own climate maps based on long-term meteorological observations... Great Britain became one of these countries.
In 2012, the Royal Horticultural Society of the United Kingdom presented its plant frost resistance rating. This rating describes all plants found in the UK and is widely used by English gardeners.
The English system of plant frost resistance consists of 9 parts:
- H1a (more than 15 ° C) - growing in a greenhouse;
- Н1в (from 10 to 15 ° С) and H1c (from 5 to 10 ° С) - outdoor cultivation only in summer;
- H2 (from 1 to 5 ° C) - crops that can withstand a slight drop in temperature, but are not resistant to frost;
- H3 (from -5 to 1 ° C) - crops that tolerate the climate of the coastal regions of Great Britain;
- Н4 (-10 to -5 ° С) - crops adapted to the climate of most of Great Britain;
- H5 (-15 to -10 ° C) - crops adapted to the climate of most of the UK and withstanding a significant drop in temperature in winter;
- Н6 (from -20 to - 15 ° С) - frost-resistant crops capable of growing throughout Northern Europe;
- Н7 (less than -20 ° С) - the most frost-resistant crops.
Frost resistance zones in the USSR and Russia
In our country, work to determine the zones of frost resistance began at the beginning of the 20th century, and then continued after the October Revolution. And, although at the beginning the maps were imperfect, and the climatic regions were too generalized, in the 60s the work was continued: the number of zones increased to 42 (up to 60 together with subzones). The work was named "Wood-cultivated regions of the USSR". In addition to zoning, work was carried out to divide the plants found in the USSR by climatic regions. The list consisted mainly of woody crops, but the number of species included in it is very large - about 700.
Professor AI Kolesnikov, who supervised the work, summarized the obtained data in the publication "Decorative Dendrology". This book has not lost its relevance to this day.
WITH detailed description tree-cultural regions of the USSR you can familiarize yourself with.
The work did not stop there, but zoning detailing continued. Other factors influencing the winter hardiness of plants began to be taken into account: not only minimal, but also average annual temperatures winter and summer months, average and minimum humidity, volatility and annual precipitation... The number of frost resistance zones increased to 76, and the plants recommended for each zone were divided into three groups - "main", "additional" and "auxiliary":
- the main one - plants well acclimatized for the area,
- additional - crops capable of growing in the considered climatic zone only under the condition good care(shelter for the winter),
- auxiliary - single plants.
Unfortunately, serious government research on this topic was no longer carried out, although both the climate and the range of plants have changed, a colossal accumulated practical experience... From time to time, such maps are attempted to be drawn up by individual farms, but due to a lack of resources, their work is limited to individual areas.
How to increase the frost resistance of plants
In conclusion, I would like to give some tips from the practice of gardening. Many crops recommended for more favorable climatic zones, with proper care, it is quite possible to grow here. To increase winter hardiness certain types recommended:
- Protect the root system from frost. This can be done using coniferous spruce branches, dry fallen leaves, peat, sawdust, industrial covering material. Foam plastic, which has high thermal insulation properties, has also proven itself well.
- Cover not only the roots, but also the aerial part of the plant. Of course, it is difficult to protect the crown of powerful tree crops (although some gardeners manage to wrap the lower part of the trunks with cloth or polyethylene), but liana-like species and plants with flexible stems should be carefully laid on the ground and covered.
[!] It is especially important to protect young cultures, which are 2-3 years old. Their root system is not yet fully formed and is located close to the surface of the earth.
Russia is a country that occupies a huge area. Many peoples and ethnic groups live on its territory. But, besides this, it is also subdivided into different climatic zones. Depending on this, on different territories The country is home to various flora and fauna. What are the climatic zones of Russia, what are the criteria for the division and what are the features of these zones - read about all this in the presented article.
Total number of climatic zones
Initially, you need to understand how many climatic zones exist in general. So, in nature there are four of them (counting from the equator line):
- Tropical.
- Subtropical.
- Moderate.
- Polar
Generally speaking, the division into climatic zones occurs in accordance with the average temperature of the surface warming up by the sun's rays. It should be noted that such zoning was based on long-term observations and conclusions drawn from analytical data.
About climatic zones of Russia
What are the climatic zones of Russia? The country's territory is very large, which allowed it to settle in three of them. So, if we talk about belts, then on the territory of Russia there are three of them - temperate, arctic and subarctic. However, the natural and climatic zones of Russia are subdivided according to meridians, of which there are 4 on the territory of the state, belonging to the 20th, 40th, 60th and 80th meridians. That is, there are four climatic zones, the fifth is called special.
Table of natural and climatic zones
There are 4 climatic zones in Russia. The table is presented for easier perception of information:
| Climatic zone | Territories | Peculiarities |
| 1st zone | South of the country (Astrakhan region., Krasnodar region, Stavropol region, Rostov region, Republic of Dagestan, Ingushetia, etc.) | Warm regions of the country, winter temperature is in the region of -9.5 ° С, in summer it can rise to + 30 ° С (the maximum recorded in the last century is + 45.5 ° С) |
| 2nd zone | This is the Primorsky Territory, as well as the regions located in the west and north-west of the country. | The zone is very similar to the 1st one. Here, the average winter temperature is in the region of -10 ° С, summer temperatures are approximately +25 ... + 30 ° С. |
| 3rd zone | Areas of Siberia and the Far East that are not included in the 4th zone | Winter temperatures are much colder, on average reaching -20 ...- 18 ° С. In summer, temperature indicators fluctuate in the range of +16 ... + 20 ° С. Windiness is low, wind speed rarely exceeds 4 m / s |
| 4th zone | Northern Siberia, Far East, Yakutia | These areas are below the Arctic Circle. Winter temperatures are around -41 ° С, summer temperatures are close to 0 ° С. Windiness - no more than 1.5 m / s |
| Special zone | Here are located the territories that are beyond the Arctic Circle, as well as Chukotka | The winter temperature here is in the region of -25 ° С, the wind speed in winter can reach 6.5 m / s |
Considering the climatic zones of Russia, it should be noted that most of the country is located in the Arctic and subarctic belts... Also, quite a few territories occupy a moderate strip. There are not so many subtropics, it is less than 5% of the entire territory of Russia.
Arctic climate
Consideration of the climatic zones of Russia should be started precisely with arctic climate... It is characteristic for a special, and also partially for the 4th zone. Mostly located here arctic deserts as well as the tundra. The soil hardly warms up, Sun rays only slide on the surface, which prevents the flora from growing and developing. The fauna is also scarce, the reason for everything is lack of food. Winter takes most time, which is about 10 months. Per summer period the soil does not have time to warm up, since the heat in the region of 0- + 3 ° С lasts no more than a couple of weeks. During the polar night, temperatures can drop to -60 ° C. There is practically no precipitation, it can only be in the form of snow.
Subarctic climate
Widely distributed on the territory of Russia. So, it includes the 4th zone, as well as partially special and the third. Winter is also long and cold, but less severe. Summers are short, but the average temperature is 5 degrees higher. Arctic cyclones cause strong winds, cloudiness, precipitation occurs, but not strong.
Temperate climate
The 3rd and 2nd climatic zones of Russia belong to the temperate climate. Covers most of the country's territory. The seasons are pronounced here, there are spring, summer, autumn and winter. Temperatures can range from +30 ° C in summer to -30 ° C in winter. For convenience, scientists this zone Russia is subdivided into 4 more:
- Moderate continental. Summer is hot, winter is cold. Natural areas can replace each other from steppes to taiga. Dominated by Atlantic air masses.
- Continental. The temperature ranges from -25 ° C in winter to +25 ° C in summer. A large number of precipitation. The zone is mainly formed by western air masses.
- Sharply continental. Partly cloudy, little precipitation. In summer, the soil warms up well, in winter it freezes deeply.
- Marine as well monsoon climates... Are characteristic strong winds, which are called monsoons. The precipitation is heavy, there may be floods. Summer is not hot, the average air temperature is +15 ... + 20 ° С. Winters are very cold, the air temperature can drop to -40 ° C. In the coastal areas, winter and summer are smoother.
Subtropical climate
1 climatic zone of Russia partially covers a small territory of the country in the region of the Caucasus Mountains. Summer is long here, but not hot. In winter, the temperature does not drop below 0 ° C. Due to the proximity of the mountains, there is quite a lot of precipitation, they are abundant.
Tropikov and equatorial zone on the territory of Russia is not.
Road climatic zones
Few people know, but there are also road-climatic zones in Russia. They are divided according to the peculiarities of the construction of highways for a certain territory (depending on temperatures, precipitation and other climatic indicators). In this section, you can find 5 zones.
| Zone | Peculiarity |
| 1 | This is the cold tundra zone permafrost... The road goes as follows settlements: De-Kastri - Birobidzhan - Kansk - Nes - Monchegorsk |
| 2 | This zone is characterized by forests, where the soil is very abundantly moistened. Tomsk-Ustinov-Tula |
| 3 | Forest-steppe, soils are also very moist. Turan - Omsk - Kuibyshev - Belgorod - Chisinau |
| 4 | The soils are not so moisturized. The road passes through the cities of Volgograd - Buinaksk - Julfa |
| 5 | These are desert roads, arid soils, which are also characterized by increased salinity. |
The benefits of dividing into climatic zones
Why highlight the climatic zones of Russia? Table 1 and Table 2 indicate that there are many of them. All of this is there for convenience. So, this division is important for many areas of activity and knowledge. Most often, such zoning is important:
- For tourism business planning resorts.
- When constructing buildings, roads (including railways), designing communications.
- When assessing the possibility of living in a given area of people.
- When planning the extraction of minerals, natural resources.
- When organizing agriculture, farming.
Well, generally speaking, knowledge of climatic zones helps many people to improve their lives in various parts of the country. This knowledge helps many to optimize and master a particular territory for living. For example, cold areas are expensive, temperate climates it is best to breed animals and grow useful vegetation.
The main factor that determines the choice of new perennial plants for the garden is the climate. It is especially important to know if this species will overwinter in this region or not. In nurseries, a frost resistance zone is usually indicated for each plant. From it you can find out how much low temperatures can withstand the plant and decide whether to buy it.
What are frost resistance zones?
Initially, the definition of climatic zones for frost resistance was developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the needs of agriculture. Thirteen climatic zones have been identified based on the minimum winter temperatures by region. Then the system was refined and improved. The data is summarized in the following table:
| Zone | from | before | |
| 0 | a | < –53,9 °C | |
| b | -53.9 ° C | -51.1 ° C | |
| 1 | a | -51.1 ° C | -48.3 ° C |
| b | -48.3 ° C | -45.6 ° C | |
| 2 | a | -45.6 ° C | -42.8 ° C |
| b | -42.8 ° C | –40.0 ° C | |
| 3 | a | –40.0 ° C | -37.2 ° C |
| b | -37.2 ° C | -34.4 ° C | |
| 4 | a | -34.4 ° C | -31.7 ° C |
| b | -31.7 ° C | -28.9 ° C | |
| 5 | a | -28.9 ° C | –26.1 ° C |
| b | –26.1 ° C | -23.3 ° C | |
| 6 | a | -23.3 ° C | –20.6 ° C |
| b | –20.6 ° C | –17.8 ° C | |
| 7 | a | –17.8 ° C | -15.0 ° C |
| b | -15.0 ° C | –12.2 ° C | |
| 8 | a | –12.2 ° C | -9.4 ° C |
| b | -9.4 ° C | –6.7 ° C | |
| 9 | a | –6.7 ° C | -3.9 ° C |
| b | -3.9 ° C | -1.1 ° C | |
| 10 | a | -1.1 ° C | 1.7 ° C |
| b | 1.7 ° C | 4.4 ° C | |
| 11 | a | 4.4 ° C | 7.2 ° C |
| b | 7.2 ° C | 10.0 ° C | |
| 12 | a | 10.0 ° C | 12.8 ° C |
| b | > 12.8 ° C | ||
All areas in the United States and Canada have been mapped taking into account mountain climates and coastal areas. Later, frost resistance zones were determined for Europe.
For Russia, they are indicated approximately and are not a recommendation for growing certain types of plants. Nevertheless, every gardener must definitely know which climatic zone of frost resistance his region belongs to, so as not to experience disappointment in the spring.
More detailed map winter hardiness zones for the European part of Russia:
for China:
for Ukraine:
for Belarus:
Factors determining the frost resistance zone
The specific minimum winter temperatures in the region depend on the geographical latitude, on the relief, on the proximity to the ocean and air humidity.
Geographic latitude determines the value solar radiation that the surface of the earth receives. In the southern regions, it is larger, so the climate there is hotter. But this is not the determining factor at all. In terms of latitude, London is located north of Kiev, but in Kiev there are often twenty-degree frosts in winter and it belongs to zone 5, and in the south of England the grass turns green in winter. The south of England belongs to frost resistance zone 9 due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and warm current Gulf Stream. In Kiev, the climate is close to continental, with dry summers and frosty winters.
The southern coast of Crimea belongs to zone 7, and steppe Crimea- to 6. Mountains protect the coast from the north winds, so palm trees, cypresses, wisterias and magnolias grow on the coast, and in other parts of the peninsula they freeze out in winter.
The frost-hardiness zones of Europe are rather distributed not from north to south, but from west to east - this is how the Atlantic influences the climate. In Eastern Europe, winters are noticeably harsher than in Western Europe.
Local conditions affecting the winter hardiness of plants
Do local conditions always correspond to the climatic zone in terms of frost resistance? Many nursery owners can answer this question. garden plants... Surely they will confirm that even within their region, some varieties are perfectly acclimatized and develop normally in certain areas, and in neighboring, literally at a distance of 50 km, there are serious problems with wintering.
This is due to the terrain, the height of the snow cover in winter, and the proximity of large bodies of water. For example, Quebec in Canada is in zone 4, but plants are grown there for zones 5 or 6. The peculiarity of Quebec is that the height of the snow cover is always high there and there are no large fluctuations in temperature. Snow serves reliable protection for plants.
Another example is the small village of Waxmund in the Polish Carpathians, where winter temperatures often drop to -35 ° C, where the record for the lowest winter temperatures for the region is -49 ° C. It is located near Krakow, where the average winter temperature is -5.5 ° C, and the minimum record was recorded in 1929 and it is only -32 ° C. The fact is that it is in the area of this village that cold and heavy air masses from the mountains descend down the slopes, creating such a paradox.
Climatic zone and plant features
When choosing new plants for your garden, you should take into account not only the winter hardiness zone, but also the features of these species. Very often, perennials for zones 4 of frost resistance do not withstand milder winters in zones 5 or 6. Why is this happening?
When making a decision before buying, it is useful to carefully study the properties of the plant and recommendations for care. An example is the cultivation features of some (,). They often cannot stand winter, but this is not due to frost. The reason is long thaws. These ground covers do not like excess moisture in cold soil. If the winter is frosty without thaws - everything is fine, if frosts alternate with thaws - they will not overwinter. The problem can be solved by planting them on slopes where water does not linger.
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