Most of central Maine falls into USDA Hardiness Zones 4b and 5a, but there are some small areas of 4a, 5b, and 6a scattered throughout. Each zone has its own specific characteristics that affect which grass type and plants can thrive there.
Here’s a guide to decoding what you can grow in your backyard based on your zone.
Planting zone map of central Maine
Are you interested in learning more about the zones of Maine or other parts of the state? Here are our detailed guides to planting zones in Maine:
Planting zones by city
Auburn: Hardiness zone 5b
Augusta: Hardiness zone 5b
Bangor: Hardiness zone 5a
Bar Harbor: Hardiness zone 6a
Bingham: Hardiness zones 4b and 5a
Eastport: Hardiness zone 6a
Fairfield: Hardiness zones 5a and 5b
Farmington: Hardiness zone 5a
Greenville: Hardiness zones 4b and 5a
Jackman: Hardiness zones 4a and 4b
Oakland: Hardiness zone 5b
Rockwood: Hardiness zones 4a and 4b
Rumford: Hardiness zone 5a
Skowhegan: Hardiness zone 5a
Waterville: Hardiness zone 5b
Winslow: Hardiness zone 5b
Central Maine’s planting zones explained
The USDA’s plant hardiness zones are a great tool you can use to plan your planting activities. These zones are based on minimum winter temperatures divided into 10-degree Fahrenheit zones.
These zones dictate when and what type of grass you can plant, as well as other types of plants, shrubs, and trees.
Zone 4a (-30°F to -25°F)
The coldest parts of central Maine, primarily in the central western region, fall into Zone 4a. While no major cities are located within this zone, it can be found in the most rugged and remote areas of Franklin, Oxford, and Somerset counties.
Best grass types:
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Fine fescues
- Tall fescue
- Perennial ryegrass
Shrubs:
- Common juniper
- Northern bayberry
- Meadow rose
- Bush cinquefoil
Perennials:
- Asters
- Coneflowers
- Daylilies
- Rudbeckia
Trees:
- Striped maple
- Yellow birch
- American hornbeam
Zone 4b (-25°F to -20°F)
Cities like Greenville and Jackman are located in Zone 4b, the coldest zone in central Maine. This zone experiences cold winters and a relatively short growing season.
Best grass types:
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Fine fescues
- Tall fescue
- Perennial ryegrass
Shrubs:
- Winterberry
- Nannyberry
- Red chokeberry
- Ninebark
Perennials:
- Bee balm
- Catmint
- Hostas
- Salvias
Trees:
- Pagoda dogwood
- Shadblow serviceberry
- Showy mountain ash
Zone 5a (-20°F to -15°F)
Cities such as Skowhegan and Farmington are situated in Zone 5a. While still cold, this zone has slightly milder winters compared to Zone 4b.
Best grass types:
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Fine fescues
- Tall fescue
- Perennial ryegrass
Shrubs:
- Highbush blueberry
- Lilac
- Hydrangea
- Azalea
- Roses
Perennials:
- Astilbe
- Black-eyed Susans
- Delphinium
- Hollyhock
Trees:
- American elder
- Black cherry
- Common chokecherry
Zone 5b (-15°F to -10°F)
Augusta, Waterville, and Auburn are located in Zone 5b, which experiences milder winters than Zones 4b and 5a.
Best grass types:
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Fine fescues
- Tall fescue
- Perennial ryegrass
Shrubs:
- Butterfly bush
- Forsythia
- Spirea
- Viburnum
- Weigela
Perennials:
- Coneflowers
- Coreopsis
- Phlox
- Rudbeckia
- Sedum
Trees:
- Kousa dogwood
- Japanese maple
- Redbud
Zone 6a (-10°F to -5°F)
The southeastern corner of central Maine, being closer to the coast, falls into the warmer Zone 6a. This zone has the mildest winters in the region and a longer growing season.
Best grass types:
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Fine fescues
- Tall fescue
- Perennial ryegrass
Shrubs:
- Boxwood
- Camellia
- Daphne
- Rhododendron
- Yew
Perennials:
- Ageratum
- Campanula
- Foxglove
- Lavender
- Snapdragon
Trees:
- Birch
- Honey locust
- Linden
- Red maple
- Tulip tree
Call a lawn care pro for help
Central Maine’s planting zones range from 4a to 6a, each with its unique challenges and characteristics. What works in one zone may not work in the next, and a specific grass type or plant that thrives in one area might struggle just a few miles away.
We can help you connect with an experienced local professional who knows your planting zone and can help you make the best choices for successful gardening. From grass seed selection to shrub placement and tree planting, they can advise you every step of the way to ensure your lawn and garden are looking their best.
Main Image Credit: John Phelan | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0
