
Alabama’s planting zones range from 7b in the extreme north to 9b in the coastal region, according to the 2023 USDA Hardiness Zone map. But most of Alabama is in zones 8a and 8b.
Knowing your planting zone allows you to choose plants that naturally thrive here, regardless of the temperature dips and spikes. When you grow plants that occur naturally in a region, you’re assured of getting the most out of your garden or landscape, with the least effort.

What planting zone is North Alabama?
North Alabama is the coldest part of the state, all the way from Tennessee down to Birmingham.
This chilly part of Alabama is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones ranging from 7b to 8a. Plants that survive low temperatures of 5 degrees to 15 degrees grow just fine in this part of the state.
The coldest zone is 7b (5 to 10 degrees) in the cliffs and valleys along the northern edge of Alabama. Zone 8a covers the majority of the northern cities of the state, including Florence, Huntsville, Decatur, Talladega, Gadsden, and Anniston.
Climate and growing season
Although it gets cool here, the seasons are generally mild in north Alabama, averaging around 48 degrees in the winter and 79 in the summer. As a result, the growing season is long. The first frost falls somewhere between mid- and late October and the last frost comes around the beginning of April.
To maintain a happy, healthy lawn up in the North you need a good lawn care regime. Learn how to create a perfect lawn care schedule for your Alabama lawn by following this guide.
Here’s a quick rundown of hardiness zones of some North Alabama cities:
City | USDA Plant Hardiness Zone | Minimum Winter Temperature (Fahrenheit) |
Stevenson | 7b | 5 to 10 |
Scottsboro | 7b | 5 to 10 |
Russellville | 7b | 5 to 10 |
Florence | 8a | 10 to 15 |
Huntsville | 8a | 10 to 15 |
Athens | 8a | 10 to 15 |
Albertville | 8a | 10 to 15 |
Plants that thrive in North Alabama
North Alabama offers an array of native plants, including eye-catching wildflowers like fire pink and trees like oak, dogwood, and maple, to create your dream landscape.
What planting zone is Central Alabama?
Central Alabama is slightly warmer than North and stretches from Anniston and Birmingham to Montgomery. It falls into USDA Hardiness Zone 8, making it ideal for green lawns year-round. Plants here can withstand temperatures of 10-20 degrees.
Climate and growing season

Temperatures generally range from average lows around 33°F to average highs going up to 48°F. Summer highs can soar up to the 90s while summer lows stay around the 70s, pair that with an annual 58 inches of rain and you have a highly hospitable environment for growing a lawn.
Central Alabama’s warmth means a longer growing season starting from mid-March and ending around mid-November. Frost typically arrives at the end of November and goes away mid-February, so the green garden window is pretty wide here.
Some major cities in Central Alabama and their hardiness zones are:
City | USDA Plant Hardiness Zone | Minimum Winter Temperature (Fahrenheit) |
Birmingham | 8a | 10 to 15 |
Anniston | 8a | 10 to 15 |
Pell City | 8a | 10 to 15 |
Florence | 8a | 10 to 15 |
Clanton | 8a | 10 to 15 |
Tuscaloosa | 8b | 15 to 20 |
Auburn | 8b | 15 to 20 |
Wetumpka | 8b | 15 to 20 |
Montgomery | 8b | 15 to 20 |
Plants that thrive in Central Alabama
Hardiness zones 8a and 8b are super supportive of plant growth and allow you to experiment with all sorts of flora to create a low-maintenance garden. From the showy purple
flowers of native American bluehearts and the very fragrant Mountain Witch Alder to building a lush green lawn with warm-season grasses, the options are unlimited.
What planting zone is Southern Alabama?
South of Montgomery is generally considered Southern Alabama and ends in Baldwin County. USDA Plant Hardiness Zones in South Alabama range from zone 8b to 9b. The soil in Southern Alabama is super fertile and will grow anything, but your safest bet is plants that can survive low temperatures of 15°F to 30°F.
Climate
The weather, as with any Southern region, gets really hot in the summer and stays mild for the winter months. The blazing sun can spike the temperature to 92°F during summer while the temperatures cool to 39°F in winter.
Along with the heat, South Alabama’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico brings heavy storms during the summer months. Coastal towns may even get occasional hurricanes and tornadoes. Flooding is also a threat here, with annual rainfall averaging about 65 inches.
Growing season
Compared to the rest of Alabama, the South gets the longest growing season. For instance, Dothan and Mobile are in planting zone 9a and don’t experience the first frost until late November or early December.
Some major Southern Alabama cities and their planting zones are:
City | USDA Plant Hardiness Zone | Minimum Winter Temperature (Fahrenheit) |
Elba | 8b | 15 to 20 |
Eufaula | 8b | 15 to 20 |
Greenville | 8b | 15 to 20 |
Hurtsboro | 8b | 15 to 20 |
Camden | 8b | 15 to 20 |
Evergreen | 8b | 15 to 20 |
Dothan | 9a | 20 to 25 |
Foley | 9a | 20 to 25 |
Mobile | 9a | 20 to 25 |
Dauphin Island | 9b | 25 to 30 |
Plants that thrive in Southern Alabama
The warmer temperatures make gardening and landscaping fun, but the heat and humidity may also create some challenges. It’s best to stick with local natives like Beautyberry, Oakleaf Hydrangea, and warm-season grasses. If you’re confused, here’s our guide to the best grass seed for Alabama and some landscaping ideas to help create your ideal green space.
Why do I need to know about them?
Burying just any seeds in your garden won’t give you the landscape you’re dreaming of. If you know what planting zone you’re in and select plants that thrive in the local climate, your garden will thrive.
You can use the USDA Plant Hardiness map to understand the plants that are best adapted for Alabama. Any plant you choose that’s outside of your zone will simply waste your time, energy, and money.
Frequently asked questions
What is plant hardiness?
Plant hardiness is the measure of a plant’s ability to survive adverse (climatic) growing conditions. All plants have a hardiness zone rating that indicates how likely they are to survive the winter’s lowest temperature.
What is the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map?
Plant hardiness zones mark geographical regions with their average annual extreme minimum winter temperatures. USDA hardiness zones help gardeners and growers determine what plants will thrive in a particular location.
What planting zone is Auburn in?
Auburn is in USDA planting zone 8b, which means plants can survive the lowest winter temperatures of 15°F to 20°F.
Need help?
From minus temperatures to coastal charm, Alabama has something for everyone. Just selecting the right plants according to your planting zone isn’t enough. Regular and proper maintenance is the key to a beautiful lawn.
If you’re caught up, simply call in a pro to lend you a hand. We have some of the most qualified lawn experts to help you bring your dream garden to life.
Main Image Credit: Carol M. Highsmith | Wikimedia Commons | License