Understanding what planting zone Indiana is in is crucial for selecting the right plants for your yard. The state falls within USDA hardiness zones 5b to 7a.
This means that depending on where you are in the state, the most extreme cold temperatures can range from -15 to 5 F. So, we will take a look at the planting zones for each region in Indiana, providing you with the essential information you need to choose the best flowers, shrubs, trees — and maybe even corn type — for your landscape.
What planting zone is Northern Indiana?
Northern Indiana used to be mostly in zone 5b, but with the recent USDA hardiness zone map update, Indiana’s planting zones have shifted. Now, the counties above State Road 18 fall into either zone 5b or 6a.
In Northwest Indiana, including counties like Starke, Pulaski, Jasper, and Benton, the region remains in zone 5b, featuring extreme minimum temperatures of -15 to -10 F. This is the coldest part of the state, so plants need to be extremely cold-hardy to survive the harsh winters.
Northeast Indiana, on the other hand, is entirely in zone 6a. Counties such as Allen, Noble, Whitley, and Elkhart experience extreme minimum temperatures ranging between -10 and -5 F. This zone 6a encompasses cities like South Bend, Fort Wayne, and Warsaw. The area’s landscape, dotted with Amish buggies and quaint rural scenes, requires selecting plants that can handle these slightly milder but still challenging temperatures.
What planting zone is Central Indiana?
Central Indiana, situated between State Road 18 and US Highway 50, primarily falls within zone 6a, with a few notable exceptions:
- Montgomery County: Home to Crawfordsville, this county is split between zone 5b and zone 6a. Crawfordsville itself is located in zone 5b, so if you’re planning a camping trip to Shades State Park, be sure to pack a jacket for those chilly nights.
- Marion County (Indianapolis): The heart of Indiana, including Indy, is situated in zone 6b. This means milder winters compared to the northern parts of the state, allowing for a wider variety of plants to thrive.
- Counties bordering US Highway 50: Several counties at the southernmost edge of Central Indiana, including Decatur, Bartholomew, Brown, and Monroe, are also in zone 6b.
What planting zone is Southern Indiana?
Southern Indiana primarily falls within zone 6b, where extreme cold temperatures range from -5 to 0 F. This region offers a slightly milder winter climate compared to the northern and central parts of the Hoosier State, allowing for a variety of plants to flourish.
However, the new USDA update has introduced some changes. For instance, counties below I-64, such as Posey, Vanderburgh (home to Evansville), Warrick, Spencer, and the southern part of Perry, are now classified as zone 7a.
The warmer climate in this part of the state allows for the cultivation of plants and grasses that won’t survive further north, like Zoysiagrass. So, it’s no surprise that Southern Indiana is renowned for its juicy watermelons — the growing season is longer and the climate is favorable.
What to plant in Indiana
The USDA hardiness zone you’re in significantly influences the types of plants that will thrive in your local climate. Whether you’re in the colder zone 5b or the milder zone 7a, selecting plants suited to your specific hardiness zone is key to a successful garden.
If you choose Indiana native plants, you can also simplify their maintenance. They are naturally adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them more resilient and easier to care for.
Here’s what to plant in Indiana based on your region:
What to plant in Northern Indiana
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Winters in Northern Indiana are harsh, and temperatures often dip well below freezing. However, you can have a successful garden by choosing cold-hardy plants adapted to zones 5b and 6a.
Here are some of the best plants for Northern Indiana:
- Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
- Large-flowered trillium (Trillium grandiflorum)
- Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
- Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)
Similarly, the best grasses for Northern Indiana are those that can withstand the region’s cold winters. The top choices include Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass. Check out our Indiana Lawn Care Schedule to stay on top of your game.
What to plant in Central Indiana
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Central Indiana enjoys slightly milder temperatures compared to the northern part of the state, but it still experiences its share of cold winters. Here are some of the best plants for Central Indiana:
- Spotted Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum)
- Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
- Blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia verna)
- Miterword (Mitella diphylla)
If you want your yard to look as pristine as the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium (even though it’s not natural grass), choose the best grasses for Central Indiana, including Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues, and tall fescue.
What to plant in Southern Indiana
brewbooks | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0
Southern Indiana has the ideal environment for a wide variety of plants, making it a gardener’s paradise. Here are a few of them:
- Goat’s beard (Aruncus dioicus)
- Turk’s cap lily (Lilium superbum)
- Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
- Tall tickseed (Coreopsis tripteris)
The best grasses for Southern Indiana include tall fescue, Zoysiagrass, and Kentucky bluegrass.
Pro tip: If you’re wondering where to start your next morel hunt in Southern Indiana, look near tulip trees, beech-maple forests, dead elms, and south-facing hills for the best chances of finding these delicious fungi.
FAQ about planting zones in Indiana
What planting zone is Indianapolis, Indiana?
Although Indianapolis is located in the heart of Central Indiana, which is mostly zone 6a, the Indianapolis metro area is situated in zone 6b.
If you want to get personalized advice and services tailored to Indianapolis’s zone 6b conditions, call a local lawn care pro.
What planting zone is Terre Haute, Indiana?
Terre Haute, Indiana, is located in USDA hardiness zone 6a. However, parts of Vigo County, where Terre Haute is situated, fall into zone 6b.
What planting zone is South Bend, Indiana?
South Bend, located way up north in the Michiana region, falls within USDA hardiness zone 6a.
Can palm trees grow in Indiana?
Most species of palm trees won’t survive Indiana’s harsh winters. The needle palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix) may have a shot, as it can tolerate temperatures as low as -5 F.
When to call a pro
If you’re uncertain about what to plant, when to plant, or how to plant it, don’t hesitate to call a local lawn pro for help. While the pros handle the hard work, you can enjoy a trip to the Indiana Dunes or explore the beautiful landscapes of the state, knowing your yard is in good hands.
Main Image Credit: Troy Tolley | Flickr | CC BY-ND 2.0
