The following USDA Cold Hardiness map uses zones to indicate average minimum temperatures. Although these zones can be used to determine a plant's likelihood for survival in a given region, many factors (including soil type, fertility, humidity, soil moisture, drainage, exposure to sun, and exposure to wind) actually determine a plant's ability for growth. Please note that the hardiness zone indication does not mean that a plant will not grow in colder temperatures; the plant simply needs protection from frost which can be achieved by using mulch, for example.