Rhode Island has three USDA planting zones according to the USDA’s latest data: zones 6b, 7a, and 7b.
Zone 6b, the coolest among three, occupies the western portion of Rhode Island. Zone 7a dominates the central and eastern parts, including most of the coastline. Zone 7b, the warmest, is limited to the southernmost coastal areas and Block Island.
You can find your Rhode Island planting zone by using our ZIP code tool or the Rhode Island city planting zone map. Both tools, provided below, will help you determine your exact USDA growing zone.
Search Rhode Island Planting Zones by ZipCode
Planting Zones Rhode Island Map
Please select your Rhode Island city from the selection box below. Toggle map layers from top right corner button in mapview.
Planting Zones
Planting Zones
3 planting zones in Rhode Island
1. Zone 6b
Zone 6b, shown in dark purple color on our map above, covers the western portion of Rhode Island. This zone experiences average annual minimum temperatures ranging from -5°F to 0°F (-20.6°C to -17.8°C). It covers a large part of the state’s inland areas, stretching from the northern to the southern border. Some cities and towns in this zone are Woonsocket, Chepachet, and Foster. The zone also includes parts of Providence and Cranston, showing that even within urban areas, microclimates can create colder areas.
2. Zone 7a
Zone 7a, shown in teal color on our map above, dominates the majority of Rhode Island’s territory. With average annual minimum temperatures between 0°F to 5°F (-17.8°C to -15°C), this zone covers the central and eastern portions of the state, including most of the coastline. It covers the state’s most populous areas and represents a transition between the colder inland regions and the milder coastal areas. Some of cities in this zone are Providence, Newport, Narragansett Bay and Warwick.
3. Zone 7b
Zone 7b, the yellow areas on our map, is the warmest planting zone in Rhode Island. It’s average annual minimum temperatures ranges from 5°F to 10°F (-15°C to -12.2°C). This zone is limited to the southernmost coastal areas of the state and includes Block Island, which is visible as a separate yellow area off the coast. The warmer temperatures in this zone are influenced by the moderating effect of the Atlantic Ocean, creating a unique microclimate that allows for the cultivation of plants that might not survive in other parts of the state.
USDA hardiness zones for Rhode Island Cities, Towns and Counties
Data Source: Latest USDA release -2023
USDA hardiness zones for Rhode Island Counties
| Rhode Island Counties | Hardiness Zones |
|---|---|
| Bristol County | Zone 7a |
| Kent County | Zone 6b and 7a |
| Newport County | Zone 7a and 7b |
| Providence County | Zone 6b and 7a |
| Washington County | Zone 6b, 7a and 7b |
USDA hardiness zones for Rhode Island cities and towns
| Rhode Island Cities/Towns | Planting Zone |
|---|---|
| Adamsville | Zone 7a |
| Ashaway | Zone 6b |
| Barrington | Zone 7a |
| Block Island | Zone 7b |
| Bradford | Zone 7a |
| Bristol | Zone 7a |
| Carolina | Zone 6b |
| Central Falls | Zone 7a |
| Charlestown | Zone 7a |
| Chepachet | Zone 6b |
| Clayville | Zone 6b |
| Coventry | Zone 6b |
| Cranston | Zone 7a/6b |
| Cumberland | Zone 6b |
| East Greenwich | Zone 7a |
| East Providence | Zone 7a |
| Exeter | Zone 6b |
| Fiskeville | Zone 6b |
| Forestdale | Zone 6b |
| Foster | Zone 6b |
| Glendale | Zone 6b |
| Greene | Zone 6b |
| Greenville | Zone 6b |
| Harmony | Zone 6b |
| Harrisville | Zone 6b |
| Hope | Zone 6b |
| Hope Valley | Zone 6b |
| Hopkinton | Zone 6b |
| Jamestown | Zone 7a |
| Johnston | Zone 6b |
| Kenyon | Zone 7a |
| Kingston | Zone 6b |
| Lincoln | Zone 6b |
| Little Compton | Zone 7a |
| Manville | Zone 6b |
| Mapleville | Zone 6b |
| Middletown | Zone 7a |
| Narragansett | Zone 7a |
| Newport | Zone 7a |
| North Kingstown | Zone 7a |
| North Providence | Zone 6b |
| North Scituate | Zone 6b |
| North Smithfield | Zone 6b |
| Oakland | Zone 6b |
| Pascoag | Zone 6b |
| Pawtucket | Zone 7a |
| Peace Dale | Zone 7a |
| Portsmouth | Zone 7a |
| Providence | Zone 7a/6b |
| Prudence Island | Zone 7a |
| Riverside | Zone 7a |
| Rockville | Zone 6b |
| Rumford | Zone 7a |
| Saunderstown | Zone 7a |
| Shannock | Zone 6b |
| Slatersville | Zone 6b |
| Smithfield | Zone 6b |
| Tiverton | Zone 7a |
| Wakefield | Zone 7a |
| Warren | Zone 7a |
| Warwick | Zone 7a |
| West Greenwich | Zone 6b |
| West Kingston | Zone 6b |
| West Warwick | Zone 6b |
| Westerly | Zone 7a |
| Wood River Junction | Zone 6b |
| Woonsocket | Zone 6b |
| Wyoming | Zone 6b |
Best plants for Rhode Island planting zones?
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zones in Rhode Island are well-suited to these plants:
- Zone 6b: Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) – This small tree thrives in the cooler temperatures of western Rhode Island, offering beautiful spring blossoms and heart-shaped leaves.
- Zone 7a: Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) – Perfect for the central and eastern parts of the state, this perennial provides vibrant yellow flowers throughout summer and early fall.
- Zone 7b: Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) – Ideal for the warmer southern coastal areas and Block Island, this shrub or small tree produces long-lasting, colorful blooms in late summer.