USDA Planting Zone 11 with Map

What is USDA Planting Zone 11?

USDA Zone 11 features annual minimum winter temperatures above 40°F (4.4°C), maintaining tropical climates with hot summers and warm winters year-round. This makes it the warmest USDA planting zone in the continental U.S.

Its 365-day growing season enables 3–4 annual harvest cycles for crops like pineapples, cassava, and bougainvillea.

Geographically, Zone 11 occurs only in Hawaii, Florida Keys, and coastal Southern California. Its subzones – 11a (40–45°F/4.4–7.2°C) and 11b (45–50°F/7.2–10°C) – require distinct strategies.

Search USDA Planting Zones 11 by ZipCode

USDA Planting Zones 11 Map

Zone 11a

Zone 11a has an average annual minimum temperature range of 40°F to 45°F (4.4°C to 7.2°C). This subzone experiences:

• Mild winters with rare frost occurrences
• Hot summers
• Year-round growing season

Zone 11b

Zone 11b has a warmer temperature range of 45°F to 50°F (7.2°C to 10°C). This subzone offers:

• Very mild winters with virtually no frost
• Hot summers
• Continuous growing season throughout the year

States in Zone 11

1. California

Zone 11a is one of California’s warmest USDA Plant Hardiness Zones, with winter temperatures rarely dropping below 40°F to 45°F. This zone is mostly found along the southern California coast, where the Pacific Ocean keeps winters mild and summers cool.

San Diego (e.g., 92101, 92132) is a key city here, known for its sunny beaches and Mediterranean climate. Santa Monica (90401, 90403) features a bustling coastline and mild weather year-round.

Upscale areas like Malibu (90264) La Jolla (92038) along with smaller communities like Hermosa Beach (90254) and Venice (90291) also fall into 11a zone, thriving in its frost-free climate.

While Zone 11a represents a rare warm pocket in the state, Zone 11b is extremely limited in California.

2. Florida

Florida’s Zone 11a (40°F–45°F winter lows) covers much of its southeastern coast, including Miami (e.g., 33101, 33116) and Fort Lauderdale (33301, 33334), where tropical climates support palm trees.

Nearby areas like Hialeah (33012), Hollywood (33020), and Miami Beach (33139) thrive in this frost-free zone. Popular beach towns like Boca Raton (33487) and Deerfield Beach (33441) also fall under 11a, benefiting from warm winters and ocean influences.

Zone 11b (45°F–50°F) is rare in the U.S. but dominates Florida’s Florida Keys, including Key West (33040) and islands like Islamorada (33036). This subzone’s near-tropical warmth allows unique ecosystems, such as coral reefs and mangrove forests. Communities like Marathon (33050) and Big Pine Key (33043) rely on this mild climate for tourism and fishing.

Compared to California, Florida’s Zone 11 is far more expansive, with both 11a and 11b showcasing how latitude and ocean currents shape local environments.

Best Plants for Zone 11?

USDA Zone 11 features tropical climates with year-round warmth (minimum temperatures above 40°F/4°C), making it ideal for heat-loving plants. Below are best plants well-suited to this zone’s conditions:

1. Mango (Mangifera indica)
   Thrives in Zone 11’s frost-free environment and produces abundant fruit in full sun. Requires well-drained soil and benefits from consistent tropical temperatures.
2. Bougainvillea
   Drought-tolerant and blooms vibrantly in Zone 11’s intense sunlight. Its woody vines flourish in the zone’s extended growing season.
3. Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
   Loves high humidity and temperatures above 50°F, thriving in Zone 11’s coastal or inland heat. Showy flowers bloom year-round.
4. Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera)
   Iconic tropical tree requiring Zone 11’s steady warmth and sandy soil. Intolerant of cold, making this zone ideal for full growth.
5. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
   Flourishes in Zone 11’s heat with minimal frost risk. Striking flowers and large leaves adapt well to humid or arid subtropical climates.
6. Plumeria
   Needs frost-free conditions and full sun, which Zone 11 reliably provides. Fragrant flowers thrive in well-drained soil.
7. Banana (Musa spp.)
   Grows rapidly in Zone 11’s warm, moist environments. Requires protection from strong winds but benefits from the extended growing season.
8. Ti Plant (Cordyline fruticosa)
   Tolerates Zone 11’s humidity and partial shade. Colorful foliage adds tropical appeal to gardens.
9. Papaya (Carica papaya)
   Thrives in Zone 11’s year-round warmth and fertile soil. Fast-growing and sensitive to cold, making this zone optimal.
10. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
    Prefers Zone 11’s moist, warm soil and partial shade. Rhizomes develop robustly in tropical conditions.