About This Collection
Zone 9 encompasses some of the most desirable gardening climates in the United States — coastal and inland Southern California, the Sacramento Valley, the warm Gulf Coast, and parts of Florida, Texas, and Arizona. Winters are mild (rarely below 20°F), growing seasons are long, and the palette of available plants is enormous.
In Zone 9, many plants that are annuals in colder climates become perennials. Lantana, bougainvillea, and Mexican sage bloom year-round or nearly so. Citrus trees, olive trees, and Mediterranean herbs thrive without winter protection. Native California plants like ceanothus, salvia, and manzanita are perfectly adapted to the summer-dry, winter-wet climate pattern.
The primary challenge in Zone 9 is summer heat and drought. Choosing plants with good heat and drought tolerance is as important as cold hardiness. PlantWise identifies plants that handle Zone 9's warm winters and hot, dry summers.
Find Zone 9 Plants for My Yard → or browse the interactive directory.
Featured Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
What does USDA Zone 9 mean?
Zone 9 means your average annual minimum winter temperature is between 20°F and 30°F (-7°C to -1°C). Frosts are rare and light, allowing a wide range of subtropical and Mediterranean plants to grow outdoors year-round.
What states are in Zone 9?
Zone 9 includes coastal and inland Southern California (Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento Valley), the Gulf Coast (parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi), central and south Florida, and parts of Arizona. The Pacific Northwest coast (parts of Oregon and Washington) also has Zone 9 pockets.
What plants are native to Zone 9?
Zone 9 native plants include California lilac (Ceanothus), California poppy, salvia species, manzanita, toyon, and many oak species. In the Southeast, native Zone 9 plants include muhly grass, beautyberry, and native azaleas.
Can I grow tropical plants in Zone 9?
Many semi-tropical plants thrive in Zone 9 year-round: bougainvillea, lantana, bird of paradise, agapanthus, and citrus. True tropicals (hibiscus, plumeria) may need frost protection on the rare cold night.