Northern Indiana has just two plant hardiness zones, 5b and 6a. The northwest corner of the state is the colder 5b region, and the rest of northern Indiana is slightly milder, located in zone 6a.
Many plants can grow in either of these zones. However, that may not be the case for every plant. Additionally, it’s important to note that central Indiana and southern Indiana have areas within other plant hardiness zones, so a plant you can grow in one end of the state may not thrive in another.
Here’s a guide to deciphering hardiness zones and growing plants that are just right for where you live.
Hardiness Zone Map for Northern Indiana
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is an important tool for helping gardeners determine what to plant and when to plant it. The map was revised in 2023 to account for increasing temperatures across the United States.
For example, while in 2012 most of Northern Indiana was classified as zone 5b, now only a small area in the northwest corner of the state falls within that zone. The rest of Northern Indiana is now in zone 6a.
You can take a closer look at the map below:
If you need a hand understanding the hardiness zone map and how it can help you elevate your lawn care, check out our guide: “How to Use the Updated and Warmer USDA Hardiness Zone Map.”
You can learn about the hardiness zones in other parts of the state in these guides:
Zone 5b
Located in northwest Indiana is the coldest region of the state. In zone 5b, the average minimum temperature is -15 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
This zone includes cities such as Knox, DeMotte, and Cedar Lake.
Some plants that grow well within this zone include:
- Common blue violet
- Maidenhair fern
- Butterfly weed
- Trumpet honeysuckle
Zone 6a
The remainder of northern Indiana is in zone 6a. Here, the average minimum temperature is -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. This zone includes cities such as Fort Wayne, Goshen, and Warsaw.
Some plants that grow well within this zone include:
- Blue-eyed Mary
- Tickseed sunflower
- Buttonbush
- American wisteria
If you live in Fort Wayne, you’re in luck; we’ve got all the information you need on the best grass types for Fort Wayne.
More Resources for Your Indiana Yard
If you can’t get enough, we’ll give you all the information on how to keep your lawn looking great no matter which grass you choose for your Indiana lawn:
- The Best Grass Seed for Indiana Lawns
- The Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in Indiana
- When to Fertilize Your Indiana Lawn
- When to Overseed Your Indiana Lawn
- When to Aerate Your Indiana Lawn
- Most Common Weeds in Indiana
Hire a Pro
Whether your zone is 5b or 6a, you can have a great-looking yard. When you get to know your zone, you can choose the best flowers, trees, veggies, or grasses for your region with less stress.
Let LawnStarter further reduce your stress by connecting you with a local landscaping professional. Whether you live in Fort Wayne, South Bend, Gary, Mishawaka, or Valparaiso, they can help you select the right plants or maintain your lawn in the Hoosier State.
Main Image Credit: Morey House / Teemu008 / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
