Arkansas consists of four plant zones — 7a, 7b, 8a, and 8b. Each zone has an average annual extreme minimum temperature. Knowing the zone you live in can help you choose trees, veggies, fruits, flowers, and grasses that can survive the zone’s extreme cold temperatures.
Below, we’ll dig into the zones of several cities, which will give further insight into which plants will grow best at your Arkansas home.
Hardiness Zone Map for Arkansas
Updated by the USDA in 2023, the new Arkansas zone map reflects how the state has warmed up a bit over the years, due to a combination of climate change and more accessible weather data. Now, instead of falling between zones 6b and 8a, Arkansas’ growing zones range from 7a to 8b.
You can take a closer look at the map below:
And, if you need a little extra help deciphering things, check out our guide on How to Use the Updated and Warmer USDA Hardiness Zone Map.
Planting Zones in Your Neck of the Woods
Of Arkansas’ four planting zones, which one do you live in? What plants can you grow in this zone? Let’s explore things on a more local level.
Zone 7a
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The coldest part of the state, located as far north as you can go in Arkansas, Zone 7a’s annual minimum temperature averages between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
This zone includes cities like Bentonville, Bella Vista, Rogers, Springdale, and Fayetteville, to name a few.
Some of the plants that grow well in this area are:
- Smooth azalea
- English lavender
- Barberry
- Bleeding hearts
- Crape myrtle
Zone 7b
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Situated just below Zone 7a, Zone 7b has an average annual minimum temperature between 5 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
With a little overlap in some counties (e.g., Boone, Marion, and Newton), Hardiness Zone 7b encompasses the cities of Jonesboro, Paragould, Marmaduke, Batesville, Pleasant Plains, and Southside.
Here are a few plants and trees that do well here:
- Japanese maple
- Clematis
- Chrysanthemum
- Southern lady fern
- American crabapple
Zone 8a
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If you live in one of the following cities, you’re in Zone 8a: Little Rock, Benton, Cabot, Fort Smith, Hot Springs, and Conway. The dominant zone in Arkansas, summers here can get pretty hot, while winters tend to be mild.
The average annual minimum temperature in Zone 8a ranges between 10 and 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Flowers and trees that grow best here include:
- Southern red oak
- Pampas grass
- Calla lilies
- Zebra grass
- Dahlias
- Monkey puzzle tree
- Purple coneflower
Zone 8b
Photo Credit: Virens (Latin for greening) from South Royalton, Vermont, USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
Spanning the southernmost region and up the eastern border a little ways, Zone 8b includes Pine Bluff, Texarkana, El Dorado, Magnolia, Winchester, and Jerome.
The average annual minimum temperature in Zone 8b ranges between 15 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
A few examples of what does well in this growing zone:
- White ash tree
- Lemon verbena
- Hetz blue juniper
- Shasta daisies
- Peonies
FAQ About Arkansas Planting Zones
What grass types grow best in Arkansas?
Since Arkansas is located in the transition zone, it’s able to successfully grow warm-season and cool-season grasses. A few examples include:
- Bermudagrass
- Tall fescue
- Zoysia
- Centipedegrass
- Ryegrass
For more details on each grass type and how to grow it from seed in this state, check out our guide to the best grass seed for Arkansas.
Then, once you’ve chosen the type you like most, learn how to maintain it with the following guides:
- When and How to Fertilize Your Arkansas Lawn
- How To Aerate Your Lawn in Arkansas
- Complete Guide to Weed Control in Arkansas.
What are the best vegetables to grow in Arkansas?
There are a number of vegetables that grow well in Arkansas, some of which include:
- Chard
- Brussels sprouts
- Collards
- Mustard greens
- Spinach
- Onions
- Radishes
What’s the difference between the “a” and “b” sections of each zone?
While slight, the differences between the subzones “a” and “b” have to do with when the last spring frost and first fall frost occur.
Hire a Landscaping Pro
After deciding which trees, flowers, and veggies to grow in your Arkansas hardiness zone, turn to the pros for help. Talk to an Arkansas landscaping expert if you need help selecting plants for your landscape. Whether you’re in Little Rock, Conway, North Little Rock – or anywhere else in the great state of Arkansas – LawnStarter can connect you with passionate lawn care and landscaping pros with helpful advice.
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