The Plant Guide Almanac  ·  Vol. XV  ·  № 20  ·  Published in the United States
APR 26, 2026
Established 2011 · Intellica, LLC

The Plant Guide Almanac

A field reference of growing zones & plants for every town in America
USDA Hardiness Maps · 2023
Weather data 1991—2020
Hardiness Reading · 85266

Zip 85266 · Arizona Scottsdale, AZ

Hardiness Zone 10a

What Growing Zone Is 85266?

Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given zip code 85266 a growing zone designation of 10a.

Hardiness Zone

10a

State

Arizona AZ

Latitude

33.76034°

Longitude

-111.92503°

Winter Low (°F)

30 to 35

Best plants for Scottsdale Plants for 85266 See all of Arizona

Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in zip code 85266's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature.

Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.

I.

Arizona Hardiness Map

USDA 2023 plate
— Plate —AZ · USDA hardiness
map of growing zone 10a
Latest Arizona growing zone map

If you are looking for plants suitable for growing in zip code 85266, head on over to our page on plants that grow well in Scottsdale, Arizona.

You can also browse our list of recommended plants for zip code 85266 to find specific varieties suited to this hardiness zone.

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Show Scottsdale's growing zone on my site

II.

What zone 10a means

In plain English
— Plate —AZ · USDA hardiness
map of growing zone 10a
Latest Arizona growing zone map

The growing zone is a measure of the lowest temperature that a plant can survive based on average lowest year temperatures, helping you to decide what plants would grow best in your particular climate. Since zip code 85266 is in growing zone 10a this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as 30 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

— Plate I —USDA Hardiness Zones · 2023
USDA growing zone map of the United States
After the United States Department of Agriculture, revised November 2023

Some zones may have been changed by the USDA as of 2023. To see if zip code 85266 has been affected, refer to this map of half zone changes from the 2012 version of the USDA zones to the 2023 version.

— Plate II —Half-zone changes · 2012 → 2023
map of usda hardiness zone changes from 2012 to 2023
Half-zone changes between the 2012 and 2023 USDA hardiness maps.

The updated map shows that over half of the Southeast has warmed by about half a zone. For gardeners, that means you can now grow plants that tolerate a bit more heat and less frost than before. The tan areas reflect this shift. Meanwhile, the white areas had slight temperature changes, but not enough to move them into a new zone. In the Western U.S., a few spots shifted cooler. That's not due to a colder climate, but because the new map uses a larger dataset, giving a more accurate picture of local conditions. It's important to keep track of these changes when planning your garden!

III.

Hardiness Zone FAQ

For the curious gardener

Have questions about hardiness zones and what they mean for your garden? Check out our FAQ below for quick answers to common questions about USDA hardiness zones and how they affect plant selection for zip code 85266.

№ 01What hardiness zone is 85266?+

The USDA hardiness zone is 10a for zip code 85266. This is sometimes also referred to as the growing or planting zone. These terms are used interchangeably.

№ 02What does growing zone 10a mean for 85266?+

Growing zone 10a means that plants in zip code 85266 can survive temperatures as low as 30 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. This zone designation helps you choose plants that will thrive in your local climate conditions.

№ 03How do I use the growing zone information for 85266?+

Keep your growing zone of 10a in mind when choosing plants for 85266. The growing zone tells you the average low temperatures that occur each year in the area. If you select plants from zones other than 10a, then you may need to provide additional care during the coldest months of the year.

№ 04Has 85266's growing zone changed?+

The USDA updated their hardiness zone maps in 2023. As a result, 85266 may have experienced zone changes. Some areas of the Southeast warmed by half a zone, while areas of the Western United States had their zones lowered as a result of additional data becoming available.

№ 05What plants grow best in zone 10a?+

Visit our page on the best plants for Scottsdale to see a full list of recommendations for the area.

№ 06Can I grow plants from other zones in 85266?+

While you can try plants from other zones, they may need winter protection or indoor shelter during cold spells. Focus on plants recommended for Scottsdale's climate for the best results.

IV.

85266's Growing Zone Details

For the record

USDA Growing Zone: 10a

Zip Codes:
85266

Longitude: -111.92503

Latitude: 33.76034

Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): 30 to 35

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V.

Map of the 85266 Area

Live tile
— Map —Lat 33.76034, Lon -111.92503
Tile data © Google Maps
VI.

All Towns In Arizona

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VII.

Plants For Other States

Browse the rest

Looking for the best plants in a different area of the United States? Click on a state below to find plants that are ideal for that state's temperatures.

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