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MAY 2, 2026
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What Growing Zone Is Bonnie Brae?

Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given Bonnie Brae a growing zone designation of 6a. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in Bonnie Brae's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature.Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used Bonnie Brae's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.

β€” Plate β€”IL Β· USDA hardiness
map of growing zone 6a
Latest IL growing zone map

If you are looking for plants suitable for growing in the Bonnie Brae area, head on over to our page on plants that grow well in Bonnie Brae, IL.

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Show Bonnie Brae's growing zone on my site

β€” Plate β€”IL Β· USDA hardiness
map of growing zone 6a
Latest IL 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 Bonnie Brae is in growing zone 6a this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for Bonnie Brae's climate should be chosen with this in mind, or plants should be moved inside to keep their core temperature in the right range if necessary.

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

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!

Ready to start planning your garden? Browse our curated list of plants recommended for Bonnie Brae, IL that are matched to this hardiness zone.

Hardiness Zone FAQ

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 in Bonnie Brae, IL.

β„– 01What hardiness zone is Bonnie Brae, IL?+

The USDA hardiness zone is 6a for Bonnie Brae. This is sometimes also referred to as the growing or planting zone. These terms are used interchangeably.

β„– 02What does growing zone 6a mean for Bonnie Brae, IL?+

Growing zone 6a means that plants in Bonnie Brae, IL can survive temperatures as low as -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. This zone designation helps you choose plants that will thrive in your local climate conditions.

β„– 03How do I use the growing zone information for Bonnie Brae?+

Keep your growing zone of 6a in mind when choosing plants for Bonnie Brae. The growing zone tells you the average low temperatures that occur each year in Bonnie Brae. If you select plants from zones other than 6a, then you may need to provide additional care during the coldest months of the year.

β„– 04Has Bonnie Brae's growing zone changed?+

The USDA updated their hardiness zone maps in 2023. As a result, Bonnie Brae 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.

β„– 05What plants grow best in zone 6a?+

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

β„– 06Can I grow plants from other zones in Bonnie Brae?+

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

Bonnie Brae's Growing Zone Details

USDA Growing Zone: 6a

Zip Codes:

Longitude: -88.0343

Latitude: 41.5999

Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): -10 to -5

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Map of the Bonnie Brae Area

β€” Map β€”Lat 41.5999, Lon -88.0343
Tile data Β© Google Maps

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Plants For Other States

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

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