zone confusion

[Empoweredandfree]

Is Clermont/Groveland a zone 9a or b? I planted  things hardy to 9b but the bomb was dropped on me that it痴 actually 9a yet most maps consider it 9b? I do notice a temp drop of at least 5 degrees between my cousin in winter park and Clermont. I also notice many more tropical /semi tropical trees in Winter Park as compared to here. Thanks in advance!

[brian]

It likely doesn't matter much.. only 5F difference.  You are more likely to have a wider temp variance of microclimates within a zone than 5F anyway.  If you are right on the edge either use containers that you can shelter in a cold spell, or have some backup plan for exceptionally cold nights.  And containerized plants are more susceptable to cold damage than in-ground if you do leave them outside.

[Empoweredandfree]

Only 5 degrees is a big difference in terms of borderline plants. I planted a bunch of things hardy for 9b but not for 9a but I知 still not positive on my zone. I believe being in the green swamp region takes me down to 9a. I even dropped big bucks on a large Jaboticoba which is tolerant of 9b but is bight questionable here! Too late now though. I have too many trees planted too protect now. I値l stick with peaches and nectarines if my stuff takes a crap this winter..

[Rex Begonias]

Only 5 degrees is a big difference in terms of borderline plants. I planted a bunch of things hardy for 9b but not for 9a but I知 still not positive on my zone. I believe being in the green swamp region takes me down to 9a. I even dropped big bucks on a large Jaboticoba which is tolerant of 9b but is bight questionable here! Too late now though. I have too many trees planted too protect now. I値l stick with peaches and nectarines if my stuff takes a crap this winter..

https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/InteractiveMap.aspx

Who told you 9a?  These zones are slowly migrating N anyhow, but I would be most concerned by your max low temperatures obviously, and how sustained.  I kinda think your Jaboticaba will be fine, but idk what else you have planted?

[Tropheus76]

Those are broad guidelines. Certainly not exact. I am 9b and I get a lot more freezes than other people in 9b. Its why my mango trees are about 6 feet tall at most due to freeze die back but I go into town and see large trees.

[Empoweredandfree]

Most of the real healthy mango trees I see in Orlando are hiding behind stone walls of those gated communities. They look lush and quite large but I知 sure they look crap in winter.

 Aside from Jaboticaba I planted Suriname cherry, June Plumb, Barbados cherry, Indian gooseberry, pineapple and a few other things.