Zone 9

Tropical & Subtropical Plants for Zone 9 Gardens

USDA Hardiness Zone 9 covers Southern California, the Gulf Coast, and parts of the Southwest and Pacific Northwest — where winters are warm with lows around 20°F to 30°F. This collection features plants with a minimum Zone 9 hardiness rating, ideal for gardeners who want to grow tropical citrus, guavas, and exotic fruiting plants outdoors year-round.

Citrus Trees

• Cara Cara Orange Tree – Zones 9–11. A stunning pink-fleshed navel orange with low acidity and a sweet, complex flavor — often described as a cross between an orange and a grapefruit.
• Calamondin Orange Bush – Zones 9–11. A versatile ornamental and edible citrus — tart, fragrant fruit perfect for cooking, cocktails, and preserves. Blooms nearly year-round.
• Ponderosa Lemon Tree – Zones 9–11. Produces enormous, thick-skinned lemons that can weigh over a pound each — a dramatic statement tree with exceptional yields.
• Ponderosa Lemon Tree – Starter Size – Zones 9–11. The same prolific Ponderosa variety in a compact starter size — perfect for containers or getting established in a new garden bed.

Guava Trees

• Ruby Supreme Guava Tree – Zones 9–11. A prolific fruiting guava with sweet, pink-fleshed fruit and a tropical aroma. Fast-growing and highly productive.
• White Guava Tree – Zones 9–11. Crisp, mild, and less sweet than pink varieties — a favorite for fresh eating and juicing in warm-climate gardens.

Not sure what zone you're in? Use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to find your zone by zip code.