---
type: climate-zone
zone: 6
temp_min_f: -10
temp_max_f: 0
url: "https://www.bonsailist.com/climate-zones/zone-6"
---

# USDA Zone 6 Bonsai Species

Average annual minimum temperature: -10°F to 0°F.

Zone 6 is one of the best zones for bonsai in the US. Winters drop to -10°F — cold enough for proper dormancy but mild enough that the full range of temperate species does well. Most classic bonsai species originated in climates similar to Zone 6.

You can grow Japanese maples, trident maples, elms, zelkova, and the full range of conifers without heroic winter protection measures. A sheltered spot against a south-facing wall or a simple cold frame handles the coldest nights. The six-to-seven-month growing season gives trees plenty of time to develop.

This zone also opens the door to some borderline species like cork bark elm and certain azalea varieties that struggle in colder zones. You're still too cold for tropicals outdoors, but the temperate selection is outstanding.

Growing on a windowsill instead? USDA zones describe outdoor winter lows, so they don't apply to you — any [indoor-tolerant species](/categories/indoor) works in every zone.

## Compatible Bonsai Species (26)

- [Juniper Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/juniper) — *Juniperus chinensis*, beginner
- [Japanese Maple Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/japanese-maple) — *Acer palmatum*, intermediate
- [Chinese Elm Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/chinese-elm) — *Ulmus parvifolia*, beginner
- [Trident Maple Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/trident-maple) — *Acer buergerianum*, intermediate
- [Azalea Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/azalea) — *Rhododendron spp.*, intermediate
- [Larch Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/larch) — *Larix decidua*, intermediate
- [Birch Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/birch) — *Betula pendula*, intermediate
- [White Pine Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/white-pine) — *Pinus parviflora*, advanced
- [Black Pine Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/black-pine) — *Pinus thunbergii*, advanced
- [Ginkgo Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/ginkgo) — *Ginkgo biloba*, intermediate
- [Hornbeam Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/hornbeam) — *Carpinus betulus*, intermediate
- [Beech Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/beech) — *Fagus sylvatica*, intermediate
- [Yew Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/yew) — *Taxus baccata*, intermediate
- [Crabapple Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/crabapple) — *Malus sylvestris*, intermediate
- [Zelkova Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/zelkova) — *Zelkova serrata*, beginner
- [Hackberry Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/hackberry) — *Celtis sinensis*, beginner
- [Cotoneaster Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/cotoneaster) — *Cotoneaster horizontalis*, beginner
- [Firethorn Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/firethorn) — *Pyracantha coccinea*, intermediate
- [Boxwood Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/boxwood) — *Buxus sempervirens*, beginner
- [Hinoki Cypress Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/hinoki-cypress) — *Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana'*, intermediate
- [Cork Bark Elm Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/cork-bark-elm) — *Ulmus parvifolia 'Corticosa'*, intermediate
- [Wisteria Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/wisteria) — *Wisteria floribunda*, intermediate
- [Willow Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/willow) — *Salix babylonica*, intermediate
- [Privet Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/ligustrum) — *Ligustrum sinense*, beginner
- [Bald Cypress Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/bald-cypress) — *Taxodium distichum*, intermediate
- [Cherry Blossom Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/cherry-blossom) — *Prunus serrulata*, advanced

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*Source: [BonsaiList](https://www.bonsailist.com/climate-zones/zone-6)*