We tend to be conservative with these, to assure your success. So feel free to follow the advice of other experts and to experiment. Though our map is too small to show this, each zone is divided into two sub-zones, for example 6a and 6b. Tulips, hyacinths, and crocus, however, need extended freezing temperatures in winter to do their best, so the West Coast has no advantage there. When the ground repeatedly freezes and thaws, especially with heavy soils, roots break and bulbs may die from that alone.
Every yard has warmer and colder spots or micro-climates.
Find and make the most of these. Warmer spots are often near heated buildings, on the south sides of walls, on slopes, and protected from the wind. All rights reserved.