I mentioned that I was in 7b.But we are in a valley at the base of the Ouachita Mountains,so we seem to have a kind of micro climate. We have wind that flows over the mountains most of the year.It seems to keep us a little bit cooler.It really helps keep it us more comfortable, and the plants seem to do well in the hottest of summers.Spring and fall are beautiful with soft breezes.Love to watch the flowers and plants softly swaying in the breeze.