Climatic hardiness zones of Albania and their use in evaluating the potential of introducing

new plant species

ZYDI TEQJA1; ZAMIR LIBOHOVA2; ALBERT KOPALI1
1-Agricultural University of Tirana, Koder Kamez, Tirana, ALBANIA; 2-USDA-NRCS National Soil
Survey Center, 100 Centennial Mall North, Federal Building, Room 152, Lincoln NE 68508, USA.

e-mail: zteqja@gmail.com
Abstract
A hardiness zone is a geographically defined area in which a specific category of plant life is capable of
growing, as defined by climatic conditions, including its ability to withstand the minimum temperatures
of the zone. Though there are some references for classifying hardiness zones of Albania, they have not
any practical use because they are very general. This study takes into account a large number of stations
and provides a detailed classification of Albanian territory according to hardiness and heat zones.
Absolute minimum temperatures in Celsius Degrees for the period 1970 -1990 for 150 weather stations
were used to generate the map. The minimum absolute temperature varied from -22.91 to 1.030C. The
interpolated map was generated using Spline with Barriers algorithm in ArcMap that assures that the
interpolated surface is within the range of the measured data points. The interpolated map was reclassified
in 9 hardiness subzones and zones based on the initial absolute minimum temperature. This
classification is very useful for the distribution of new plant species. In the framework of this
study the potential distribution of 6 new species for Albania is considered.
Key words: Climate, minimum temperature, hardiness zone, heat zone.

INTRODUCTION
There are many factors that determine what plant species could grow in a given location. Winter
minimum temperatures and the frequency of frosts, maximum summer temperatures, heights of
rainfall and their distribution, air humidity and illumination are all important. However, one of
the most important aspects is to determine if plant species could grow and survive during
extreme temperatures. Generally there are three main tools that can be used to evaluate the plant
species adaptation in a given location; hardiness zones (USDA model), heat zones (AHS), and
climatic zones (Cathey, H. 1990; Harp, D.A., et al. 2002; Vogel, K.P., et al. 2005.)
Normally plants that go well in one zone can be adapted to a warmer zone, bur this is not always
true. Warm winters generally are followed by hot summers and this sometimes could not be
tolerated by some plants. In some other areas, late frosts could damage especially plants with
early flowering. On the other hand microclimate plays its role in plant distribution.
Though being a small country Albania has high variety of climates that are caused by the very
broken relief and by the very specific position to the general atmospheric circulation. This very
high variety of climates makes Albania a very interesting country for horticulture development.
There are several studies dealing with climate of Albania and among them the study
accomplished by Hydro meteorological Institute in 1972 is confirmed by the time to be one of
the best. Based on the Hydro meteorological Institute climatic classification, Albania is divided
in four zones and 13 subzones. The practical use of this study has two main problems, first, it is
very complicated to be used by economic operators of the horticulture sector, second, it is
somehow difficult to convert and adopt this classification to well-known classifications of other
countries in a way that it could be used to support the international trade. In this study we have
made the classification of Albanian territory according to hardiness zones, using USDA model
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and according to heat zones proposed by American Horticultural Society. These models are
simple and could be used to evaluate the possibility of distribution of new plant species in
Albanian territory.
Materials and Methods
The minimum daily temperature data come from the registrations of the network of Hydro
meteorological Institute of Albania. Our aim was to identify the periods with the higher number
of stations with series of data longer than 10 years. So we identified the period 1970-1990 as the
best period. After 1990 the number of stations is dramatically reduced.
Hardiness zones are determined by calculating the mean absolute minimal temperature and by
grouping the locations according the thresholds provided by USDA as presented in Table 1.
Table 1. Hardiness Zones determined by USDA.
Zone

From

To

51.1 C (60 F)

48.3 C (55 F)

48.3 C (55 F)

45.6 C (50 F)

45.6 C (50 F)

42.8 C (45 F)

42.8 C (45 F)

40 C (40 F)

40 C (40 F)

37.2 C (35 F)

37.2 C (35 F)

34.4 C (30 F)

34.4 C (30 F)

31.7 C (25 F)

31.7 C (25 F)

28.9 C (20 F)

28.9 C (20 F)

26.1 C (15 F)

26.1 C (15 F)

23.3 C (10 F)

23.3 C (10 F)

20.6 C (5 F)

20.6 C (5 F)

17.8 C (0 F)

17.8 C (0 F)

15 C (5 F)

15 C (5 F)

12.2 C (10 F)

12.2 C (10 F)

9.4 C (15 F)

9.4 C (15 F)

6.7 C (20 F)

6.7 C (20 F)

3.9 C (25 F)

8
9

3.9 C (25 F)

1.1 C (30 F)

1.1 C (30 F)

+1.7 C (35 F)

+1.7 C (35 F)

+4.4 C (40 F)

+4.4 C (40 F)

+7.2 C (45 F)

+7.2 C (45 F)

+10 C (50 F)

+10 C (50 F)

+12.8 C (55 F)

+12.8 C (55 F)

10

11

12

More details could be found at http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/index.html. The interpolated

map was generated using Spline with Barriers algorithm in ArcMap that assures that the
interpolated surface is within the range of the measured data points (Coop, L. and P. Jepson
(2003). The interpolated map was reclassified in hardiness subzones and zones based on the
initial absolute minimum temperature. In a similar way a map of heat zones is composed.
(http://www.ahs.org/gardening-resources/gardening-maps/heat-zone-map). Taking these maps as
a reference, considerations of new horticulture species introduction to Albania are analyzed.
3. Results and their discussion
3. 1. Hardiness zones of Albania
By analyzing the average absolute minimum temperatures we found that the range of these
values is from -22.91 to 1.03. Based on these values we could identify the following hardiness
zones of Albania:
Zone 6a: with values range from 23.3 C (10 F) to 20.6 C (5 F). In this zone the
following locations are included: Bix and Mali Tomorrit.
2. Zone 6b: with values range from 20.6 C (5 F) to 17.8 C (0 F). In this zone the
following locations are included: Cukal, Shtyll, Voskopoj.
3. Zone 7a: with values range from 17.8 C (0 F) to 15 C (5 F). In this zone the following
locations are included: Rragam, Shishtavec, Fush Lur, Sheqeras, Vermosh, Klenj, Iballe, Dajt
antene, Zvirin.
4. Zone 7b: with values range from 15 C (5 F) to 12.2 C (10 F). In this zone the following
locations are included: Bishnic, Bilisht, Bushtric, Kurbenesh, Ersek, Dege, Darand, Selisht,
Zogaj, Kor, Krum, Qytet Bulqiz, Perenjas , Peshkopi, Theth, Kuks, Ujanik, Vithkuq.
5. Zone 8a: with values range from 12.2 C (10 F) to 9.4 C (15 F). In this zone the
following locations are included: Bajram Curri, Razm, Gjonbabas, Lene-martanesh, Shupenz,
Kastriot, Tropoj, Zalli kalis, Puk, Grmenj, Dvoran, Luaras, Cerave, Stravaj, Fierz, Lekbibaj,
Dragobi, Leskovik, Dushar, Domgjon, Korite, Kodr Shngjergj, Rrapsh, Korthpul, Liqenas,
Rrshen.
6. Zone 8b: with values range from 9.4 C (15 F) to 6.7 C (20 F). In this zone the
following locations are included: Potom, Shmil, Frashr, Pogradec, Librazhd, Gjinar, Prmet, M
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Dajt Rezidenc, Gllav, Nivic, Klcyr, Burrel, Bushkash, Klos, Gojan i vogel, Polian,
Goranxi, Gjirokastr.
7. Zone 9a: with values range from 6.7 C (20 F) to 3.9 C (25 F). In this zone the
following locations are included: Brataj, Dajt Fshat, Dorez, Pilur, orovod, Sinj, Koplik,
Dorz, Mamurras, Gramsh, Petresh, Larushke, Tiran A, Daj Zadrim, Xhafzotaj, Kamez,
Linze, Shkoder a, Sukth, Llongo, Kruj, Shkodr, Tirane, Berat, Elbasan, Kavaj, Grekan, Lac,
Kuov, Stjar, Kuc, Llakatund, Fier, Dushk, Ballsh, Tepelen, Levan, Vlora a.
8. Zone 9 b with values range from 3.9 C (25 F) to 1.1 C (30 F). In this zone the
following locations are included: Bushat, Krane, Roskovec, uk, Durres plazh, Mali Robit,
Dukat fshat, Shkodr Qytet, Peqin, Shnkoll, Kalas, Muzin, Selenic, Kalase, Shiroke,
Lushnj, Lezh, Velipoj, Konispol, Divjak, Orikum, Vlor, Durrs Port, Vau i Dejes,
Kryevidh, Lefter talo, Shengjin, Radhim.
9. Zone 10 a with values range from 1.1 C (30 F) to +1.7 C (35 F). In this zone the
following locations are included: Xarre, Lukove, Borsh, Sazan, Sarand, Himar.
The interpolated map of figure 1 was generated using Spline with Barriers algorithm in ArcMap.
The map shows that the major part of Albania belongs to USDA hardiness zones 8 and 9:

Figure 1: Hardiness zones of Albania.

3.2 Heat zones of Albania

Based on the data of maximum daily temperatures, the average number of days with
temperatures equal or above 30 Celsius degrees is calculated. After that we could identify the
following heat zones of Albania:
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Zone 1: with less than 1 day with maximum temperatures 30 Celsius degree; Dajt anten, Mali
Tomorrit, Shishtavec, Shtyll and Ujanik.
Zone 2: with 1-7 days with maximum temperatures 30 Celsius degree; Bix, Razm, Klenj,
Voskopoj, Fush Lur, Puk, Bushtric, Vithkuq, Dushar, Rrapsh, Bishnic, Frashr, Qytet
Bulqiz, Ersek, Selisht.
Zone 3 with 8-14 days with maximum temperatures 30 Celsius degree: Gllav, Pogradec, Mali
Dajt Rezidenc, Gjinar, Kruj, Sinj, Potom, Dajt Fshat, Mali Robit, Sheqeras, Grmenj, Bilisht,
Kor, Stravaj, Kodr Shngjergj.
Zone 4 with 15-30 days with maximum temperatures 30 Celsius degree: Durrs Port, Korthpul,
Himar, Nivic, Petresh, uk, Klos, Peshkopi, Tropoj, Orikum, Krum, Polian, Bajram Curri,
Lezh, Kavaj, Shupenz, Fierz, Sukth, Muzin.
Zone 5 with 31-45 days with maximum temperatures 30 Celsius degree: Borsh, Sarand,
Dorz, Divjak, Kuks, Mamurras, Burrel, Fier, Velipoj, Ballsh, Vlor, Brataj, Shkodr Qytet.
Zone 6 with 46-60 days with maximum temperatures 30 Celsius degree: Bushat, orovod,
Bushkash, Daj Zadrim, Koplik, Selenic, Librazhd, Shkodr, Tepelen, Rrshen, Roskovec,
Berat, Peqin, Gramsh, Tiran A.
Zone 7 with 61-90 days with maximum temperatures 30 Celsius degree: Stjar, Lushnj, Kalas,
Goranxi, Elbasan, Kuov, Gjirokastr, Prmet, Klcyr.
The interpolated map of figure 2 was generated using Spline with Barriers algorithm in ArcMap.
As it can be seen from it, Albania has 7 of 12 heat zones determined according to American
Horticulture Society.

Figure 2: Heat zones of Albania

3.3 Using hardiness and heat zones in horticulture

Hardiness and heat zones can help farmers, traders and extension specialist to make evaluations
on potential distribution of new species in Albania. After having the above shown maps any
interested person just needs to have the information regarding the zones of the new specie. This
information could be found easily through a quick search in internet. Attention should be taken
on the credibility of information source of course, so extension service offices should have
credible publications also.
As an example lets take kiwi fruit. Though there is already some experience in Albania in
cultivation of kiwis, there are still potential zones where it could be successfully cultivated. If we
check the manual Grow Fruit Naturally: A Hands-On Guide to Growing over 300 Varieties
with author Lee Reich, we could get the following information:
Actinidia deliciosa: Hardiness Zone 7-9, Heat Zone 9-6,
Actinidia chinensis Hardiness Zone 8-10; Heat Zone 10-8
Actinidia arguta Hardiness Zone 4-8; Heat Zone 9-4
If we check hardiness zones map we could find that regarding hardiness zones Actinidia
deliciosa could be tested allover Albania excluding the most coldest areas like Bix, Cukal,
Shtyll, Voskopoj and the warmest ones like Xarre, Lukove, Borsh, Sazan, Sarand and
Himar. But if we check the heat zones we find the the situation is quite different, just a portion
of the country provides optimal hot conditions. The two other species of kiwi can be tested in
areas where Actinidia deliciosa is difficult to survive because of cold conditions, but especially
for Actinidia deliciosa high number of hot days is needed.
Following is a list of potential species and their respective hardiness and heat zones:
Botanical name

Hardiness zone Heat zone

Ribes grossularia
3-8
Ribes sativum
3-8
Rubus idaeus
4-8
Vaccinium corymbosum 6-10
Pistacia vera
4-9

6-7
6-7
8-4
7-1
na

Source

www.illinois.edu; www.cloudforest.com
www.illinois.edu; www.cloudforest.com

www.monrovia.com; www.learn2grow.com
www.monrovia.com; www.learn2grow.com
www.extension.usu.edu

Conclusions
1. Based on criteria of USDA regarding climatic hardiness zones for plant cultivation,
Albanian territory belongs to zones 6b-10a. The largest part of Albania is zone 8 and 9.
2. Based on AHS classification of heat zones Albanian territory is devaded in 7 zones from
1 to 7.
3. Hardiness and heat zones can be used successfully to determine the potential distribution
of new plant species.
Literature

1. Cathey, H. 1990. The 2003 US National Arboretum Web Version of the 1990
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. [On-line] Available
www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/alaska. html. Oct 15.
2. Coop, L. and P. Jepson (2003). Online Site-Specific Degree day Predictions
Using GIS and Climate Map Technologies.
3. Goudriaan, J. and H.H. v. Laar (1994). Modelling Potential Crop Growth
Processes. Boston, Kluwer Academic Publishers.
4. Harp, D.A., et al. 2002. An Updated Hardiness Zone Map for Dallas-Fort Worth
Texas.
5. Klima e Shqipris. Botim i IHM, Tiran, 1972.
6. Oregon IPM Newsletter. Retrieved October 10, 2010, from
www.ipmnet.org/Newsletters/On-Line_Site-Specific_Degree_Day.pdf.
7. Vogel, K.P., M.R. Schmer, and R.B. Mitchell. 2005. Plant adaptation regions:
Ecological and climatic classification of plant materials. Rangeland Ecol. Manag.
58:315319.