![]() Lots of people are planting fruit trees this time of the year. They were bred to grow in the Deep South, come in several colors and are part of the Southern Living Plant Collection. If you would like to try rhododendrons in your garden, look for the Southgate rhododendrons. We have found that these northern rhododendrons languish and die here. Unfortunately, all of those gorgeous rhododendrons you see in the catalogs were bred from species native to areas colder than ours. All of these plants belong to the genus Rhododendron. They are related to the evergreen oriental azaleas so common in our gardens and our deciduous native azalea species as well. Large, round clusters of beautiful flowers and dark green, leathery leaves make rhododendrons highly desirable garden plants. Here are some of the more dubious plants I’ve gotten the most inquires about over the years. The plants you find at local nurseries are almost all well adapted to our area, but there is no such assurance when mail ordering from a catalog or the Internet. At this time of year, when you are looking at garden catalogs full of mouthwatering pictures, it’s good to take a deep breath and do some research before you pull out the credit card or checkbook and send in an order. When I do have some idea about a plant’s poor performance in our state, I think it can be just as important for gardeners to know which plants are likely to fail as those that are likely to succeed. Still, these excursions into the unknown may lead to discovering new and wonderful plants that thrive in our climate. Only adventurous gardeners who are not afraid of failure and can afford the loss should select plants that do not have a proven track record where they garden. But I do make it clear they are on new ground. I don’t necessarily discourage gardeners in those situations, unless the plant comes from a vastly different climate than ours. Of course, sometimes I am asked about a plant that I can find no evidence has ever been grown here. I now hedge my statements by saying things like “This plant is challenging and generally does poorly here,” or “Gardeners I’ve talked to in this area found this plant did not thrive for them.” ![]() I long ago stopped saying that a plant will not grow here. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve given lectures and mentioned this or that plant will not grow well here, only to be collared by a gardener afterward who tells me the plant grows just fine for them. Over the years, I have often cautioned gardeners about a particular plant choice. But many other plants will not do well here. These plants are excellent choices for your landscapes and gardens because they have proven records of thriving in our climate. (03/03/17) I take great satisfaction in telling gardeners about all the many plants that will thrive in our state.
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