If you garden in Northern climates, you may have some specific ideas about what you can and can’t grow… and iconic Southern plants don’t often make the list! While it may take a bit more work and some forward thinking, gardeners outside the Deep South can certainly enjoy the bounties of traditional “southern” beauties like camellias and gardenias.
In our latest
blog article, we’ll cover tips and tricks to help your warm weather favorites thrive. Here are a few highlights – for many more, check out our
blog!
Consider Containers
Containers allow you the freedom to bring plants like
container-grown camellias indoors for the winter. Plants adapted to a dry season, like
agapanthus and
salvias do well in an unheated sunporch or other sunny, cool space (ideally between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit).
Dig and Store Tropical Beauties
Northern gardeners are accustomed to digging gladiolas and dahlias for winter storage. Many tropical and sub-tropical plants like
‘Poquito’ Banana,
‘Black Ripple’ Colocasia, and
canna can also be stored dormant over the winter.
Be Ready for Extremes
When you push plants beyond their zone limits, you’ll need to watch for extreme weather events and take precautions such as covering plants in blankets and tarps when the temperatures dip. Examine your home landscape for sheltered planting locations to help lessen the impact of extreme weather events.
In addition to these strategies, plenty of Southern Living Plants are well adapted for northern gardens. Hardy shrubs like
Mountain Snow™ Pieris and
It’s a Breeze® Groundcover Rose are hardy to zone 4. Enter your zip code in the
“Find Your Zone” tool to find others that thrive in your area!
