Frost Zone Map and Tender Perennials

This is the best temperature zone map I have found so far. Note that if container gardening you must subtract 2 zones from the zone you are currently in. For example, here in Memphis we are zone 7. So over the winter, any plants you have in containers will actually be like they are in zone 5 because the roots are not  protected. In soil, the roots are protected and might stay 20 degrees warmer than if they were in containers. Some plants like the brugmansia (angel trumpet) is hardy to zone 7, but will often die if we have a little colder than normal winter, even if planted straight in the ground and covered with a bucket, mulch, etc. It is best to always have a few cuttings inside over the winter so you dont permanently lose a valuable plant. If you have a good enough quality greenhouse with heat then you need not worry about this. However this can be expensive. Also note that some plants like coleus, impatients, and begonias, although classified as annuals, can actually be kept alive by bringing them inside for the winter. Just remember plants still need light so either place your plants that you bring inside in a room with a window, or hook up a couple flourescent fixtures. Also, only water them when they are almost completely dry.

Brugmansia (Angel Trumpet)

One of my favorite plants. It is a tender perennial and will die with the first good frost so you must bring it in over the winter. On the other hand, you can easily root these in straight water so it might be easier to simply root a few cuttings to bring in over the winter. I will post pictures and instructions next time I take a cutting. Anyway I currently have two varieties the one pictured here being "Frosty Pink". You can smell the flowers all the way across the yard at night when the blooms really open up. And there is no describing the scent other than almost intoxicating. You can check out the web for more detailed info on these but the main thing I have learned is to keep them well watered, well fertilized, and although most sites say full sun, I have good results in only part sun. The roots are very vigorous and fibrous so if your trying to keep the same plant alive for years by bringing it in for the winter, repot it every growing season and give the roots a good detangling.

Call it weird, call it gay, call it boring, whatever you want to say but gardening is fun. It's an easy way to have something to show for your time. I personally do most of my gardening in pots, which takes quite a bit more effort, but makes them portable and more under your direct control. Almost everything I have was either given to me, grown from seed, or rooted from cuttings. So thats just to show you that it doesn't have to be much of an investment either. I give out all kinds of cuttings and seedlings every year. You have to be with your home and surroundings every day and its amazing how much better some color and landscaping can add to the look and feel of your property. Although I'm sure everything I will be doing on here can be found all over the internet, maybe something you see here will be of some value or be exactly what you were looking for. The picture is of my little green house and picnic table set up from last year. I already have a much larger collection now and I am already kind of worried about where to put all my tender perennials over this winter!