Re: Pushing the Zones

IMO, hardiness zone designations are only a starting point.  I've
noticed that they will vary considerably, depending upon which source
of info. you're reading. I've seen them vary as much as 3 or 4 zone
designations for the same plant.  Means to me that either the source
is basing their info. on their own experiences in one zone or another
or simply regurgitating something they've read.  There have been
several threads on various email lists (maybe this one, too) about
where people grow this or that plant and I find them most
fascinating.  If we did this for *every* plant we talked about, after
a while, we'd have compiled a great list of "real" hardiness zone
data for plants:-)

Unless you know a plant originates in a very warm climate, it's worth
taking a chance.  Every garden has its own micro-climates, which can
be as much as two zones warmer than the zone the garden is supposed
to occupy.

Best, tho' is to do a bit of research and see where the species
you're considering is native.  If it is native to a country with a
climate similar to yours, chances are good it will live in yours.  Of
course, there are always many factors at play - not simply the amount
of cold  a plant will tolerate - that determine whether or not it is
"hardy" where you live.  For us in warmer climates, cold tolerance is
one end of the stick, and heat/humidity tolerance the other.

BTW,   have always considered Malva sylvestris  'Zebrina'  to be a
biennial, or at best, a short-lived perennial...will grow to
flowering in one season.  Also think it flowers so long and so hard
it sort of wears itself out.  But, find they reseed readily.

Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@clark.net
Editor:  Gardening in Shade
current article : Where in the World - Plant Provenance
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----------
> From: Barbara Jackson <jacksonb@BRANDONU.CA>
> Date: Wednesday, February 16, 2000 11:06 AM
>
> BJ here reporting from SW Manitoba, Zone 3 (some say 2b)
> In my experience, some plants will grow and thrive outside their
zones.
> Example:  5 years ago I purchased a plant called Campanula
'Elizabeth'
> which was advertized as hardy to zone 5.  Ordinarily I wouldn't
consider
> such a plant but I was taken with its look and "had to have it".  I
am
> pleased to say that it has grown and prospered in my garden in an
area
> sheltered from wind and covered in white mulch.  Before the white
stuff
> comes I also add 6 - 12 inches of shredded leaves after the ground
is
> frozen for more insurance.  So far so good!  Makes me want to try
other out
> of zone plants.  Now can anyone tell me why I can't get Malva
sylvestris
> 'Zebrina' to come back every year.  I thought they were
indestructable!
>
> BJ in SW MB, Canadian Prairies, Zone 3
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