I have played around with planting zone 9B and zone 10 plants like Thai plants, Crepe jasmine trees, yellow shrimp plants, etc.. and you can get way with it in most winters. The day comes, however when the temperature dips into the low twenties and all these plants die to the ground. Some may come up again, but they are severely set back. Zone hardiness does not mean the plant will die every winter, but it will get hit at some point. Yes, you can have fun with warmer microclimates, next to the house, by the front door etc., but they still can get frozen there. I have gardened here (near 466A, zone 9A) for over ten years. Experience trumps book knowledge.
|