Quote:
Originally Posted by Arctic Fox
While the zone categorization is a useful guideline, individual gardens may vary.
Are you next to a large body of water, which can moderate temperatures?
In a frost pocket?
Exposed to winds from the north (wind chill can bring the temperature down considerably)?
Do you wrap your plants when sub-freezing temperatures are forecast?
A good way to assess what will and won't survive is to look at what your long-term resident neighbors have been growing.
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I like to use Ixora as a decorative plant. Ixora shrubs I have bought have tags stated that Cold hardiness is 40 to 30 F. They also state that they are non-hardy in zones 1-9. Plants I have survived of my house best on the east side. They get the early sun. These plants have survived for over 10 years. In cold years there is some winter kill, but it is easily cut out. Southern exposure plants do less well in cold years. The winter kill gets most of the exposed stock. There is life left in the roots and I have left a few continue but the growth is slow and spotty and not pretty. Due to the relatively low cost, I replace when needed.
My experience would agree with the tag statement that the plants are not hardy in Zone 9. Yes, some can survive well. Location makes a difference.
I would think that the survival rate in Zone 10 would be 100 %. But unusual freezes and frosts could take a toll .