| I LIVE IN NY STATE AND WOULD LIKE TO PLANT A HIBISCUS TREE AND A HYDRANGEA TREE IN MY GARDEN. MY GARDEN IS HAS A NORTHERN EXPOSURE. WILL THESE TREES SURVIVE THE WINTER? THANK YOU! |
| According to your zip code, you are gardening in USDA winter hardiness zone 5B or the warmer part of zone 5. In an exposed or windy spot it might be as cold as zone 5A. You should be able to grow the hardy shrub hibiscus called Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) which is hardy into zone 5 with careful siting. This can develop into the shape and size of a small tree, as tall as about twelve feet. Plant it in a spot with full sun all day and protection from sweeping winter winds. It must also be a well drained location, meaning not a low spot where water collects or where the soil tends to stay damp. The well drained location is critical. You should also be able to grow the PeeGee hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) which can be trained to a tree form. It too can reach the twelve foot range over time. Give this full to part sun and average soil. It is much hardier (zone 3) than the Rose of Sharon so there should be no problem with it surviving your winters. |
