I haven't been able to keep them growing here either, but I've succeeded with a few a time or two; then forgot about them and didn't try again. So my fault, I'm sure. They were beautiful last week along that interstate, though, almost like a solid red blanket waving in the wind. They grew like that at the old home in Bardstown years ago, the one that my uncle and I restored. Both the farm and the areas along the interstate where I saw them are in a different zone than mine, cooler - so that might make a bit of a difference.
Of course I have a hard time getting a lilac to grow here as well.
Happy Summer, Hazelnut!! Are your gardenias blooming or are they all finished by now? You can tell I know nothing about gardenias, but I sure remember yours!