| Zone 9 is one of the smallest regions in the plant hardiness zone map, and includes central Florida, the Gulf coast of Louisiana and Texas, much of California, and the southern Oregon coast. This mild-winter region is characterized by a long growing season and almost no winter freeze. Summers are either hot and dry or hot and humid. Although it might seem that just about any plant could do well in such a mild area, Zone 9 (and warmer) is not good for plants that require a winter chill. Those that do flourish include Asparagus setaceus (Asparagus fern), Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian blue gum), Syzygium paniculatum (Australian bush cherry), Fuchsia hybrids (Fuchsia), and Schinus molle (California pepper tree). Hope these suggestions help you begin planning your landscape. For more ideas, thumb through a copy of Sunset Western Garden Book. (Generally available at libraries and book stores.) |
