Hello, I am an avid gardener and retired landscaper hoping to grow plants successfully in Zone 7 NC. Has anyone had success with salvias, delosperma and sempervivum? What sources might I draw from that will help me choose the best plants for this new environment to me?

Suggestions please!

Sharon

Hey Sharon, I can't believe no one has answered you. Sounds like you will be in or near Western NC??? You can grow all those plants there successfully. A lot of folks love the Southern Living Garden book, it is chock full of general information for the specific regions. If you order one try for an older edition, the one that came out last year has far more plants but they kept the size of the book the same so the print is so tiny it is hard to read.

Hi Alice,
Thanks so much for your reply. The suggestion of the Southern Living book is a good one. Can't wait to start moving my most cherished plants to their new home.

Where in NC makes a huge difference in what will be viable. We have very different soils depending on region. The biggest adjustment will be dealing with our notorious humidity.



Welcome to NC Sharon!

All of your listed favorites should do fine. I personally have trouble with anything in the salvia family but my neighbors don't, I just have a knack for killing sages. My delosperma can guickly be overgrown by more vigorous growers as it's spread slows as the weather warms up so give it plenty of room. Sempervivum likes it here a remains trouble free.

Almost forgot...

Sempers are only grown in containers here, not sure why but it works.

Don't be tempted by all the offerings at the garden centers, they stock many beautiful plants that are listed for our zone but can't handle the conditions "on the ground".

NC ag extension is an invaluable resource with honest and realistic recommendations, I strongly suggest you check their website before investing in new plants.

I'm new so I don't know how to post a link but google can connect you with NCSU ag extension easily.

Will, thanks for all your input. I know what you mean about temptation at the garden centers all too well.