I have Royal Red,a seedling type from a friend, unknown left by previous owners,Pink Delight, and Dubonnet. I have lost a few BB's over the years while living in the same area - a Pink Delight and a Nanho Purple. Royal Red is NOT red, but more like a fuschia. It is now a year old and has come back fine. All my others are at least three years old or older, and I've had a lot of success. It it were me, I'd look for the largest size plant that you can find at a reasonable price. And just keep trying until you get one that likes where it's planted. Definitely mulch. I think if you can keep it over at least one winter, you'll stand a better chance of having it for a long time. I never trim mine back until I see new bottom growth in the spring - it may be as late as May. And, stay away from Nanho varieties. They are not hardy here in zone 5/6, so would probably not be hardy for you in zone 5. Linda

I, too, am looking for a purple rhod - as black purple as I can get. No reddish/pinkish or mauveish purple. Someone mentioned that 'Purple Splendour' is the darkest purple they have seen. As you all know, photos on the 'net vary greatly. If you have or know well 'Purple Splendour' can you please verify for me the accuracy of this pic? If PS really does look like either of these image links, I think I would be happy but some of the other images in Google Image look vastly different. I desire the blackest purple I can get. I've included one link below and here is another: Many thanks from this anal gardener who loves to have a color co-ordinated garden. :-) Holly Here is a link that might be useful:

Want to expand your z5 semitropical and "tropical" options? Indiana Rick's website is inspirational! So many usefulul ideas there. I agree don't give up until you've tried it 3x and tested some tricks! Hardy Tropicals for Zone 5 !!!!! http://www.manchestergardenclub.com/rick/Tropicals/Tropicals.htm ________ Mulched here now in my more "gentle" z8b, until I have a backup clump stored to go "cold turkey". No the impressive Canna 'Durban" = 'Tropicanna' doesn't throw lower red spires! That's a compact Lobelia 'Starship Red' which has nice contrasting rich green leaves. This Cardinal Flower was easy to grow from seed* (as are Canna) and gets the hummingbirds darting all around to enhance the tropical theme. I like L. 'Vulcan Red' as well to for contrast. Dark maroon leaved and also more compact than L. 'Queen Victoria' with no staking needed. * After using many over the years, the best seed starting method that I've used over the years is a biodome and sponge block system or similar. Works best with heatmats and bright plant light. Effective, efficient, durable, flexible, and small footprint. http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/4412727/looking-for-a-reliable-seed-starting-system

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I should have included a bit of back information that would better give orientation about my overall objectives. This first year or two, my main objective is to define the borders of the porch for my two large dogs. Until now, we had a pad and grass up to the pad (pad is the same pre- and post- porch construction) and they could exit the pad anywhere. Now, I want them to get used to exiting the pad onto the sidewalk in the center, because elsewhere will now be beds (and mud and mess and plants to be stomped). That's why I've bombed the front with the cinnamon ferns, to make a sort of visual railing while the dogs re-learn their exit, and while the beds age in with better soil and I get some other plants going (hostas, etc.). For the first year or two. It will be no problem to move the ferns around the corner when that time comes. I've always wanted a mass of ferns on this eastern facing side: My second objective is to create a streamlined mow line. The grass is maintained with a 60 inch deck mower so whatever bed edge I develop needs to allow the mower to move along it easily (I guess rather than undulating what I was trying to get to was smooth curves rather than corners, for mowing purposes). Third objective is LEAST maintenance from a hand weeding perspective. I know it won't be zero, but I'd like to have it controllable without being consuming. Fourth objective is "pretty." I'm not bothered with "curb appeal" in general as the only viewers are anyone coming up the driveway; this is not seen from the street. Eventually, I would like to grow and develop in a pretty foundation border. I got the ferns cheap and they will help my first objective. As I can, I will add more plants and soil amendments, so that is what I'm asking for - where do I EVENTUALLY want to go with this, etc. I appreciate all your inputs! Please add as you have thoughts!