Easy to grow for me means that the plant will tolerate a range of conditions. Not be bothered by lots of bugs, does not require frequent prunning. For example in my area some Rhodies and Azaleas are not all that easy because they often get lace bugs. This requires regular spraying. Know it can be agrued that if the Rhodie was in the right spot then it would be less likely - which is true. I have three pjm's and that is it. I like to hear what is doing well for others and why. Winter is coming on and it is a good time to think about plants that have worked well and plan for the spring. Thanks for your replies. BTW Tried Physocarpus for first time this year. So far it was easy. See how it does next spring, Also got Hydrangae Pinky Winky - Bloomed nice - but the deer nibbled some of the young brnaches - but that is another dicussion Mike

That's pretty good advice, the gist being, you don't usually have to do much of anything. I treat my roses normally through the end of blooming, then cut off any stems that encroach on paths. Then I forget about them until new growth starts. If somebody freezes out, I replant with a hardier rose.

You could have repeat-blooming daylilies underplanted with daffodils and wood hyacinth. That would give you bloom starting mid-March, and the daylily foliage is attractive when it's healthy. What you choose sort of depends on whether you want lots of blooms during the months you use the patio, or are trying for year-round interest. Annuals are the best choice for constant summer bloom. With perennials you mostly have to try to plan for succession bloom.

i'm still a rank beginner but have had great luck with lantana, starts to look a bit raggdy come august, but mine has always come back lovley. should be fine in your zone. i have mine in full sun, but it does get a few hours of dapple shade around 3ish i love my gaura "whirling butterflies" butterfly weed, one of my favorites, i have mine in part sun, had it for years, its lovley and as the name implies, the butterflies flock to it lets see, what else salvia coral nymph, grows wonderful easy care, i have the light pink, in partial sun, maby 5 hours or a bit more not a huge fan of traditional marigolds, but i love my mexican mint marigold (not a true marigold, anyway), and the butterflies like that too, blooms in the fall for me in part sun all the above mentioned plants are available in your better nursuries, not knocking the box stores, i just like to shop in nursuries, they tend to have so much more, and staff that really knows their stuff hows that for a start for some easy ones?? tesa