I doubt there are many varieties well adapted to Houston. What I'd think about is something like Chandler planted this fall for harvest next spring. I'd do it on black plastic. No strawberry is going to take kindly to Houston summers. So a short-season, annual system is likely your best bet. But I'm no strawberry expert. Maybe someone has a better idea. The Fruitnut

Daisy, sorry but I don't understand the last paragraph of your post. Why haven't those with tertiary qualifications and letters after their names written something and if they have would it necessary be any better than those books that so many of us refer to. The Hemphills have been growing and writing about herbs for at least 50 years, their son has carried on the tradition and has a store in Balmain and has written a number of books (no letters after his name). If Penny Woodward can have a foreward to her book by the respected horticulturist T.R. Garnett he must believe she knows what she is writing about. If there are very few writers that have letters after their name why then should we not take notice of those people who have shared their knowledge with us. I have been around long enough to differentiate between books of questionable quality and those that have been written by knowledgable people. And that also applies to choice of websites. If I were looking for information of a more scientific nature I would look for something written by a person with initials after their name. In asking the question about the lavender colour I was very careful in checking information to substantiate the query and I found no information other than that which I mentioned and only that from websites and books which I considered to be of a reputable nature (and I do believe I can tell the difference). As I thought my question was not put in a confronting or critical manner I simply did not understand your statement. To be perfectly honest, I feel that somehow I am being, to put it mildly, chided. If you have tertiary qualifications and letters after your name, please let me know and maybe I will understand your statement. Incidentally, in Sydney (and probably in NSW) the L. sydneyii is called "Sidonie" and was bred by Sidonie Barton (hence the name) and Ian Cunliffe. Though probably the "accidental" story is more romantic.

Clothilde Soupert could be a good one for you. I'm located in northern VA about 30 miles south of DC. Tea roses are no spray for me but they grow quite large - Monsieur Tillier is about 6x6 with regular haircuts. Marie Van Houtte is larger. So scratch teas from your list LOL -- there's no winter die back here.

One of the benefits of spray foam insulation in any climate zone is air sealing. Use of spray foam will enable you to keep the hot-humid climate on the exterior side of your home. Typically, spray foam seals well enough that you'll need a fresh air ventilation system to maintain indoor air quality. In a hot-humid climate, an ERV would be the preferred choice as it will both temper and dehumidify incoming air. DOE's Building America program has some good resources including case studies for your climate zone: https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/guides-and-case-studies-hot-humid-climates Your HVAC designer will need to carefully consider the sizing of heating and cooling equipment for your home, the need for point source moisture ventilation (showers, cooking, etc.) fresh air ventilation, and the potential need for dehumidification in shoulder seasons when neither heating nor cooling is demanded.