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Florida Gardening

Recap of What Grows in Zone 9b?

13 years ago

Need a refresher on what I can grow in zone 9b, around Ft Pierce area. The Christmas Palms will most likely have to stay put here.

In Orlando, up by Apopka I recall Gingers and Cannas dying back after the first Artic Blast. Okay to leave them in the ground? (this correct?) Plumies need a garage to hybernate in. Elephant ears usually do okay? Cavendish as well? What about Crotons? Bromeliads? Cat Palms?

Thanks. It has been 5 yrs since I lived in Apopka. Looking forward to the move.

Tropicalfreak

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Comments (10)

coffeemom
13 years ago
Moving????Is there to be a going away party? Can the Hoes take you to dinner at least?
I have plenty of plants you can take with and experiment.
starryrider
13 years ago
I always look around to see whats growing in my neighborhoods to get an idea of what I can grow.
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rednofl
13 years ago
I live in east Orlando near UCF My neighborer lost his christmas palms only last year.
Depending where in apopka its can be like 9a you are near the edge 9a/9b. Gingers cannas are fine with good mulching. I have 2 plumies that stay in ground covered and with lights but they do get tip damage. Last year was the first year in a long time my bananas (manzano) had to be cut to the ground but they come back just like elephant ears.
User
13 years ago
moving north....get ready for a change! i would never have moved this far north in florida if i knew it got this cold. lived in ft. lauderdale 18 years, grew everything year round. with the time change coming this sat and the cold weather the same morning, i'll go into my winter depression and not come out of it till "bike week!" stock up on the frost cloth and heaters.....:)
katkin_gw
13 years ago
I live in PSL and grow gingers, cannas, plummies, crotons, bromeliads and bananas year round in the ground. Last year was an exceptiong to the rule. Still all these plants came back this summer.
leahrenee1
13 years ago
My big plumeria stays in the ground but this past year has been the first time in a few years that it has flowered b/c the cover didn't slip off this time! My cannas always come back as do the caladiums and ginger, I did lose a foxtail palm this past winter. Hopefully this winter will go back to being somewhat mild!
SusieQsie_Fla
13 years ago
Cliff
You better not move til you get the plants I shipped to ya!

I don't know about the heliconia. . . it may survive the cold weather, but it may take a lot longer to get the "things with all the color" (blooms?). But maybe Ft Pierce isn't as chilly as Apopka - isn't it way souther?

This'll be my first winter in years up in Zone 9 (Lake Placid) and so many of the plants I brought up with me might be touchy 'bout the cold. A person can get very spoiled gardening in Zone 10!

Keep us updated on your new endeavor.

Susie
tropicalfreak
Original Author
13 years ago
Well, funny how fast things change. Staying put in Ft Lauderdale.... :o)

Just found out...

Coffeemom... would like to se you and the hoes again soon. :o)

Susie, The goodie box arrived today and thank you soo much.

Tropicalfreak
katkin_gw
13 years ago
If you are happy, then I am happy for you, but a little disappointed you won't be my neighbor.
sultry_jasmine_nights (Florida-9a-ish)
13 years ago
Not my business but wondering who the "Hoes" are? Sounds interesting... LOLOL

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