I have lived in Austin are for 25 years and I have the lust to plant my grandmothers plants of Pennsylvania. I have had to let go of it since I am on a very limey hill with alimmited water supply. I have heard a rumor of one mythical peony in Dallas area. I have never ever seen one in austin nor have I seen a lilac that was over a year in the ground. I think people stopped trying and stores have FINALLY stopped teasing us with the stray peony, lilac, forsythias and pussywillow. I have seen Hydrangias back years ago when I first moved here and water was not rationed (aahh the good ol days). Mostly in East Austin. They have dirt in East austin that is a bit more neutral. I do recommend the oak leaf Hydrangea. It does need supplemental water but not as much and it is more tolerant of our PH and heat but it still likes it in the blackland prairie areas and in town where dirt is richer, and not the limestone hills. I see people having more success with hydrangeas in containers than in the ground. If you have a deep brought in rich soil area that is irrigated , the oak leaf hydrangea in a shady area might work. I would go to the Texas forum. They do not bite over there. I think they might have even brought up what hydrangeas worked in the Austin area recently. oops, look what I found. I guess you have company Here is a link that might be useful: Who is growing Hydrangeas in the Austin Area

I had to move a peony in early June one year. I dug it up with a lot of dirt around the roots. It was in full bloom (zone 4/5, everything is later here than most other places). It survived the transplant and has been happy in its new bed, blooming every year, for the last 15 years.

I would add that you need to keep it out of the rain so the rootball can dry somewhat. No leaves no need for keeping the soil wet. It might rot the roots before it can put out new leaves and start the regrowth process. Yes it is going to take patience and maybe many months before it gets anywhere near it previous self. I agree with patris that feeding when the plant is not hungry (AKA no leaves to feed) would not help at this point. Wait for new growth and then feed lightly as your baby regains its strength. The sooty mold is probably from a bug problem that has started or was unnoticed until the leaf loss happened. Look for scale, aphids or even heaven for bid mealy bugs. The sooty mold is the poop from one of this critters and can be washed off with a teaspoon of soap to a gallon of water. It may take a few times so again be patient. Good Luck and Happy Growing David

Welcome! There are lots of ways to get plants, & going to the store & buying them is the most expensive. If you can get plants for less money, you can get more plants! Firstly, get a few packets of seeds from Dollar Tree; there aren't many seeds in each pack, & not all the seeds will germinate, but you don't need 100 larkspurs or 3000 4-oclocks. & the seed packets are 4 for $1. Secondly, ask for cuttings in the neighborhood (offer something in exchange, or offer to help in the garden, which is sometimes more welcome to longtime gardeners anyway). Thirdly, go to the area just above the first thread on this page & you'll see "Exchanges", "Gallery", & "Conversations". Click on "Exchanges", & look for the April Plant Swaps; there's one in Ft Worth, which is close, & one in San Antonio, which is far away but it's a really good one if you have friends or family or business reasons to give you an excuse to go there. There'll also be a plant swap in Waxahachie, just south of Dallas, in April; I'm thinking it'll be the 11th, & one in Denton, but I don't think it's been announced yet. If you're looking for something in particular, you can ask on the Exchanges page; you can offer some of those larkspur (or whatever) seedlings in return! Even if you haven't got any plants to trade, come to the swaps anyway; bring some bakery or homemade cookies, or some gardening gloves (I like the Dollar Tree variety), just anything a gardener can use- gardening books, garden art, sun block, hand lotion, Yardley soaps, trowels, garden carriers or baskets, etc. & the balance of trade is in your favor; you'll go home with much more than you brought! You can also get plants at garage sales & from craigslist & freecycle. You'll need to get some decent potting soil & maybe some nice-looking pots anyway (if you just want black nursery pots, some of us, by which I mean usually my own self, always have those at the swaps), so if you're at a nursery or big box store, do be sure to see if they have something you want. Get the smallest plants, because they'll adapt to transplanting & grow much better, which is more gratifying & enjoyable, & they're a *bunch* cheaper. meaning you can get more plants. If you live near a farmer's market, they usually have 3" or 4" pots of herbs as well as fruits & vegetables. You can grow many vegetables from the seeds of vegetables that you buy at the supermarket, so remember to think before you discard your squash seeds (& before you cook them!). about stores: If you're near Central Expressway & Forest Lane, Northaven Gardens is a wonderful nursery; it has everything, & the people are very helpful. It's south of Forest Lane, a right turn off the southbound access road. Check their website; they often have special events in the evenings & on week-ends. Again, welcome! & happy...