I also "inheritted" a schefflera (I am assuming this is what you mean by umbrella plant). Mine is schefflera arboricola, not variegated. The plant was severely root bound, was in the same pot for 10 years. In the spring 3 years ago, i repotted it. What i did was prune a lot of the outer roots off and teased the soil a lot to loosen up the tightly wound roots. I tried replacing as much soil as i could. I had some leaf drop afterwards, but this could also be because it was trying to become acclimated to my home. The following year i also severely pruned it because it was leggy, it responded pretty well. I plan on pruning it even further to make it more compact. I think this plant can handle a wide range of stress and responds nicely to repotting and root/trunk pruning. The plant was about 6' tall and 7' wide at first, it is now 5' tall and 4' wide, going to make it 3'x3' or 4'x4' when i prune soon.

Nikkie, You are listing trees (camellias are trees) and shrubs and then you say that the space is small. So, for plants(not shrubs or trees), daphne is nice, quite fragrant. Jasmine vines in particular Madison carolina jasmine, blooms all of April and May and sometimes into June, just cut it down good after it blooms. They raised Charleston's zone number to 9, so if you are looking online or in a local nursery, remember zone 9. You want something different, so mabey a trip to a local nursery in the spring will give you more of a selection. Also, to put in the front of a bed, try the new "Snow in summer" jasmine. I have it and planted it in my front bed and it grows pretty good. It has 3 color leaves and is extremely attractive planted next to a dark green plant. It is also evergreen, like the Madison jasmine. Look up online and see pics, it is gorgeous. Also, cannas come back here, so if you enjoy the tropical look of cannas, plant them and mulch well, they come back bigger the next year. Welcome to South Carolina!

Quirkpod and everyone!!!! I hope this is of some interest.... If you are gonna be in SC sometime in March/April.... Call, write, or somehow, just get directions to "Roses Unlimited" in Laurens SC and "Ashdown Roses" in Campobello SC... The only 2 places in SC that I will allow my money to be spent, Ever! 1) Roses Unlimited: The very best rose nursery around...and an absolutely stunning place to visit when the gardens/greenhouses are in bloom. About 35 minutes south of Spartanburg maybe 10 minutes off of I-26. And lots of the beautiful and heavenly aroma'ed noisette roses, and I guess they have every Buck rose ever developed. Beautiful healthy bushes for you, your yard, your garden, your world........GO THERE!!!!! Click the link, you'll be glad you did.... 2) Ashdown Roses: http://www.ashdownroses.com/ Quite the selection, especially my second faves, Hybrid Musks, Maybe 15 miles from I85/I26 just north of Spartanburg SC.....and since SC-11 is the I-26 Ashdown exit. No then, SC-11 is a very nice trip from I-85 north of the Big Peach near Spartanburg to just north of the GA/SC border at the lake. it's a 487.673 times nicer a ride than the same country covered on I-85. GO THERE! If just one of those two would move to NC, Tn, Va,, I would never ever again see any of SC that can't be seen from I-85 and would never again spend as much as $.001 in SC, ever again.... But regardless of my personal lunacy....Have a great trip!!! And remember, buy nothing and spend $0.00 in all of SC on anything except for roses, and get yer gas in Georgia if yer close, cheapest gas in all of DixieLand! And if you are heading south towards SC on either I-77 South or on US 321 South be sure to stop at Almost Heaven Antique Rose nursery. Lots of antiques, and quite the assortment of miniatures too.... The Rickards are some very nice people with some very nice roses.... http://www.almostheavenroses.com/ I hope this is of some interest.... Here is a link that might be useful: RosesUnlimited.....a wonderful place

Thanks digdirt - Yep.. picked up an electric toothbrush yesterday and went to town on the blossoms. I figure I'll hit them twice a day for fun. At the very least the flowers will be plaque free! By the way -- Do you think there is anything wrong with the Green Grape? Other than being really short, it seem healthy. Even has some toms on it. Here's a closer look (click to view full image):