transplanted : zone 8b sun & your landscape

In the landscape business of Plant Zone 8b of sunny Charleston, South Carolina most of my clients, believe it or not, are transplants.
 
Transplant, in all its verbal glory, by definition means to move from one place to another; be it a plant, an organ or a family.  I myself cannot claim to be a native as I also hail from the northern territory.  But to be honest, good ol’ fashioned southern hospitality has made it hard to remember where the definitive line must be drawn of my former Yankee self and my new ‘Southern Business Owner’ identity.  People are an accumulation of their total life experiences which is especially beneficial when speaking plant.  Experiencing life in various geographical plant zones allows me to be an asset for you, my fellow transplant.  Most have yet come to understand the climate’s role in the life of their landscape here in South Carolina.

I would say that the most common mistakes made by plant lovers new to the area have to do with underestimating the sun and the heat.  Here are a few nuggets of information to get you started:

1.  Partial Sun and Full Sun are not the same.  If you happen to pick up a plant at your local nursery and the ticket claims it can handle partial sun, that does not mean it can handle an afternoon in South Carolina with no cover.  The hottest part of the day is between 12-4 and when installing any shrub/tree/perennial these daily times should be kept in mind as a point of reference.  If the desired spot for planting is completely open to the sun and does not have any existing shade, you should install a “full sun” plant in this area.  If at these times of reference some existing tree canopy and/or cover, you should install a “partial sun” plant in this area.  And finally total coverage either from trees or porches will yield “partial-full shade” plants.    
   
2. Plants, are people too.  Many phone calls have been received from the southern gardener questioning the health of their plants because they appear droopy and limp in the afternoon.  Hydrangeas are a notorious culprit.  Revisit your sad plants in the morning, more than likely you will find it to be in perfectly healthy condition with a new lease on life.  When it is hot out, especially during the hours of 12-4 and between the months of June-August, plant material and people alike are uncomfortable in the sweltering heat that is everywhere outdoors.  People sweat to accommodate body temperature, plants don’t have that luxury, instead they wilt and just look plain thirsty.  Most plants also appear in this condition during their first planted summer. 
   

Mr. Golden Sun and all his glory may be one of the reasons you chose this area to relocate.  There is no need hesitate when planting, just know that he burns a little brighter and a little hotter down here closer to the Equator.  When planting just be sure to think about the above and what each new addition to your landscape’s planting requirements are.  Much to the dismay of my husband, I have plants that I have transplanted and replanted more times than there are fingers on my left hand trying to find the right exposure for each.  Don’t be like me, do it right the first time.
Any plant varieties you have questions about?

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