Question
Hello Richard

I live in Huntsville AL. I think that our climate zone is considered sub-tropical. We have very hot humid summers and fairly mild winters but some freezing temps.I want to plant some tropicals. There is a company here that is claiming windmill palms and palmetto plants will survive our winters, they offer a first year gaurantee. But I do not like the windmill palms much. I am considering Majestic Palms too but it seems they are going to be hard to keep alive in winter. Any suggestions for plants in this climate that would give a tropical appearance in the summer but either survive our winters or go dormant and come back year after year. Elephant ears maybe? Any other suggestions appreciated.

Thanks!
Greg

Answer
greg
i live in southern NJ. not many tropicals grown outside here.
i did live in FL for awhile 10 years ago. i know many of the plants they grow outside there. many type palms will grow as far north as georgia. some are marginal and every now & then have to be replaced periodically.
i am familiar with tropicals as indoor landscape plants up north. it does depend on what your area will allow temperature wise. with that in mind you need to get to a local garden center/nursery and quiz them on a solution to your problem.  they will know best what will survive the winters in your area or how to protect marginal climate zone plants in your area. if you are not satisfied w/the answers from one place go to another nursery/garden center to find someone more knowledgeable. buy your products from them and they should be more than happy to help you.
sorry i can't be of more help with your problem.
all i can do is advise you what i think is best to do to solve it.
rick