Question
I live in Tx., 76226.  Just found the subject plants, ixora coccinea maui at Lowes today and bought 3.  I would like to plant between 2 houses for a privacy hedge.  The houses would protect against the cold winds but the temps in winter drop below freeze.  What do you think?  Should I return them and look for something else or can I cover them in the winter?  Maybe you have a suggestion for a more suitable plant.  Am looking for 5-6', flowering, evergreen.  My soil is clay also.  Thank you for your time.  Steve.

Answer

PJM out of bloom  

PJM in bloom in April   Greetings Steve.

Wow, what a wonderful plant. Lets start by addressing your questions.

I am a bit concerned about hardiness. The 76226 zip code (Argyle?) is 7b. The hardiness of Ixora is 9a and up, so it can only handle temperatures to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Zone 7 as a whole is 0 to 10 degrees. I cringe to think that you could have a bad year and lose them all. I am in zone 5a/b and have lost several 6a plants. I think that the only way these plants would survive in your climate would be to bring them in every year, the way we bring in plants like brugmansia.

Also, the plant requires acidic soil. And it appears to be too short for your purposes, being 36' to 48'.

But I do have a suggestion for you. A PJM Rhododendron. It is very different from most rhodies. I have one that is 30 plus years old. Have look at this listing from Morton Arboretum - and  note that it is zone 7. It notes that the growth rate is fast, but get the biggest one you can if you like it.. Mine is about six feet tall because I water and fertilize it.

http://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/rhododendron-pjm

I am enclosing some pictures of mine. I love this plant. It is very low care. It was neglected for 20 years by the previous owner of my house. No water, no fertilizer. It is of course a matter of taste. I thought I hated rhodies - until I saw this one.

But I do think that you should return the plants and ask them for suggestions.

I hope that this is helpful.

Best wishes,

Donna