QuestionQUESTION: I am wanting to plant some different colored Ixoras in our shrub garden that was planted when we had the house built about six months ago and have a brown thumb (not quite black, but not quite green). I live near Forney and we are notorious for having clay soil. What would I need to do to plant them in my existing garden and how would I take care of them during our erratic weather changes, especially during our unpredictable winters? I'm a greenhorn so as much detail as possible would greatly be appreciated. Thanks.
ANSWER: HI Adrian, you didn't allude to your climate zone, Ixoras are tropical plants and need a zone 9a at least; they will be killed by freezing temps in the winter. The clay soil isn't a factor as long as you don't overwater them, causing a buildup of too much moisture around the root ball. Let me know what climate zone you are in, and we will talk more of the care for Ixoras, if, they can in fact survive your winters. Nick
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QUESTION: According to arborday.org I'm Zone 8. Our HOA does not allow container plants outside and I really want to display them in front so I would have to plant them (no use of having a pretty plant if they are all in the backyard where they would be rarely seen). Is there a way to protect them if it gets in the 30's? (which even if it happens it would be 1-5 times out of the year. We had a warm winter this year with one to three freezes.)
Answeryou could try by mulching them heavily (covering most of the plant) when a freeze threatens; but if the ground freezes hard, this will not protect them and they will die. The other alternative is to put them in large, decorative containers, that can be moved inside (with help) during the freeze or frost threats. Nick
