zone question

The zone is based on the average low temperature. It doesn't take into account the summer high temperatures, growing degree days, etc. You can often "push" a zone if you are careful. The deutzia might be fine in planted on the south side of your house near a large thermal mass or in a protected area. When you push the zone you have to accept some damage which could include the loss flower buds and/or tip die-back. Using an antidessicant sometimes helps. Some shrubs can benefit from a jacket of burlap. In a worst case situation they may be lost since the average low temperature is occasionally exceeded. Our average low is between 0F and -10F but sometimes it gets as low as -20.

thanks for the info my plants are located on the east side in the yard

i just put some small gravel around the base of each plant and when it becomes more convenient i am going to

put burlap or gunny sacks or what ever they are called i'll put the around the plants and hope for the best

next spring i'll find out

thank you again for the hel

-- longstreet