Dax, I've been growing Lagerstroemia indica here for a number of years and found it to be very root hardy and some seasons stem hardy. But I think I'm a tick or two warmer than you zone-wise. A good winter mulching is beneficial the first winter or two. We have some l.indica at the arboretum that are at least 15 years old.

Marshall

hey dude....

what is a root hardy shrub ... dont recognize the term ....

something that dies to the ground in winter????

ken

I've heard of this growing up near Chicago and I know of several in this area - Musa basjoo. More of a tree than a shrub and does need some winter mulch to protect the roots.

Also if you can find a seed source of plants from colder than normal zones - eucalyptus. I had several species here for a number of years that did will - till I tried moving them - they didn't like that at all. Seems to me there are some folks out in Oregon that have good seed for colder climates. Might try Googling something like "root hardy to zone 5 eucalyptus". My seed source disappeared from the net so I can't help much.

Marshall

Adina rubella, dies back to the ground in winter but comes back from its roots. It only grows about two feet high in NW Ohio.
Frank

{{gwi:267184}}