Once again, I have planted a gardenia, the columnar shaped ‘Diamond Spire’, after years ago declaring “never again” as several that were optimistically promoted as cold hardy to zone 6 perished early in their first winter cold (in temperatures slightly below zero). I rarely see gardenia in local gardens, confirming my assumption based upon limited experience. But, the times are a’changin, so here I go.

Of course, I have hedged my bet by planting in what I figure is a very protected spot against the wall of the sunroom. I’ve never been good at determining these sorts of microclimates, so time will tell, but this is as sure a bet as I can make. If it survives, this is perfect placement to enjoy the fragrant blooms along the path just below the sunroom windows.

While one schefflera (Schefflera delavayi, above) flourishes along the path just above the greenhouse after three mild winters, I was encouraged to stretch the limits of cold hardiness again. For far too great an expense, I purchased a second, this one Schefflera taiwaniana, in the pursuit of adding a more tropical feel to this jungle.

And yes, there is an obsessive urge by some gardeners to stretch limits. They must possess the largest leaves and plants that should not survive their climate. Irrational, I know.

In addition to the schefflera, several fatsias (Fatsia japonica, above) thrive along with the rice paper plant (Tetrapanax papyifera) and two variegated fatshedras (below). The new schefflera was  planted in a well protected location along the driveway, but unfortunately, with my typical inattention, I did not notice its decline in the summer heat and drought until it was too late.

First, I hate that I’ve lost a plant that I was so excited to add to the garden. And second, I hate that I killed it (and paid too much for it). In partial defense, two aralia relatives, very small Brassaiopsis and Travesia, were planted at the same time (and the rarities were obtained at far less expense), and both are in excellent health and have gained considerable size. Neither are cold hardy, or even close enough to take the chance, so they’ll be dug and stored indoors for the winter. If they’re successfully overwintered, I must find more space for them next year since they were plugged into a temporary gap that is far too small for their eventual growth.

While all mentions today are at the fringe of hardiness for northwestern Virginia, most plants in the garden are completely dependable through the worst winters. Our warming winters encourage the addition of the few, less cold hardy plants, but if one is lost, the gap is easily filled. Probably by another schefflera or fatsia.