Growing flowers in Georgia?

Question

I resently moved to Southern Georgia from Wisconsin. I want to plant flowers but am clueless as what to plant. I am only going to be living here for three years so i dont want anything expensive, but at the same time i dont want to replant moreflowers every year. What resonable priced perenials will grow in the sandy soil here? We have really tall pine trees here, I ws thinking of planting something around the base of the tree thats will climb the tree. I was wondering if a climbing rose could be planted there or if maybe i'll have better luck with a humming bird vine. Im also wondering what would work best around hedges to dress them up. The only thing i can think of that would grow well there is periwinkle since the soil is poor and rocky. I want to plant something arond the base of the bird feeder also. Something that attracts butterflys and humming birds. I was thinking butterfly bush but that grows too tall and wide. I need ideas on what to plant, and best time to plant. thanks

Answer 1

perennials=aster,balloon flower,black-eyed susan,calla lily,coneflower,dianthus,hosta,iris,and yarrow do well here in athens. vines=virginia creeper,carolina yellow jessamine,cross vine,trumpet creeper. around hedges=variegated liriope and mondo grass with annual color. around bird feeder=dwarf butterfly bush. plant now through spring.

Answer 2

Azalea would do well under your pine tree as would hydrangea.

Virginia creeper to run up the tree. Look around and you'll probably find it growing wild. Don't confuse it with poison ivy.

Virginia creeper should be showing red leaves right now in your area.

Loropetalum would be a nice showy plant and can take some shade.

Daylily would be perfect and if you get them in now you should have bloom come May and June.

Answer 3

Sounds like you've already done a lot of research. You may want to consider getting a landscaper designer to come take a look at the space as they'll be able to help you ID plants that will work in the specific locations, with the specific care, you've identified.

Answer 4

You grow the majority of flowering plants here. You just need to break up the clay & add amendments like soil conditioner & manure & top soil. Just mix them in with the soil don't just place on top. I have no problems growing plants here & I'm native. I have plenty of azaleas, hydrangeas, bulbs of all sorts, annuals, daylilies,hostas & others. Go to nurseries like Pike's not the big box for better help & accurate advice. Dahlias will do fine.

Answer 5

it's hard to grow anything under a pine tree because of the acidic soil there. i live in middle ga and my soil under our pine trees are alway full of dead pine needle that i'm constantly raking and cleaning up try to stay clear of planting anything there. In my gardens, I mix with garden soil and other soils to grow most any kind of flowers and plants.