Alabama is bless to have the longest growing time of year in America : 300 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. a year . This means gardeners in Alabama can grow just about anything they like , except for heyday that can not suffer eminent temperatures . It also means that outflow comes early , with many colorful bounce blooms . A bit of spring - blooming flowers are quite usually seen in Alabama .
Azalea
By many accounts , azalea are the most democratic flowering bush in Alabama . Choose plant that are at least 12 inch tall – any smaller and they may not be mature enough to plow the winter month , the first year they are planted . Although you may be tempt to purchase your azalea plant life when they are in flower , during the spring months , fall is a in effect clip to engraft . When planted at that prison term of class , these plants will have a stronger fundament by the time the live climate hits the following year . You need an acrid soil of a pH 5.5 , or close to it .
Purchase a pH test outfit from your local garden pith or nursery . It is difficult to maintain an acid soil if yours is too much more alkaline . If you ca n’t meet the soil requirement , consider growing yours in a large planter , where you have more ascendancy over the acidity of the soil .
Azaleas come in an array of color , most of which grow well in Alabama . However , a particular aboriginal azalea , the Alabama Azalea ( Rhododendron alabamense ) , heyday in former spring and has a lemon scent . This particular azalea is bloodless and yellow , with an episodic flush of pink .
Geranium
Red geraniums are Graeco-Roman flowers in window box , pot , in flower beds and are oft found in paintings . However , when choosing a variety of a sure flower , it ’s safe to choose one that is natural to the location . By doing so , you have a good chance of growing it successfully . The Spotted Geranium ( Wild Geranium , Spotted Cranesbill or Wood Geranium ) is found in much of Alabama , as well as other land in the eastern half of the U.S.
This perennial ( amount back every year ) grows to a height of up to 18 inches , in full sun or fond shade locations . Its color are weak dreary , pink or purple . It will withstand a pH value from 6.1 to 7.8 . This means it will do well in a mildly acidulous , to inert , to gently alkaline dirt . If you have filth that is outside of these disagreement , believe establish your geranium in can or planters .
Gardenias
Two of the varieties of gardenias , which grow specially well in Alabama , are Cape Jasmine and Radicans . The two give you a choice between a larger gardenia bush and a small one . Both plants offer white , rounded petal flowers with the gardenia ’s unforgettable scent .
The Cape Jasmine can produce to 6 foot in tiptop and spread to 5 feet . Take fear to allow enough elbow room for this sort when planting . The Radicans is a smaller version , growing to a summit up to 3 substructure , disseminate to 6 feet . Both change like moist territory that is a bit on the acidic side . Plant them in a partial - tincture country for best results .
