Zone 9 experiences mild winters, making it perfect for a variety of subtropical perennials. One standout plant is the Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens), native to the southwestern United States.

and it thrives in USDA Zones 7-9. Growing camellias in the garden is fairly easy, and they tend to be very long-lived (like peonies). The full, many-petalled flowers can bloom from November through ...