If you are a second-, third- or fourth-generation (or longer) gardener and you are living on your family’s homesite, it probably hasn’t occurred to you how some of the plants in your landscape got there. Many gardeners are taking a look at plants that have weathered the test of time without being pampered. Learning to identify these heirloom plants and how to perpetuate them or take a piece of family history with you, if you are relocating, can be rewarding. If you move to another state, check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone that you will be relocating to. Then, determine whether seeds or cuttings from the plant will grow in that zone. Talk to your county Extension agent or to an experienced gardener to learn about these plants, including the best methods and time of year to propagate the desired plants.

Some of the heirloom plants recommended for growing in the south can be found in The Southern Heirloom Garden, a book by Dr. William C. Welch (Texas A & M University Horticulture) and Greg Grant.

Five-Leaf,  Akebia Akebia quinata

Camellia,  Camellia spp.

Chinese Trumpet, Creeper Campsis grandiflora

Southern Catalpa, Catalpa bignonioides

Flowering Quince, Chaenomeles speciosa

Deutzia, Deutzia spp.

Persimmon (Common and Japanese), Diospyros virginiana & D. khaki

Fig, Ficus carica

Carolina, Jessamine Gelsemium sempervirens

Confederate Rose, Hibiscus mutabilis

Althea, Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus syriacus

Hydrangea (blue or pink), Hydrangea macrophylla

Crapemyrrtle, Lagerstroemia indica

Winter Honeysuckle, Lonicera fragrantissima

Southern Magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora

Four-O-Clock, Mirabilis jalapa

Nandina, Nandina domestica

Peony, Paeonia spp.

Old-Fashioned Petunia, Petunia x hybrida

Sweet Mock Orange, Philadelphus spp.

Potentilla, Potentilla fruticosa

Flowering Almond, Prunus glandulosa

Pomegranate, Punica granatum

Old Garden Roses, Rosa spp.

Spiraea, Spiraea spp.

Confederate Jasmine, Trachelospermum jasminoides

Johnny Jump-Ups, Viola tricolor

Chaste Tree, Vitex agnus-castus

Weigela, Weigela florida

SOURCE: Mary Beth Musgrove, (mmusgrov@aces.edu), Extension Horticulturist and State Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, (205) 221-3392