Success depends on choosing a plant that matches your garden's environment, such as sun or shade exposure, wet or dry locations and exposure to windy conditions. Selected plants should tolerate existing conditions and should be hardy to the appropriate climate zone.
One great way to know if a plant is appropriate for your garden is to check the hardiness zone of your garden. The USDA has produced a climate zone map to help you choose winter-hardy plants. Know your zone. Remember that you can always grow plants that are hardy in the climates with lower numbers than yours, but higher numbers are sure death come winter. For example, if you live in Zone 8, you can grow anything from Zone 8 on down. Plants with hardiness zone numbers higher than your region are not adapted for your area. However, many gardeners know these plants can provide a vibrant shot of seasonal and container color, and can often be overwintered.
Each kind of plant has its own preference for variations of sunlight or shade, too. This information is included on the plant label.
