• Alabama has one of the longest growing seasons in the United States.potted geraniums image by mefanti from Fotolia.com
  
  With an average growing season of 300 days per year, Alabama has one of the longest growing seasons in the United States. The longer growing season allows for beautiful blooms of many colors and varieties to be enjoyed early in the spring.
  
  

Gardenias

• With its delicate white flower petals and intoxicating scent, the gardenia is a favorite in Alabama and throughout the southeast. Two particular variations of gardenias, the Cape Jasmine and Radican, do especially well in Alabama's warmer climate. The Cape Jasmine can reach 6 feet in height with a 5-foot spread. Radicans are smaller versions of the Cape Jasmine and can grow as high as 3 feet with a spread of up to 6 feet. Both varieties thrive in moist, acidic soil and grow best in areas that provide partial shade. Gardenias may be planted in the early spring or fall and grow best in USDA hardiness zones 7 and 8.
  
  

Alabama Azaleas

• Azaleas come in a variety of colors and grow particularly well in the warmer Alabama climate. The Alabama azalea (Rhododendron alabamense) is native to Alabama and blooms early in the spring. Occasionally the Alabama azalea develops soft pink blossoms, but normally features delicate white and yellow blooms and has a light, lemon scent. Azaleas can reach heights ranging anywhere from 3 feet to 20 feet. Azaleas do best when planted in the fall and love acidic soil with a pH of 5.5. They are recommended for growing in USDA zones 6, 7 and 8.
  
  

Spotted Geranium

• Spotted geraniums, also known as wild geraniums, spotted cranesbills or wood geraniums, are commonly found throughout much of Alabama. Spotted geraniums are perennial plants, which means they bloom each year. Mature spotted geraniums can reach a height of up to 18 inches and grow best in areas that allow access to full sun or partial shade and offer blooms in the colors of light blue, pink or purple. Geraniums do best in mildly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.1 to 7.8 and are recommended for USDA zones 7 and 8.