Jim, F. raddeana grows fine in the open garden here. One raised bed is 50% screened topsoil, 50% concrete sand, the other is a mixture of all sorts of 'stuff', but is also very well-drained albeit kept moister in the summer. Best, John John T Lonsdale PhD 407 Edgewood Drive, Exton, Pennsylvania 19341, USA Home: 610 594 9232 Cell: 484 678 9856 Fax: 315 571 9232 Visit "Edgewood" - The Lonsdale Garden at http://www.edgewoodgardens.net/ USDA Zone 6b