Rose Blush: We posted at the same time. I think its true that not everything designated as a zone 8 plant will actually grow in zone 8, because of aridity/humidity, sun/shade or other limitations. Figs grow well here and in California, but avacadoes don't because probably of the humidity.
Story: Alabama was once part of the French Territory. The city of Demopolis (near me) was ceded by the French governor for the purpose of growing "vines and olives". Well I guess vines and olives grow well in France, but they don't grow that well in Alabama.
We do have a native type of grape: muscadines, but grapes do better in Northern California. And olives do not grow here. So the wrong trees will not grow--even if mandated by the government of France.
heucheras.
http://parkseed.com/product.as...
I think these might grow here. But they are not common.