In the Madison area, probably Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria 'Pride of Houston'), Japanese Boxwood (Buxus microphylla 'Winter Gem'), or Wax-Leaf Privet (Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum'). Be sure to mulch the soil to keep the roots cool, and to avoid extreme freezing of the soil in the winter.

I love my clipped Bay leaf tree (Laurel), it stays green throughout the year...is relatively slow growing so does not need loads of attention...just the odd clip here and there.

The best bit is you can use the dried leaves as a spice in your stews & curries to flavour them! It is a natural insecticide and can keep moths away from clothing. It is beneficial for high blood sugar, headaches & ulcers etc too!

Good Luck! :-)

Sorry, Sunrose, but Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) probably won't be cold hardy in the Madison area. They're in USDA Zone 7, which normally gets colder than -12.2º C. Only small parts of northeast Scotland normally get that cold in the UK.

Thank You, Guys, so much for your help!!! I want to try Wax-Leaf Privet. Is mulching going to be enough? Because I plan to keep it on my porch in winter. How old should the plant be for me to start training it? Thanks!!!

Whoa! It's in a container? Maybe wrap the pot in bubble wrap through the winter. Or put it in an outer pot, and fill the space between with styrofoam "peanuts"--that looks better, and can keep the heat off in the summer, too.

Hey Tug,

I like the styrofoam idea! I never knew that you can do this! Definitely going to do it. Thank You very much!

Hi Guys,

I bought my Privets! http://www.growsonyou.com/photo/slideshow/197045-wax-leaf-privet-ligustrum/member/annyshka

I need your help,
should I replant it in a bigger pot and tie it to a stake this year? Or should I wait and let it grow? Thanks so much for your input!