I found this site very informative and thought that it might be useful for those living in the Gulf Coast area. The plants are rated as to how they have performed in the area. Go to the homepage and click on "Plant Ratings".
http://webs.lanset.com/pathline/default.htm
Plants suitable for the Texas Gulf Coast
Hazel, that is a fantastic site! Thanks so much for sharing, I'll have to check it out in earnest this evening!