I ruminated (yes I looked up that word to make sure it really is a word and not a mountain expression as I have a few of those and people look at me oddly when I use them) on the fact that this is a lot like plant tags. Often plants are mislabeled and incorrect information is provided so you get that consternated look on your face when the 'dwarf' you bought is over the top of your roof.

Plants don't read the books or their own tag information, just like gifts.

Who are you going to trust? Information on plant tags is a little like information on the internet. Don't believe everything you read! Plants and tags come from all over the country and what is hardy for Northern Oregon may not be what is hardy for Southern Texas. If a plant has had its head glued onto a stick to become a topiary, it is usually still going to have the same tag as it's brother who hasn't been fancied up. But there sure are going to be very different in growth and development!

The tag isn't going to tell you if it is a good 'fit' for your landscape. Remember 'dwarf' is a relative term. It only means it will not grow to be as big as the original. If humans got 20ft tall then a dwarf would be 7ft tall.

The tag isn't really going to list all the negative aspects of that plant. It isn't going to tell you that birds eat the seeds from a Variegated Ligustrum and then 'plant' the seeds of Privet all over the countryside which will invade the native species habitat and crowd them out and reek havoc on the ecosystem.

So of course the BEST way to find out the real truth of the matter to support your local independent garden center or nursery because they will have the best information on the plants they carry that will actually live in your climate and zone.