Here I am in New Jersey trying to grow southwestern natives in pots. They are marginally hardy here, winter wet being more of a problem than cold, and I can't do anything about summer humidity.

I am trying stipa gigantea, red yucca, zauscherina (Ariz. and Cal.) and penstemon pinifolius.

What kind of soil do I use? (present plan being a mix of grit, potting soil and clay loam from the yard, with lime to bring up the pH?

How many inches down should I let the soil dry before watering? Deep or shallow pots?

I wish those western hummingbirds came with the plants!

Thanks.