Paulette – Glad you enjoyed the post! Malvaviscus arboreus does develop a deep root structure but it only spreads by seeds, or if you divide mature plants. It is a native plant of the continental United States and is not classified as an invasive species. Given your zone and where you plan on planting it, I think that it is definitely worth giving it a try as long as it has a chance to establish its roots before a hard freeze hits. Although it does not require much water once established, I would water it deeply and regularly when you first plant it. In general, it does have a shape similar to a lilic shrub, but you can prune it back fairly low to make it more of a tall ground cover. Hope this helps…Rick