Q.Italian Heather
Will it grow outdoors in NW Louisiana (Shreveport) ? I got it as a gift and it is indoors but appears to be doing poorly. I am keeping it watered but not wet and I am misting it. It bought it would not take high heat and it has already been eighty a few days.

Italian Heather is hardy in zones 10 - 11. In your area, zone 8a, it would not likely winter over in the ground.
It can however grow outdoors in a pot and be moved in for the winter months.
Here is a link with care information.
https://www.ehow.com/way_5790862_italian-heather-plant-care.html