Master Gardener's favorite landscape plants for North Texas - dcmga.com
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dcmga.com
Master Gardener’s
favorite landscape
plants for North Texas
Joseph A. Carroll Building
401 W. Hickory Street, Suite 112
Denton, TX 76201-9026
master.gardener@dentoncounty.com
Phone: 940-349-2883 or
Help Desk 940-349-2892
1
About DCMGA
Mission: educate and engage county residents in the
implementation of research-based horticultural and
More
environmental practices that create sustainable information
gardens, landscapes, and communities
• Begun in 1989 and working under the guidance of
Texas A&M University AgriLife and the Denton about upcoming
County Extension Office, Denton County Master events and projects
Gardener Association’s 250+ members volunteered
more than 21,000 hours in 2018
• 37 unique projects across Denton County serving
children, adults and the community.
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2
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1. Go to dcmga.com
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3
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This presentation and many others are on the DCMGA website.
https://dcmga.com/events/handouts/
4
DCMGA Master Gardener Favorites
DCMGA members were asked to submit a list of their favorite
landscape plants with an emphasis on those that were hardy
under North Texas’s sometimes challenging growing conditions.
Plants identified as Texas Superstars® are plants that are:
– Good performers in most of Texas
– Readily available through local nurseries
– Selected after review by Texas Superstar® Executive Board
– Receive advisory input from the statewide Texas Superstar®
Advisory Board, which is composed of TAMU
horticulturists, nursery professionals, growers, seed
company representatives, county horticulturists,
arboretum and botanical garden representatives,
horticultural writers, and landscape designers.
Note: all pictures not attributed to a photographer are from the gardens of DCMGA members.
5
If you are replacing a dead plant, an underperforming
one or creating a whole new bed, before selecting:
• Consider the hours of sunlight the
bed receives
– Seasonal variations
– Morning or afternoon sun?
– Full sun versus partial or
dappled sunlight
• Are there wet areas where water
stands longer than 30 minutes
after rain has ended? Or, areas that
remain damp?
• Choose plants that will do well
under your growing conditions.
Do the research
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center provides detailed information on
how to grow native plants and Agrilife has a list of the best landscape plants
for North Central Texas.
6
If you want to make your yard more
wildlife friendly you could
• Add both food sources and cover to protect
from predators.
• Add native plants.
• Choose plants that have not been treated with
systemic insecticides
• Having a variety of plants in a group is more
attractive to wildlife.
• Choose single headed flowers. Double headed
flowers look showy but produce less nectar and
make it much more difficult for bees to access
pollen.
• Add some moving (pump or aerator) water ―
birds and pollinators will appreciate it. Moving
water reduces the attraction for mosquitos.
7
Landscape Bed Testing
• Clear area of debris including
removing grass and plant
roots.
• Get a soil test to determine
what minerals and nutrients
should be added to improve
your soil.
(http://soiltesting.tamu.edu/)
• Review soil analysis report
• Use Urban Fertilizer
Management Calculator-Basic
Edition 1.0 or follow report
recommendations
(http://soiltesting.tamu.edu/c
alc/UNCalc.htm)
8
If you are creating a new landscape
• Clear soil of weeds, rocks and
grasses
• Dig to a depth of 8 to 10 inches to
break up the soil completely. Go
over the area several times until the
soil is broken into small fragments.
• Integrate 4 to 6 inches of compost
and add the nutrients suggested in
the soil test report.
• Rake and smooth the soil before
planting.
• After planting, place 3 inches of
mulch around, but not touching the
plants to retain moisture and
discourage weeds.
9
Did you know? Plants can communicate
• Plants can send airborne, chemical
messages, warning faraway relatives about
marauding plant-eaters, and that animals
can eavesdrop on these communiqués.
• Plants can also influence one another
through the network of fungi that
connects their roots—a so-called wood-
wide web.
• Plants can respond to vibrations moving
through their tissues: Many release pollen
only when insects land on them and buzz
at the right frequency, while others create
defensive chemicals when they sense the
rumbles of chewing insects. (The Atlantic
Science, January 2019)
10Black-eyed Susan Texas Bird of Paradise
Denton Master Gardener and
Texas Superstar Favorites
Yaupon holly
Caveat: study conducted in 2013 and represents anonymous nominations of those
MGs who voted. All MGs will have additional favorites.
11Definitions
Native plant: One that exists in a given region through non-human introduction, directly
or indirectly. (Andrea De-Long Amaya, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center) MGs really
like native plants. NPSOT says, “Texas has over 5,000 species of native plants. Because of
its size and geography, it is one of the most biologically diverse states, with forests,
deserts, mountains, hills, prairies and coastal plains.” A list of native plants especially
recommended for DFW is located at https://npsot.org/wp/trinityforks/lists-of-local-
native-plants/ and https://www.npsot.org/CollinCounty/plants.htm.
Adapted plants are neither native nor invasive. They are able to thrive here because they
originate from areas with similar soil and climate conditions to those of North Texas.
An invasive plant species grows/reproduces and spreads rapidly, establishes over large
areas, and persists. Species that become invasive succeed due to favorable environmental
conditions and lack of natural predators, competitors or diseases that normally regulate
plant populations. An invasive species causes or is likely to cause economic or
environmental harm. (https://texasinvasives.org/plant_database/)
Icons designate plants that provide food
(nectar, berries, seeds), host insect
larvae or offer shelter.
12Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’
Botanical name: Artemisia x 'Powis Castle’
General information:
A silver-leafed perennial, Artemisia ‘Powis
Castle’ is soft-textured and contrasts nicely
with red, pink, or purple flowers.
Characteristics
• Size: 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide
• Flowers: None Growing in North Texas
Grows quickly, preferring full sun and
• Bloom time: None
well-drained soil but tolerates partial
• Leaves: Silver, fine-textured, aromatic shade. The plant is heat tolerant with
when crushed low supplemental watering needs,
once established. Fertilize at planting
Pests and Disease Problems: No serious time with a timed-release product.
insect or disease problems Cut back the dead foliage to six inches
after it freezes in late fall or early
winter. Best planted in fall.
13Autumn Sage
Common names: Autumn sage, Autumn Salvia,
Cherry Sage, Gregg salvia, Texas red sage
Botanical name: Salvia greggii
General information:
A popular evergreen shrub, native to much of Texas.
May be grown in containers, borders, or mass
plantings. The branches originate near the base of
the plant resulting in a vase-shaped appearance.
Small 1-inch flowers from spring through fall. Many Growing in North Texas
colors are now available. Plant in spring or early summer
Characteristics: in prepared soil in full or filtered
• Size: 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide sun. Apply fertilizer at planting
• Flowers: red, but also available in pale yellow, and annually. Water during
orange, salmon, fuchsia, purple, red-violet and extended periods of hot, dry
burgundy conditions. Prune back to 4
• Bloom time: spring through fall inches in late winter and again in
• Leaves: small, pale green and slightly aromatic late summer to maintain a tidy
Pests and Disease Problems: shape. Tolerates heat.
General resistance to damage from pests or
disease.
14Eastern Beebalm
Common names: Beebalm, monarda,
horsemint, bergamot
Botanical name: Monarda bradburiana Beck
General information:
Mint family. Bee balm was used in making Photo credit: Tryon Farm – Creative Commons
herbal teas and the flowers are edible.
Growing in North Texas
Characteristics Plant beebalm in full sun to part
• Size: 30-36 inches tall shade in well-drained soil.
• Flowers: Pink, purple Provide an even supply of
• Bloom time: June thru August moisture throughout the
growing season. Do not over
fertilize. Deadhead spent
Pests and Disease Problems: Bee balm
flowers to prolong bloom
often suffers from powdery mildew. This is period. Divide every 2-3 years in
most prominent in overcrowded plants. early spring as soon as they
emerge from the ground.
15(Texas) Bird of Paradise
Common name: Yellow Bird of Paradise, Desert
Bird of Paradise
Botanical name: Caesalpinia gilliesii
General information:
Naturalized in Texas. Exotic blooms of long — 5 to
7 inch — yellow petals accented by longer
protruding bright red stamens. In a cold winter, it Growing in North Texas:
will die to the ground but should come back in Plant in full sun with good drainage. It
spring. It is both drought and heat tolerant. does well in most all soils, even rock, but
Characteristics hates heavy clay. Allow the soil to dry out
• Size: 4 - 8 foot tall by 3 - 5 foot wide before giving it a deep watering.
Bird of Paradise is part of the legume
• Flowers: yellow
family of plants so it has the ability to fix
• Bloom time: May to September its own nitrogen from the air.
• Leaves: long bluish-green, fine fern-like texture Supplemental fertilization should be
Pest or Disease Problems: None limited to a yearly application in early
Note: Seed pods and seeds are slightly toxic. Bird spring. Propagation is easy from seeds
of Paradise can be considered aggressive if not when sowed directly outdoors in the fall
deadheaded because the seeds take root. or after the last spring frost.
16Black-eyed Susan
Botanical name: Rudbeckia hirta L.
General information:
Adapted, easy to grow annual. Make excellent
cut flowers. Seed Collection: Collect mature
seeds. Store dry in sealed, refrigerated
containers. Stratify seeds for spring planting
for 3 months at 40 degrees. Photo: Sally & Andy Wasowski
Source: wildflower.org
Characteristics
• Size: About 2 feet tall by 2 feet wide Growing in North Texas
• Flowers: 3 – 6 inches across, daisy-like Easy to grow. Tolerates
• Bloom time: June – October summer heat and dry
• Leaves: Somewhat coarse green leaves, conditions. Full sun to
slightly hairy partial afternoon shade
Pests and Disease Problems: Powdery mildew with a medium amount of
may cause white patches to form on leaves. supplemental water after
establishment. Fertilize at
Although the plant is weakened, it usually
planting time. It will self
survives. seed or seeds can be
collected.
17Butterfly Milkweed
Common names: Butterflyweed, Orange Milkweed
Botanical Name: Asclepias tuberosa
Asclepias tuberosa L.
General information
• Native
• Drought and heat tolerant
• Larval Host: Grey Hairstreak, Monarch, and Photo: Joseph Marcus NPIN
Queen butterflies
Growing in North Texas:
Plant in full sun in soil with good
Characteristics drainage. Vibrant flowers may not
• Size: 1 ½ - 2 ft tall appear in the first year. Once
• Flowers: orange established, plants last for
• Bloom time: May to September years. Self-seeds are plentiful but
easy to manage.
Pest or Disease Problems: Prone to aphids, Note: According to NPIN, the roots
which can be treated or left for ladybug food. were chewed by First Nations
People as a cure for pleurisy and
Note: Unlike other milkweeds, this species has
other pulmonary ailments.
no milky sap. Roots are toxic if eaten in large (Niering)
quantities. 18(Texas Sage) Cenizo
Common names: Purple Sage, Texas Ranger, Texas
Barometer Bush, Texas Silverleaf, Texas Sage
Botanical name: Leucophyllum frutescens
General information: Texas native. General
purpose shrub with attractive silvery leaves. It is
heat, cold and drought tolerant. May be a nesting
or cover site for birds. Lynn's Legacy Cenizo
(Leucophyllum langmaniae) is a Texas Superstar
plant.
Characteristics
• Size: shrub, 2 to 5 feet tall (sometimes taller). 4 Photo: Sally & Andy Wasowski
to 6 feet width Source: wildflower.org
• Flowers: bell-shaped in pink, lavender or purple
• Bloom time: According to legend, Cenizo Growing in North Texas
blooms when it rains. However, it is more Tolerates most soil types as long as
accurate to say that it blooms in conjunction the plant has good drainage. Does
with high humidity and high soil temperature. best in full sun but tolerate a bit of
Pests and Disease Problems: susceptible to cotton shade. Does not require fertilizer
root rot if soil does not have good drainage and rarely needs supplemental
water
19Copper Canyon Daisy
Common names: Copper Canyon Daisy,
Lemmon's marigold, mountain marigold,
bush marigold
Botanical name: Compositae Tagetes Iemonii
General information:
Texas native. Aster family member has a
sprawling growth with a distinctive, pungent
fragrance. Dies back in winter and comes
back from roots in spring. Growing in North Texas
Characteristics Easy to grow in North Texas.
• Size: 4 feet tall x 4 feet wide bush at Tolerates high, sustained summer
heat. Prefers full sun, but accepts
maturity
a bit of shade. Drought tolerant
• Flowers: Golden yellow about 1 to 2
and wants well-drained soil. It will
inches across grow successfully in some of the
• Bloom time: August until frost more alkaline soils in North Texas.
• Leaves: Lacy compound leaves 2 to 6 After the Copper Canyon daisy is
inches long, with serrated leaflets. established, it requires little
Pests and Disease Problems: none supplemental water.
20Daylily "Stella D'Oro”
Common names: "Stella d'Oro daylily", "Stella Doro
daylily", "Stella d Oro daylily", “Stella de Oro”
Botanical name: Hemerocallis derives from the Greek,
hemera, "day," plus kallos, "beauty"
General information:
Daylilies are herbaceous, clump forming, perennials.
Most flowers bloom for a day, but there are several buds Photo: DCMGA
on each scape (leafless stalk). Dormant daylilies die back
completely in winter.
Growing in North Texas
Characteristics
Vigorous with circular, bright yellow/gold flowers on The best location is in full
erect scapes. Easy care plant used as a border, in drifts morning sun and afternoon
or mass plantings, partnered with other perennials, shade. Daylilies do not like
great in small gardens or containers. Drought tolerant; wet, soggy soil. Plant them
pest and rabbit resistant. only to the base of the
Size: height 11"; width 18” crown and divide every 3-5
Flowers: bloom 2.75"; gold flowers with very small years.
green throat, slightly fragrant
Bloom time: early bloomer; rebloom in late spring to
autumn
21Fall Aster
Common names: October Skies, Aromatic Aster
Botanical name: Symphyotrichum oblongifolium
General information: Texas native. As its name
implies, the fall aster blooms in fall. The plants
mound around 2 to 3 feet by sending out stolon’s.
Characteristics: Fall aster is a bushy perennial with
Photo: Liz Moyer
numerous branches. It becomes a little leggy in
shady locations and has a tendency to fall over. Cut Growing in North Texas
back to the ground in late spring to have it come This is a wonderful plant for North
back upright and bushier in the fall. Cut back 2-3 Texas. Best in sunny locations, but
inches every 3-4 weeks from early April-August 1 adapts to lightly shaded areas. It is
for more compact mound and more blooms drought tolerant. Divide after
• Size: 2 feet tall blooms die back. After blooms have
• Flowers: medium violet-blue flowers about 1- died back, cut plant back to the
inch in diameter with slight scent. ground. Asters tolerate acidic, rocky
• Bloom time: late September until frost or sandy soils. Thin regularly to
Pests and Disease Problems: disease and pest control spread.
resistant.
22(Texas) Gold Columbine
Common names: Texas Gold Columbine, Hinckley’s Growing in North Texas
Columbine Plant in an area that has
Botanical name: Aquilegia chrysantha var. hinckleyana excellent drainage and rich
General information: soil. This columbine will do well
This columbine is a Texas native and Texas Superstar under a deciduous tree where it
from the Big Bend region. It has large yellow blooms will be shaded in the heat of
and great heat tolerance. Cool season perennial adds a summer, but receives some
blast of color to a shady area in the garden. sunlight during the winter
growing months.
Characteristics:
• Size: 2 feet tall by 2 feet wide Keep soil moist with 1-inch a
• Flowers: yellow-gold with long spurs water every 7 to 10 days. Apply
• Bloom time: March through May a slow-release, high nitrogen
• Leaves: bluish gray-green, scalloped edges fertilizer in October, December
Pests and Disease Problems: Spider mites and/or leaf and February. Cut back dead
miners may attack foliage during the heat of summer, if growth. The Columbine will
so, prune plant to just above the crown. The plant will come back in the spring and can
leaf out again in the fall when daytime temperatures be propagated through division
cool down. every couple years.
Note: Larval host plant for the Columbine Duskywing.
23Texas Gold Columbine
Photo: bbrown
24Gregg’s Mistflower
Common names: Gregg’s Mist, Blue Mist, Texas
Ageratum
Botanical name: Conoclinium greggii
General information:
Texas Native. A must for butterfly gardens, especially
attractive to the Queen butterfly in the fall. Drought
tolerant and suitable for xeriscaping.
Characteristics
• Size: 1 to 3 feet height and 1.5 to 2 feet wide Photo: bbrown
• Flowers: small thistle like bluish purple blooms;
similar in appearance to Blue Mist (Conoclinium Growing in North Texas
coelestinum) but leaves differ. Prefers hot dry locations. Plant in
• Bloom time: March to November (a bit later start in full sun to part shade. Plant
North Texas) Gregg’s Mist in groupings for
• Leaves: deeply divided into lobes, fernlike best results. Spreads by rhizomes
Note: According to the University of Texas Ladybird Johnson Wildflower (underground stems) and
Center, “The species name ‘greggii’ was named for Josiah Gregg, (1806- recovers readily from pruning or
1850). In 1848, he joined a botanical expedition to western Mexico and
California. He sent specimens to the eminent botanist George Engelman dieback. Divide every two years
in St. Louis. Subsequently, the American Botanical Society added the Latin by rooting from summer or fall
name ‘greggii” in his honor to twenty-three species of plants.” cuttings.
25Flare Rose Mallow Hibiscus
Botanical names: Hibiscus sp. ‘Flare’
General Information: Perennial. Showy.
Low maintenance. May attract
butterflies and hummingbirds. ‘Flare’ is
a Texas Superstar plant. Texas Star
Characteristics: Photo: DCMGA
• Size: 4-7 feet tall and 4 feet wide
Flowers: very large blooms, fuchsia;
The ‘Peppermint Flare’ cultivar’s
flowers are pink and peppermint
striped
• Bloom time: Summer to first frost
• Leaves: distinctive lobed leaves,
medium green Growing in North Texas
Prefers full sun, but tolerates light
Pests: grasshoppers. May also be shade. Low maintenance perennial
bothered by aphids, spider mites and with large flowers. Improved sterile
white flies. hybrid will bloom summer till frost
26Dwarf Mexican Bush Sage
Common names: Dwarf Velvet Sage, Santa Barbara,
Woody of Velvet
Botanical name: Salvia leucantha
General information:
The ‘Santa Barbara’ cultivar of Salvia leucantha is a
native from Mexico. It is very hardy, drought
tolerant and deer resistant. The beautiful lavender
flowers are spectacular throughout the fall season.
It serves as an excellent background plant, border Mexican Bush Sage
Photo credit: Tanaka Juuyoh Flickr Commons
and perennial (to 25 degrees). Cut back twice a year
to keep bushy and compact after blooming. Growing in North Texas
Bright sun with little or no
Characteristics: supplemental water. Prefers
• Size: 3-4 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide well-drained soil. If it does suffer
• Flowers: Spiked, velvety flowers, purple, purple some freeze damage in North
and white and lavender Texas, it will bounce back in the
• Bloom time: Primarily in fall
late spring. Prune any damaged
• Leaves: Opposite leaves with a silvery underside.
Approximately 2.5 inches long and slender. foliage in late March or cut back
to the ground.
Pests: no significant problems
27Lamb’s Ear
Botanical name: Stachys byzantina
General information: Excellent perennial cultivar.
Grows in clumps and provides a nice silvery textural
among green plants in the landscape. Use as border
or ground cover. Will spread. Not a Texas native.
Has been used for centuries as a battlefield wound Photos: bbrown
dressing including during the U.S. Civil War. Not
only do the soft, fuzzy leaves absorb blood, they
help it to clot more quickly. Growing in North Texas
Space 15-24 inches apart. Prefers full
Characteristics sun but will tolerate some shade.
• Size: 10 inches tall and 30 inches wide Well drained soil. Tolerates heat and
• Flowers: pink to lavender humidity. Neutral pH soil. Blooms
• Leaves: Large silver-gray fuzzy leaves can be pruned to keep plant neat
and tidy. Transplants can be started
Pests and Disease Problems: Foliage may rot in wet at any season. Mature plants can be
sites or when rainfall is too high. divided.
28New Gold Lantana TM
Common Name: Lantana Gold
Botanical name: Lantana x hybrida 'New
Gold‘
General Information: Texas Superstar
plant. Drought tolerant, heat loving, low
maintenance perennial with a wealth of
golden yellow flowers. A very adaptable
and popular perennial. Texas Superstar
Characteristics: Growing in North Texas
• Hardiness: Zone 8b Blooms best in full sun. It will grow in many
• Exposure: Full sun types of soil, but prefers good drainage and a
• Size: Height 2 feet tall, 4 feet wide deep watering once a week. An occasional
• Bloom Time: Spring till frost shearing during the growing season will
• Leaves: rough ovate shaped increase its vigor as it blooms on new
growth.
Pest or Disease Problems: None Provide winter protection with a heavy layer
of mulch or plant near a south-facing wall.
Note: All parts of the plant are
poisonous if ingested. Propagate from seeds after the last frost or
make stem cuttings in summer.
29Lenten Rose Winter
Common names: Lenten Rose, Christmas Rose
Botanical name: Hellebore
Characteristics: Perennial Hellebores, in the
Ranunculaceae – Buttercup family, are the stars of
the late winter/early spring garden. They remain
evergreen and prefer shade. A rugged and easy-to-
grow plant, hellebore is lovely grouped under trees
and shrubs or in a woodland garden.
Characteristics:
• Size: 18 to 24 inches tall and 24 to 30 inches
wide
• Flowers: clusters appear on thick stems above Growing in North Texas
the foliage: flower color may be white, pink or Best grown in organically rich,
light rose-purple. well-drained soil in part shade to
• Bloom time: Winter through early spring full shade. Propagate by division
• Leaves: Palmate, serrate, thick, 8-16" wide, of the clumps (best in spring)
glossy, basal, dark green leaves (7-9 leaflets). and from seedlings which grow
up around the plants. Very hardy
Pests and Disease Problems: No serious insect or and drought tolerant once
disease problems. Leaf spot and crown rot are established.
occasional problems.
30Mexican Mint Marigold
Common names: Mexican mint marigold, Mexican
tarragon, Texas tarragon
Botanical name: Tagetes lucida
General information: Compact perennial looks
similar to marigolds and is often listed as a
substitute for French tarragon. The leaves have a
fragrance similar to anise or licorice. This native to
Mexico and Southwest U.S. is drought and heat
tolerant. Dies back in winter, but root hardy.
Characteristics Growing in North Texas
• Size: 1 to 2 feet high and 18 inches wide Plant this compact perennial in
• Flowers: bright yellow gold five pedaled flowers full sun or with afternoon shade.
• Bloom time: summer to late winter; peaking in Tolerates poor soils, but it must
fall be well drained. Needs regular
• Leaves: narrow fine toothed dark green leaves water to establish and then deep
contain essential oils similar in fragrance to watering weekly to keep it at its
tarragon best. Divide plants every 2 to 3
years.
Pests: none
31Obedient Plant
Common Name: Fall Obedient plant, False
Dragonhead, Virginia Lions-heart
Botanical name: Physostegia virginiana
General Information:
Characteristics:
• Size: 4 feet high with spiked flowers
• Flowers: lavender, some are white or pink
• Bloom time: June through November, Growing in North Texas
peaking in fall. Sun or part shade in moist, humus-
rich soil. Tolerates both drought and
Pest or Disease Problems: aphids and spider poor drainage. Spreads aggressively,
mites (not serious) but is easy to pull out and keep in
check. Can be used in cut flower
arrangements.
Comment: Obedient plant receives its name because if you manipulate an
individual flower back and forth on its axis, it will stay in the position you place it.
32Phlox ‘John Fanick’
Common names: ‘John Fanick’ Phlox
Botanical name: Phlox paniculata
General information:
This hardy garden phlox has earned its Texas
Superstar® status. It survives in heat, humidity
and drought. It is an ideal cottage garden plant or
can be used in xeriscaping. Use it in beds and
borders to add color and fragrance. This phlox
attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
Growing in North Texas
Characteristics: Prefers full sun or light shade.
• Size: 1 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide
clumps Requires well drained soils and
• Flowers: bicolor, pink with rose lavender eyes moderate moisture with good air
• Bloom time: early summer to fall circulation. Use a light summer
• Leaves: dark green slightly waxy leaves mulch and avoid overhead
watering. Cut back after first
Pests and Disease Problems: disease resistant,
can be bothered by root rot, spider mites or bloom to force a second bloom.
plant bugs. Cut to the ground after first
frost.
33Plumbago
Common name: Plumbago, Cape Plumbago,
Leadwort, Sky Flower
Botanical name: Plumbago auriculata
General information:
Tender perennial. Texas Superstar. Heavy
bloomer (although the white version is not as
profuse) in a sunny or shady location and
everywhere in-between. Pruning it a few times
during the growing season will increase flower
Growing in North Texas
production.
The fast growing plumbago, if
Characteristics left alone has a rambling
• Size: Height 3-4 feet tall, up to 5 feet wide habit. It looks lovely planted
• Flowers: usually blue, although a white to spill over a rock wall.
variety is available Otherwise, use as filler plant
• Bloom Time: May till frost with enough space to allow
• Leaves: Oblong, light yellowish green color the arching branches room to
spread out.
34Eastern Purple Coneflower
Common name: Purple coneflower, Eastern
purple coneflower
Botanical name: Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench
General information:
Texas native. Perennial herb. Can be used in
flower arrangements and wildflower gardens.
“The genus name is from the Greek echino, meaning
hedgehog, an allusion to the spiny, brownish central
disk.” (Wildflower.org) Flowers occur singly atop the
stems and have domed, purplish-brown, spiny centers Growing in North Texas
and drooping, lavender rays.
Plant in well-drained sandy or
Characteristics organically rich soils. Full to
• Size: Height 1 to 4 feet tall partial sun. Heat and drought
• Flowers: pink, lavender or purple (additional tolerant. Low water
colors are becoming available) requirements. Self-seeds and
• Bloom Time: April through September can be very aggressive.
35Rain Lily (White)
Common names: “White Rain Lily” “Autumn Rain-
Lily”, “Autumn Zephyrlily”, “Fairy Lily”, “Flower-Of-
The-Western-Wind”, “Rain Lily”, “Rain-Lily”, “White
Rain-Lily”, “Zephyr Lily”
Botanical name: Zephyranthes candida
General information: Zephyranthes are commonly
called rain lilies because they often bloom after it
rains. Native to the southeastern United States,
Central and South America. Forms clumps about Growing in North Texas
12 inches tall and wide. Plants are evergreen in Works well in borders and small
winter. garden spaces. Start from bulbs,
planted 2-3 inches deep in full
Characteristics
• Size: 1 foot tall sun, partial shade or even full
• Flowers: White star shaped flowers; other shade in moist, well-drained soil.
colors include pink and yellow Prefers some shade in hot
• Bloom time: Summer summer. Once established, they
• Leaves: small glossy deep green need little care. Tolerates
• Plant Type: perennial drought and clay soils. Divide
after blooming.
Pests and Disease Problems: none
36Salvia 'Henry Duelberg'
Common names: 'Henry Duelberg' salvia, Duelberg sage,
Mealy sage
Botanical name: Salvia farinacea
General information: Texas Superstar. Texas native, it
grows with long, narrow clusters of leaves. Plants have
square stems and five petalled flowers that have a
fragrance like sage. Low maintenance, heat tolerant,
perennial. Used as bedding plant, cut flower, mixed
border, or wildflower. Not preferred by deer or goats.
Mildew resistant. Photo: bbrown
Characteristics Growing in North Texas
• Size: 3 feet wide and 3 feet in height Plant in full sun in any soil
• Flowers: Spikes of showy blue velvet masses. This type. Low to medium
variety flowers more than other cultivars. water requirements. Cut
• Bloom time: Spring through frost back frequently between
• Leaves: Slender bright green leaves that grow in bloom cycles to promote
clusters re-bloom. Can be cut
down to the ground after
Pests and Disease Problems: None known first frost.
37Salvia 'Mystic Spires Blue'
Botanical name: Salvia. longispicata x farinacea
'Mystic Spires Blue‘
General information:
Jimmy Turner, the Director of Horticulture
Research at the Dallas Arboretum, says, “It
blooms constantly - all summer - with 10 to 12
inch spikes of deep blue flowers, and stays short
enough to use in residential landscapes without Growing in North Texas
staking.” Texas Superstar Easy to grow Texas Superstar®
Characteristics perennial needs full sun, well
• Size: 1 to 3 feet height and 1 foot wide drained soil. Prune in the spring
• Flowers: 10 inch spikes of deep blue, fades to after growth returns. If
white necessary, after first frost, cut
• Bloom time: late spring through summer back to 1 foot tall. Do not cut
• Leaves: dark green; heavy stems, compact this plant to the ground.
plant Propagate new plants from seed,
Pests and disease problems: none stem cuttings in spring/summer,
or division of the root ball.
38Skullcap heartleaf
Botanical name: Scutellaria ovata
General information:
A perennial herb — part of the mint family —
skullcap is a native across U.S. The name comes
from its resemblance to the medieval cap worn
by men. It has a neat, compact mounding
Photo: bbrown
growth habit that works well as an edging plant
or ground cover. The tiny snapdragon-like
blooms are plentiful and look lovely spilling over Growing in North Texas
a rock wall. Plant in full or part shade in
average soil with good
Characteristics drainage. It spreads vigorously
• Size: 8 - 12 inches tall by 2 feet wide by underground roots. Once
• Flowers: blue or violet established, the water
• Bloom time: April through June requirements are low even
during the hot summer
Pest or Disease Problems: None months. Prune woody stems in
late winter.
39Texas Lilac Vitex
Common names: “Texas Lilac Vitex”, “Texas Lilac”,
“Vitex”, “Hemp Tree”, “Sage Tree”, “Indian Spice” or
“Chaste Tree”
Botanical name: Vitex agnus-castus
General information:
A favorite in Texas gardens, the Texas Lilac Vitex grows
quickly and offers easy maintenance. Texas Superstar.
**also considered an invasive plant by TexasInvasives
.org
Growing in North Texas
Characteristics
• Size: 10-15 feet tall, up to 15 feet wide Either a large shrub or small tree.
• Flowers: Profuse spikes of lavender flowers bloom Works well in xeriscape gardens.
heavily in the early summer and then sporadically Vitex grows best in full sun. Once
throughout the summer and fall. established, Vitex requires only a
• Bloom time: May to September little supplemental water. Vitex
• Leaves: Palmate, compound leaves with five to
seven leaflets. Leaves have a spicy fragrance when accepts a wide range of soil
crushed. Fall color is yellow. conditions. Fertilize at planting
time and each spring. Trim Vitex in
Pests and Disease Problems: none late winter to early spring.
Warning: The Vitex’s juice or sap is an irritant that can
cause painful blisters.
40Turk’s Cap
Common names: Turk’s Cap, Drummond Wax-
mallow, Texas Mallow, Red Mallow
Botanical name: Malvaviscus arboreus var.
drummondii
General information:
Listed by Texas AgriLife Extension Service as a Texas
native in South Texas, Turk’s cap grows rapidly,
producing a profusion of flowers in bright red, pink Growing in North Texas
or white from summer through frost. Turk’s Cap is Depending on the severity of the
drought tolerant. It grows in sun, partial sun and
shade, although it may become leggy in full sun. winter, Turk’s cap may behave as a
Texas Superstar. Native across U.S. perennial or an annual, although
Characteristics
established plants usually come back
• Size: 2 – 3 feet tall, but in ideal growing from roots. The plant prefers fertile,
conditions may reach 9 feet. Spread is 3 to 5 feet. well-drained soil, but tolerates a
• Flowers: red tube-shaped, other turk’s cap variety of soil conditions. Requires
cultivars have pink ('Pam Puryear') or variegated
('Fiesta') flowers some supplemental water in
• Bloom time: Summer through fall summer. Removing an established
• Leaves: Dull green, deciduous Turk's cap may be difficult because
Pests and Disease Problems: no serious problems the plant’s root system runs deep
Note: the name comes from the overlapping red with dense netting.
petals that resemble a Turkish turban.
41Victoria Phlox
Common names: Victoria Perennial, Victoria
Phlox, Garden Phlox
Botanical name: Phlox paniculata ‘Victoria’
General information:
A hardy 3-foot tall perennial with attractive
blossom clusters, the Victoria Phlox’s foliage is
a lighter green than the more common phlox
variety, ‘John Fannick’ and has a more open Growing in North Texas
growth habit. This Texas Superstar performs Full sun. Medium water requirements --
well as a perennial border. once or twice a week during the
growing season. Phlox requires fertile,
Characteristics well-drained soil. Fertilize at planting
• Size: 3 feet tall, 2 feet wide
• Flowers: Magenta Pink time and annually with a timed-release
• Bloom time: June to September product. Fall is the best planting
• Leaves: Light green narrow pointed leaves time. Propagate Phlox by division every
up to 3 inches long and 1 inch wide 3 years or use rooted stem cuttings.
• Plant Type: Deciduous perennial (dies back Remove faded flowers to prolong the
in winter) bloom period. Cut back the dead foliage
Pests and Disease Problems: powdery mildew (to the ground) after it freezes in late fall
or early winter.
42Yaupon Holly
Common names: Yaupon Holly, Cassina
Botanical name: Ilex vomitoria
General information:
Texas native. Perennial evergreen used in residential
landscapes as small trees or pruned as hedges. Small
spring flowers attract bees. Red berries in winter
that can be used in holiday decorations and are
popular with birds, especially the Eastern cedar
waxwing. The leaves and twigs contain caffeine that
native Americans used to prepare a tea.
Characteristics Growing in North Texas
• Size: 12 to 25 feet tall Low maintenance. Plant in full sun,
• Flowers: small, white partial or full shade at the
• Bloom time: spring container's depth. Tolerates
drought and poor drainage. Best
Pests and Disease Problems: powdery mildew production of red berries requires
at least ½ day of full sun. Will sent
up shoots from roots.
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