Beautiful Plants that Withstand Texas Summers

Beautiful Plants that Withstand Texas Summers
As we like to say in Texas, there are two growing seasons: spring and fall. Summer is often a
time of mere survival for most forms of vegetation in our area. However, if you are looking for
continuous color in your landscape now through October, below are a few plants that you may
find actually thrive in the heat. In fact, these plants will not only decorate your outdoor living
space but will also attract butterflies and hummingbirds – an added bonus! And, an even better
benefit is they are all quite disease and pest free. Happy Gardening!
Annuals:
Moss Rose and Purslane – Moss Rose and Purslane are succulents (think cactus) and adore sun
and heat. They are also very drought tolerant. These annuals look great planted in ground but
are especially beautiful in baskets and urns where their vibrantly colored blooms will cascade
over the side. Moss Rose, like its name, has blooms that look like small roses. Purslane, on the
other hand, has blooms that appear similar to the shape of mini teacups. Moss Rose and
Purslane can be found in single colored and multi-colored varieties.
Perennials:
Dwarf Mexican Petunia – This low-growing, mounding plant looks good when blooming and
when not. It serves well en masse as a border or edging plant and can tolerate full to mostly
fun sun. Dwarf Mexican Petunia is also very drought tolerant. Lavender is predominate flower
color, however white and pink varieties are available. The plant is also available in non-dwarf
sizes so be sure to read labels should you purchase. The non-dwarf varieties are great too, but
are lankier and much taller than the dwarf species. As a perennial, Dwarf Mexican Petunia will
die back during the coldest of winters but will re-emerge year after year in the spring.
Lantana – An absolute butterfly magnet, Lantana makes a beautiful addition to your outdoor
space. It is one of those plants that not only takes the heat but can take neglect and abuse too!
In fact, if you chose to trim it or accidentally break a stem you are rewarded with a fresh
lemony scent. Lantana is available in single colors such as white, yellow or lavender and in
striking mixed colors – mixed colors that actually transition as the blooms mature. Like the
Dwarf Mexican Petunia, Lantana will die back during the winter but emerges again reliably
come spring. Planted in the ground or in containers, you will not be disappointed with Lantana.
Small Shrubs/Trees:
Autumn Sage (semi-evergreen) – Autumn Sage is a small shrub that produces a wealth of
blooms on thin, graceful stalks. Red is a favorite color, but the shrub can be found in fuchsia,
pink and white. Although this sage is technically a shrub, it does well in containers. And, like
most sages or salvias, it is drought tolerant and virtually pest free. If you plant Autumn Sage,
hummingbirds are sure to come.
Vitex (deciduous) – If you are looking for a small blooming tree for your landscape, the Vitex is
a lovely alternative to the Crape Myrtle. Vitex blooms can be a soothing lavender or cool white
in color. Butterflies and bees adore this tree and it will be “abuzz” all summer as it blooms
nonstop for months. Native to Texas, the Vitex is drought tolerant and can be left to grow
naturally as a large shrub or can be pruned as a tree. Losing its leaves in the winter, it allows for
much-needed sunlight to dapple your home or patio during cold months while providing shade
and splendor during the summertime.
Vines:
Cardinal Climber and Cypress Vine (annual) – Cardinal Climber and Cypress Vine are among the
fastest growing of vines, which is a good thing since they are annuals in Texas and most times
you can find them only in seed form. Another benefit to growing this vine is it truly does not
need an added trellis – it attaches wherever it can. Whether these vines are one or two
different species is hard to know and it gets complicated attempting to find out, but the good
news is either one will bring you masses of tiny, red tube-like blooms borne on delicate, fernlike stems. If you have a sunny arbor or bare fence you’d like to adorn in one season, this is the
vine for you. An added bonus is hummingbirds flock to this vine.
Moonflower Vine (annual) – Another annual in Texas, the Moonflower Vine is not only
beautiful but extremely aromatic. The vine grows well, with the help of a trellis, in part to full
sun but the caveat is this: it blooms only at night (sometimes blooms stay open on foggy, rainy
mornings.) If you have a sunny arbor or bare fence near a patio, this vine would be an excellent
choice. Placing the vine in a prime spot would allow you to enjoy both the view and aroma of
these saucer-size, white blooms on cool summer evenings – and you may observe a few
hummingbird (sphinx) moths too!
For more detailed information regarding the growing and care of the above plants, please see Cindy
Pierce’s personal blog at www.natureisnurture.net.