In Texas, there are various climate zones, meaning that gardeners can grow a wide range of plants. For many Texans, gardening is a way of life. From succulents that thrive in dry conditions to tropical plants that require a lot of moisture, gardeners have the opportunity to cultivate a wide variety of plants. What perennials should you plant in Texas? Read on to find out!
Golden Shrimp
The golden shrimp plant is a colorful evergreen shrub that originates from Central and South America. It’s one of the best perennial flowers for Texas since it grows three to six feet tall. It also thrives in full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It produces beautiful yellow flowers with white accents in the spring and summer. The flowers bloom over several weeks. Because it isn’t frost-tolerant, golden shrimp is typically grown as a houseplant or in containers. Growers can bring the plant indoors during the colder months. In USDA hardiness zones 10-11, it can be grown outdoors year-round as long as it is protected from freezing temperatures. Whether planted in the ground or in a pot, golden shrimp is a crowd-pleaser. Although the golden shrimp plant doesn’t often succumb to disease, spider mites and aphids may invade it from time to time. Fortunately, there are ways to fight these pests with environmentally friendly insecticidal soap. The soil around golden shrimp plants must be moist all year, but they should decrease watering in the winter. It’s essential to keep humidity levels high. Avoid air conditioning vents and draughts. Finally, feed golden shrimp plants with slow-release pellets or liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Coreopsis
If you’re looking for one of the tallest, best perennials for Texas, check out coreopsis. This plant belongs to the Asteraceae family and classifies as a perennial or annual plant. Coreopsis is among the most popular native perennials in the area. But that’s only one of the reasons they qualify as the best perennial flowers for Texas. They’re also easy to care for. You won’t have to fuss over these hardy flowers since they’re heat– and drought-tolerant. They add lavish colors to any garden. Coreopsis can grow anywhere from two to four feet tall and two feet wide. It is best to plant seedlings in full sun and in sandy, well-drained soil with a neutral to acidic pH level. The blooming period for this plant typically occurs during the summer or fall months. The flowers are commonly red, orange, yellow, pink, or white in color. USDA hardiness zones for planting this species range from two through 11 in the USA. Coreopsis is native to North America, Central America, and South America.
Fall Aster
Fall aster is an herbaceous perennial that typically grows one to two feet tall and is native to rocky soils in the eastern United States. Its lovely blooms make it one of the best perennial flowers for Texas. These wildflowers put on a show from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. You’ll even find them west to northeast Wyoming and Texas and as south as Mexico. For the best blooms, drained sand, loam, clay, caliche, and limestone are all suitable substrates. This species prefers the sun to part shade and dry to moist conditions. It is cold tolerant but does not tolerate extended periods of flooding or saturated soils. The full sun helps produce the best flowering too. These species reseed aggressively in optimum conditions. Elsewhere it can be weedy or invasive. It may self-seed in the landscape but generally does not persist long-term without irrigation. The blooms are a lovely violet-to-purple color and appear from September to November.
Firebush
Do you want eye-catching tropical blossoms? Plant firebush. It’s one of the most exciting perennial flowers for Texas. The firebush is a striking herbaceous perennial that is native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. It’s one of the best perennials for Texas and is a member of the Rubiaceae family. The bush has orange, orange-red, or red flower blooms in summer and fall. It prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. This plant does best in neutral to acidic soil that’s well drained. After establishing itself, firebush is a low-maintenance perennial.
Rockrose
Another small flowering shrub you should know about is the rockrose. The plant is a perennial shrub that typically grows up to three to six feet tall. The leaves sit alternately and are simple in structure. The flowers are bisexual, and the plants breed via flowers. This plant is common in most parts of the world. You can find it in a variety of habitats. Rockroses are a genus of flowering plants in the family Cistaceae, native to the Mediterranean Basin. The most notable feature of rockroses is their extensive root system, which helps them to thrive in dry, rocky conditions. Convenience is one of the reasons rock roses qualify as the best perennial flowers for Texas. They’re popular for their long bloom period, which can last from spring to fall. Rockroses come in a variety of colors, including pink, yellow, and white. While they are typically found in the Mediterranean region, they also exist in other parts of the world, including the United States. The best part is rockroses are low-maintenance plants that require little care once they are established. They are drought-tolerant and do not require regular watering or fertilization. However, they may benefit from occasional pruning to remove spent blooms and encourage new growth. You’ll find rockroses are versatile plants that can be used in a variety of landscape projects. They are well suited for use as ground cover or in informal hedges. They can also be planted in containers or massed together as an accent plant. Rockroses are an excellent choice for xeriscaping and other water-wise gardens.
Up Next…
The 5 Best Places to Camp in Texas this Summer16 Spring Flowers in Texas12 Beautiful Red Flowers in Texas
