Common Name: American Beauty Berry Botanical name: Callicara ...

Common Name: American Beauty Berry 

Botanical name: Callicara americana 

Plant Type: Perennial 

Light Requirement: Part Shade 

Water Requirement: Low 

Hardiness/Zone: 6 thru 10 

Heat/Drought Tolerance: High 

Height: 3-5ft with equal spread; 

Width/Spacing:4 to 6 ft wide 

Flower Color: Small, pink 

Blooming Period: May, June, July 

Plant Form or Habit: Shrub 

Foliage Color and Texture: Deciduous 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Birds and butterflies 

Deer Resistant: No 

Plant Use: Valuable as a wildlife food plant. Good understory shrub. 

Pests and diseases: 

American beautyberry is a wonderful, large understory shrub with a naturally loose and graceful 

arching form. In the fall and early winter, the branches are laden with magenta purple (sometimes 

white) berry clusters that look spectacular as the leaves drop in autumn. It is useful as a screen in 

swampy or wooded locations or under shade trees in a garden setting. It can be cut to 12 above the 

base each winter to encourage more compact growth, flowers and fruit. It can also be left to mature 

naturally into a tall woody shrub. The shrub may temporarily defoliate and lose developing fruit 

during periods of prolonged summer drought 

Bark light brown on the older wood, reddish brown on younger wood. Bark smooth, with elongate, 

raised corky areas (lenticels); twigs round to 4 sided, covered with branched hairs visible under a l0x 

hand lens. Leaves in pairs or in threes, blades half as wide as long and up to 9 inches long, ovate to 

elliptic, pointed or blunt at the tip and tapered to the base; margins coarsely toothed except toward the 

base and near the tip, teeth pointed or rounded; lower surface of young leaves covered with branched 

hairs. Flowers small, pink, in dense clusters at the bases of the leaves, clusters usually not exceeding 

the leaf petioles. 

The seeds and berries are important foods for many species of birds, particularly the Northern 

Bobwhite. Foliage is a favorite of White-tailed Deer. 

Source of data: http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CAAM2 

http://forestry.about.com/od/silviculture/p/am_bberry.htm 

Extension programs service people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. 

The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating 

A member of The Texas A&M University System and its statewide Agriculture Program

Common Name: Anacacho Orchid Tree 

Botanical name: Bauhinia lumariodes 

Type: Small tree or medium shrub 

Light Requirement: Sun, partial sun 


Heat/Drought Tolerance: Medium 

Height: 8 to 12 feet 

Width/Spacing: 6 to 10 feet 

Flower Color: White or pink 

Blooming Period: Spring 

Plant Form or Habit: Large shrub, small tree 

Foliage Color and Texture: Deciduous. Split resembling cloven 

hoof. 

It may hold its leaves during mild winters. 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Bees, butterflies and birds 


Plant Use: Shrub or small tree 

Although increasingly available from specialty nurseries, 

Anacacho orchid tree is rare in Texas, growing only in the 

Anacacho Mts. west of Uvalde and one other small site. It is more 

common in Mexico. Its delicate, unusual leaves are divided into 

pairs of two oval leaflets, and showy white or pink flower clusters resembling orchids appear from March 

through May. In its native habitat in Texas it grows on rocky limestone canyons, and needs well-drained 

soils to thrive. Its unique foliage and showy flowers make it a beautiful specimen plant, or as a container 

plant for small areas. If grown in afternoon shade, it is an open graceful tree. If grown in full sun, it is 

bushier and fuller. It is small enough to be included in a large flowerbed. 

Orchid trees make a gorgeous display with its silvery-gray bark and white flowers that resemble orchids. 

It is a rapid-growing tree and does best when planted on the south side of a building, protected from 

winter winds. It can be nipped back by extremely cold winters. 

Source of data: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/nativeshrubs/bauhinialunarioid.htm 

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/growgreen/potw_anacacho.htm 

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=BALU 



A member of The Texas A&M University System and its statewide Agriculture Program.

Common Name: Arroyo Sweetwood 

Botanical name: Myrospermum sousanum 

Plant Type: Tree 

Light Requirement: Sun 


Hardiness/Zone: 8a to 10b 

Heat/Drought Tolerance: Very 

Height: 10 to 20 ft 

Width/Spacing: 20 ft wide 

Flower Color: White 

Blooming Period: Mid spring 

Plant Form or Habit: Bush grown form 


Butterfly or bird attracter: Butterflies. Bees 

and birds 

Deer Resistant: Unknown 

Plant Use: Ornamental, small tree 


Unknown to science until 1982, this small tree with highly fragrant flowers makes a special addition to 

any yard in Austin. Discovered in Mexico by Texas botanist Lynn Lowrey, Arroyo Sweetwood prefers 

rocky limestone slopes like those of the gullies and stream banks (arroyos) where it was found. 

Grows quickly to form a deciduous, shrubby tree up to 20 feet tall, and as wide, and will bear 

numerous small white flowers in the spring. These flowers emit a very strong cinnamon / vanilla scent 

that will fill your yard. The wood is also very fragrant when cut, hence the 'sweetwood' part of the 

common name. 

Arroyo Sweetwood is native to soils which are very similar to ours, so feel free to put it in any area 

with dry, rocky, limestone-based soil. Should only require water for establishment, and full sun is fine. 

It will make a great shade tree to plant on the west side of your house. Its bushy growth form will 

shade the structure in the warmer months of the year and allow light into the windows once the leaves 

drop. 

A small deciduous tree to 15-20 feet. Fragrant, cream colored flowers. Attracts butterflies, bees, and 

birds. Likes alkaline soils and full sun. Also drought tolerant. Native to Mexico. 

Source of data: http://www.landscapemafia.com/LandscapePlants/arroyo-sweetwood 

http://www.wildflower.org/expert/show.php?id=1300 




Common Name: Texas Ash 

Botanical name: Fraxinus texensis 

Type: Tree 

Light Requirement: Sun, part shade 

Water Requirement: Medium 

Height: 30 – 40 feet 

Width/Spacing: 40 feet wide 

Flower Color: Green 

Blooming Period: April, May, June 

Plant Form or Habit: Tree 


Butterfly or bird attracter: Butterflies – larval host- Eastern 

Tiger Swallowtail 

Deer Resistant: None 

Plant Use: Shade and bird habitat, fruit-birds 

Texas ash is a small tree, 30-45 ft. tall, of limestone hills 

and canyons with an attractive, densely branched canopy. 

Pinnate leaves have brilliant fall color. Leaflets usually 5, rounded, not as elongate as in Red Ash 

(Fraxinus pennsylvanica). Wings usually not extending beyond the middle of the seed. 

Confined to Texas, except for a northern extension into the Arbuckle Mountains of Oklahoma. This 

southwestern relative of White Ash (Fraxinus americana) has fewer and smaller leaflets and smaller fruit 

and is adapted to a warmer, less humid climate; some consider it a variety of that species. 

Soil Description: Rocky soils; often of Limestone-based, Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay 

Loam, Clay, Caliche type 

Conditions Comments: Texas ash is a small tree with an attractive, densely branched canopy. Pinnate 

leaves have brilliant fall color. Long-lived and healthy. Very drought-tolerant. Low water requirements. 

Use Ornamental: Fall conspicuous, Blooms ornamental, Attractive, Long-living, Fruits ornamental 

Source of data: http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=FRTE 




Common Name: Chitalpa 

Botanical name: Chilopsos x Catalpa 

Plant Type: Tree 

Light Requirement: Full sun 

Water Requirement: 

Hardiness/Zone: 7 - 9 

Heat/Drought Tolerance: 

Height: 

Width/Spacing: 

Flower Color: One-inch light pink and white trumpets 

are centered with purple-streaked yellow landing strips 

for bees and hummingbirds 

Blooming Period: Summer, spring & fall 

Plant Form or Habit: deciduous, mid-sized tree 

Foliage Color and Texture: Bright apple-green lanceshaped 

leaves 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Hummingbirds 

Deer Resistant: 

Plant Use: Ornamental, 


The American native plants Catalpa bignoides and Chilopsis linearis were crossed to create this 

rugged, but garden-worthy hybrid, sometimes listed as x Chitalpa tashkentensis. There is a light 

fragrance to the funneled blooms that hummingbirds sup from all summer long. Its willowy limbs arch 

upwards to create an oval silhouette that bends safely to strong winds. It is reported that the 'Pink 

Dawn' cultivar produces more ruffled flowers than the 'White Cloud' variety. For all its graces, its best 

may well be that this sterile blooming tree produces no seeds – therefore no Chitalpa weeds in the 

garden beds. 

Chitalpa 'Pink Dawn is an attractive small to medium sized ornamental tree that seems to have 

inherited the best features of both parents, being both beautiful and ideally suited to most of the soils 

and climates of the American Southwest. Among the best features of 'Pink Dawn are the abundant 

clusters of showy pale pink flowers with each cluster containing from 15 to 40 flowers. The 1 inch 

long flowers have a funnel-shaped throat with conspicuous purple nectar guides that line the inside and 

emerge to give orchid striping to the flared pink petal lobes. Flowering initiates in May in Southern 

California and continues well into late fall 

Source of data: http://www.maggiesgarden.com/Plant_Profiles/Plant_This/Chitalpa/chitalpa.html 

http://www.smgrowers.com/info/chitalpa.asp 




Common Name: Chinkapin Oak 

Botanical name: Quercus muehlenbergii 

Type: Tree 




Width/Spacing: 20 to 40 feet wide 

Flower Color: Yellow, green, brown 

Blooming Period: April - May 


Foliage Color and Texture: Deciduous leaf 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Insects, birds, 


Plant Use: Tree, shade 

One of our region’s most underutilized deciduous native oaks and our latest Texas Superstar TM is Quercus 

muehlenbergii, which is most commonly known as chinkapin oak or chinqapin oak. Although this 

member of the beech family (Fagaceae) can obtain a larger size in the eastern U.S., it usually grows to be 

a handsome medium size shade tree in the 30' to 50' tall range in many of our urban or suburban Texas 

landscapes. Thus, chinkapin oak remains more in scale with residential plantings than some larger shade 

trees. 

The handsome foliage emerges reddish to green and matures to a dark lustrous green in late spring. 

Foliage of chinkapin oak is not frequently bothered by insect or diseases, remaining presentable 

throughout the growing season. In some years chinkapin oak will also develop a pleasing yellow, orangebrown, 

to rich brown fall color. As a young plant the canopy is typically and upright oval, with the crown 

eventually becoming more rounded and spreading with age. 

Tolerance to a wide range of environmental conditions is one of the chinkapin oak¹s best characteristics. 

Chinkapin oaks are very heat tolerant, thriving even in El Paso. Once established chinkapin oaks can also 

withstand considerable drought. Chlorosis (yellowing of the foliage) so common on many trees in high 

pH soils is seldom a problem with chinkapin oak. Trees actually grow better on a neutral to somewhat 

alkaline soil, which is good news for many of us in Texas, but this species also tolerates acid soils. Trees 

exhibit tolerance to a wide range of temperatures, growing well in USDA zones 9a (the upper Texas 

Coastal Plain) to 5 (Central U.S. Plains to the Midwest). Growth rates are moderate on most sites. 

Although chinkapin oaks have been reported to contract oak wilt, they are also reported to be less 

susceptible than many alternative red oak or live oak species in Texas landscapes. 

Source of data: http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=QUMU 

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/cemap/oakchinkapin/oakchinkapin.html 




Common Name: Common Tree Senna 

Botanical name: Senna corymbosa 

Type: Tree 





Flower Color: Yellow 

Blooming Period: Late summer 

Plant Form or Habit: Tree shrub 


Butterfly or bird attracter: Butterflies, 

and bees 

Deer Resistant: Yes 

Plant Use: Ornamental small tree 

This member of the Senna genus is well known for its profuse display of golden-yellow blooms in late 

summer. Dense, pea-like foliage provides great shade for the side of a building, yet allows winter sun 

through because the plant is deciduous. 

Common Tree Senna requires full sun and well-drained soil, and with only minimal water should easily 

reach 7 feet tall and as wide. Native to South America, it has naturalized in parts of the Southern US but 

hasn't proved invasive. 

Common Tree Senna is deer resistant, and attracts loads of butterflies and bees while in bloom. 

Argentina senna is another name for the common tree Senna. It is a member of the Fabaceae family of 

plants. Senna corymbosa and Cassia corymbosa are the scientific names of this plant. This type of Senna 

is native to Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. It grows in the southern United States, such as Texas and 

Florida 

Showy yellow blossoms that attract butterflies appear on the branches throughout the summer months. 

The common tree Senna propagates by forming seeds inside long pods. 

Source of data: http://www.landscapemafia.com/LandscapePlants/common-tree-senna 

http://www.austinenergy.com/customer%20care/other%20services/Tree%20Pruning/replacementTrees.htm 




Common Name: Desert Willow 

Type: Tree 





Flower Color: White, pink, purple 

Blooming Period: April - September 


Foliage Color and Texture: Deciduous, willow-like light 

green 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Butterflies, insects, birds 

Deer Resistant: Moderate 

Plant Use: Ornamental tree 

Desert-willow is a 15-30 ft., slender-twigged, small tree or large shrub 

often with leaning trunk and open, spreading crown. Leaves are 

deciduous, willow-like, light green, both opposite and alternate, 4–12 

inches long and 1/3 inch wide. The blossom is funnel-shaped, 1–1 1/2 

inches long, spreading at the opening into 5 ruffled, petal-like lobes. The 

flower is dark pink or purple, often with white or yellow and purple 

streaking within the throat. The catalpa-like flowers are borne in 

terminal racemes By early autumn the violet-scented flowers, which 

appear after summer rains, are replaced by slender seedpods, 6–10 

inches long, which remain dangling from the branches and serve to 

identify the tree after the flowers are gone. 

Despite its name, this species is not related to willows. 

Soil Description: Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, 

Clay, Rocky, limestone soils. Conditions Comments: Desert-willow is a slender-twigged, small tree or large 

shrub with pale-pink, lavender-streaked, catalpa-like flowers borne in terminal racemes. The ensuing seed 

pods are pencil thin. Deciduous leaves are willow-like and light green. Desert Willow is important in erosion 

control and is planted also as an ornamental. 

Use Ornamental: Showy, Fast growing, Attractive, Blooms ornamental 

Use Wildlife: Nectar-hummingbirds, Nectar-insects, Seeds-granivorous birds 

Source of data: http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CHLI2 




Common Name: Desert Willow – Bubba 

Botanical name: Chilopsis Linearis 

Type: Tree 




Width/Spacing: 10 to 15 ft 

Flower Color: Pink, purple 

Blooming Period: Summer into fall 

Plant Form or Habit: Upright shrub/small tree 

Foliage Color and Texture: Deciduous, 

willow-like light green 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Butterflies, insects, 

birds 


Plant Use: Ornamental tree 

The Desert Willow 'Bubba' has become one of the most popular 

Chilopsis linearis cultivars because of it's beautiful and fragrant 

trumpet shaped pink-burgundy flowers. The Desert Willow produces 

large clusters of flowers towards the tips of the branches which 

persist from late spring to early fall. This cultivar of Desert Willow 

is also popular because it does not typically produce seed pods. 

Desert Willows have airy and rounded to spreading crowns that can 

be utilized as a large shrub or pruned into tree form. The Desert 

Willow is highly tolerant of drought and heat and performs best in 

sunny, dry or well drained sites. For landscapes that do not have the 

optimal drainage for Desert Willows then raised beds can be built. 

The leaves on a Desert Willow have a soft and fine texture that 

measure 5 to 7 inches long and 1/4 to 1/2 wide. In the fall Desert 

Willows produce a simple yellow color. The Desert Willow is an excellent choice for courtyards, patios and 

west Texas themed landscapes. 

Despite its name, this species is not related to willows. 

Source of data: http://www.soonerplantfarm.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=1355 

http://www.tree-land.com/trees_desert_willow_bubba.asp 




Common Name: Bigtooth maple 

Botanical name: Acer grandidentatum 

Type: Tree 



Height: 50 feet 




Plant Form or Habit: Small medium tree 


Butterfly or bird attracter: 


Plant Use: Shade and bird habitat 

Bigtooth maple is one of the most attractive and 

interesting Texas trees. Native to the sheltered canyons of 

the Edwards Plateau (these are the maples of Lost Maples 

State Park), the Lampasas Cut Plains and the high 

country of the Trans-Pecos, it is a small tree up to 50 feet 

tall. It grows in limestone and igneous soils and is relatively drought tolerant. Mature trees have beautiful 

red and yellow fall color. The trees in the Edwards Plateau are found in two confusing forms: A. 

grandidentatum var. grandidentatum (bigtooth maple), which has three- to five-lobed, toothed leaves, and 

var. sinuosum (Uvalde bigtooth maple), whose toothless leaves are three-lobed. However, both types of 

leaves can sometimes be found on the same tree. 

Flowers are small, yellowish, and found in clusters appearing in early spring. Bigtooth maple usually only 

flowers every 2-3 years 

Water Requirements: medium low 

Soil Requirements: alkaline adaptable 

USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 

Source of data: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/natives/acergrandidentatum.htm 

http://www.wildflower.org/ 




Name: Oak – Lacey 

Botanical name: Quercus Laceyi 

Lacey oak is a beautiful small to medium size deciduous tree 

with a minor identity problem, being known alternately as 

Quercus laceyi or Quercus glaucoides. Most folks simply call it 

lacey oak, but other common names it has worn over time 

include blue oak, canyon oak, encino robie, mountain oak, 

smoky oak, and rock oak. Most of these common names refer to 

the tough conditions in central and south Texas where this 

species resides or are related to its handsome blue-green foliage. 

Regardless of the name, this plant has much to offer as a 

landscape plant in its native Texas. Leaves expand as a soft pink 

color, turning a handsome blue-green as they mature lending the 

plant an intriguing smoky air. The foliage is seldom bothered by 

insects or disease. Fall color varies from brown to yellow. 

Growth habit will vary with local environmental conditions, 

with the ultimate size ranging in most cultivated landscapes 

from 30' to 35' in height and spread. One of the best attributes of lacey oak is it's picturesque irregularly 

rounded crown. With this crown placed atop a stoutish trunk baring platy gray bark it makes a handsome 

addition to Texas landscapes, resembling a miniature white oak, but of 

tougher constitution. 

Lacey oak is highly tolerant of heat, drought, and high pH soils once 

established. Full sun to light afternoon shade with morning sun are the 

best exposures. Lacey oak will survive on well drained clay soils, but it 

grows best on well drained limestone soils. 

Lacey oak is a Texas Superstar TM , but even superstars have limits. 

Limitations for lacey oak include an intolerance to poorly drained soils, a moderate growth rate, and a 

tendency to need some initial minor pruning to maintain a strong central leader. 

Landscape utilization of lacey oak might include placement as a specimen plant, small to medium size 

lawn or shade tree, or site it to shade a patio. This species would be a natural in native Texas landscapes 

and naturalized plantings, where the acorns can serve as a wildlife attractant. Xeriscapes or low water use 

landscapes are perfect conditions for growing lacey oak. For a bit of the unusual, try growing lacey oak as 

a specimen in large containers to accent courtyards or entryways to large buildings. The picturesque 

growth habit of this species would be accentuated if it were used as a bonsai plant. 

Lacey oak deserves frequent consideration when discussing smaller shade trees that will stay in scale with 

residential landscapes. This beautiful tree will add a touch of the Texas hill country to your urban 

landscape. 

Source: http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=qula 




Common Name: Mexican Buckeye 

Botanical name: Ungnadia speciosa 

Type: Small tree or large shrub 

Light Requirement: Sun, partial sun 




Flower Color: Pink 


Plant Form or Habit: Large shrub, small tree 

Foliage Color and Texture: Deciduous, golden yellow 

in fall 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Butterflies, insects 

Deer Resistant: High 

Plant Use: Shrub or small tree 

Mexican buckeye occurs mostly west of the Brazos 

River on the well drained limestone soils on stream 

banks of damp canyons in South, Central and West 

Texas, east to Dallas County. Its pink flowers bloom 

simultaneously as it leafs out with light bronze colored 

leaflets which turn pale green during the growing 

season. Its fall color is bright golden yellow. In its 

spring flowering aspect it is thought to somewhat 

resemble eastern redbuds. This plant may be used as a 

large, coarse multi-trunk shrub or trained into a small 

tree. Basal pruning in late spring will maintain the tree 

form. As it is a tall spreading plant it makes an 

attractive tall background shrub or deciduous screen, 

but because of its spreading nature it is not well suited near the street. Mexican buckeye's round black 

somewhat shiny seeds are contained within a coarse, dark brown 3 valued capsule which somewhat 

resembles buckeye (Aesculus spp.) seeds. However, the two species are not related. 

Fruit Characteristics: 3-celled, 3-valved capsule with up to 3 shiny round black seeds 

Soil Requirements: neutral alkaline 

Source of data: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/natives/shrubs/ungnadiasp1466.jpg 

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=unsp 


The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating A 

member of The Texas A&M University System and its statewide Agriculture Program.

Name: Mexican Redbud 

Leguminosae (Fabaceae) 

Mexican redbud is smaller in 

stature, has smaller, glossier, and 

more wavy-edged leaves, and is 

more drought tolerant than Texas 

redbud. It grows as a multitrunked 

tree on hard limestone 

soils in west Texas. It cannot 

tolerate poorly drained soils, and 

must be planted in a well-drained 

site. 

Plant Habit or Use: large shrub 

small tree 

Exposure: sun 

Flower Color: rose-purple 

Blooming Period: spring 

Fruit Characteristics: small flattened pods and seeds 

Height: 10 ft. to 15 ft. 

Width: 10 ft. to 15 ft. 

Plant Character: deciduous 

Heat Tolerance: very high 

Water Requirements: medium low 

Soil Requirements: adaptable 

Some confusion as to its botanical name and relationship to other redbuds. Sometimes Mexican Redbud 

(C. c. var. mexicana) is distinguished from the Texas Redbud (C. c. var. texensis ). However, other 

authorities consider that the two varieties represent environmentally induced morphologies (i.e. more 

leathery leaves in more xeric conditions) and lump both under C. c. var. texensis. 

Source: http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=cecam 

http://www.larsenfarmnursery.com/trees/redbud.htm 




Common Name: Mexican White Oak 

Botanical name: Quercus polymorpha 

Type: Tree 





Flower Color: Green 

Blooming Period: March, April, May 


Foliage Color and Texture: Semi-evergreen 

Butterfly or bird attracter: birds 


Plant Use: Shade and bird habitat 

This species is widespread in Mexico and found in a few West Texas canyons. It is a relatively fast 

growing oak, and practically evergreen in Austin. It 

is more resistant to oak wilt and other diseases and 

pests than other oaks. It is also tolerant of drought 

and alkaline soils. 

Mexican White Oak does not have any significant 

insect or disease problems. A member of the white 

oak group, it is resistant to oak wilt. As with many 

trees deer may browse the foliage of Mexican white 

oak when the tree is small but don't bother larger 

trees. This oak starts off growing very upright and 

rather pyramidal in form but finishes out into a more 

rounded form, making it an excellent shade tree. 

Foliage remains on the tree late in the season 

dropping before the emergence of new leaves. Mexican white oak does well in a variety of soils including 

our high pH central Texas soils. 

Semi-evergreen foliage that emerges in shades of light pink to rose red in the spring after the previous 

season’s leaves fall. It was first found near Monterrey, Mexico -- hence it’s other common name of 

Monterrey oak. Popular for shade and bird habitat, it also offers fall color, responding to a cold snap with 

a show of brilliant red, orange and yellow. 

Source of data: http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=qupo2 

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/growgreen/potw_mex_woak.htm 




Common Name: Pomegranate 

Botanical name: Punica granatum L. 

Type: Tree 


Water Requirement: low 

Height: 20 or 30 ft 

Width/Spacing: 6 to 10 ft 

Flower Color: Scarlet red 


Plant Form or Habit: Large shrub or small tree 




Plant Use: 

An attractive shrub or small tree, to 20 or 30 ft (6 or 10 m) high, the pomegranate is much-branched, more 

or less spiny, and extremely long-lived, some specimens at Versailles known to have survived two 

centuries. The leaves are evergreen or deciduous, opposite or in whorls of 5 or 6, short-stemmed, oblonglanceolate, 

3/8 to 4 in (1-10 cm) long, leathery. The seeds represent about 52% of the weight of the whole 

fruit. The leaves are glossy and have a narrow, lance shape. In most places they are deciduous, but in the 

warmer climates may be evergreen. The flowers are tube shaped and over 1" long. They are a brilliant 

scarlet red, and are very attractive to hummingbirds. The flowers are self-pollinating, though fertility is 

improved through cross pollination. 

The pomegranate fruit is approximately 2.5-5" wide. It has a red, leathery rind. Each seed is encased in 

pulp and sectioned off by walls. Harvest when the color has developed and makes a metallic sound when 

tapped. They can be stored for a long time if kept around 32-40F. 

The pomegranate does best in well-drained soil, though it is able to thrive in a wide variety of soils from 

acid loam to alkaline soil. The pomegranate shrub is drought tolerant, though irrigation is needed for 

proper fruit production, per the California Rare Fruit Growers. Water every 2-4 weeks during the dry 

season when you are establishing new shrubs. Pomegranates are prone to producing suckers, so remove 

them as they appear. 

Fertilize in November and March for the first two years. Otherwise, not much fertilizer is usually needed 

in subsequent years. 

Source of data: http://treesandshrubs.about.com/od/commonshrubs/p/Pomegranate.htm 




Common Name: Rusty Blackhaw 

Botanical name: Viburnum rufidulum. 

Type: Tree 

Light Requirement: Sun/part sun 


Height: 18 ft sometimes taller 

Width/Spacing: 35 ft 


Blooming Period: March & April 

Plant Form or Habit: Small tree 

Foliage Color and Texture: lustrous 

bright green 


Deer Resistant: unknown 

Plant Use: Texas native, reliable fall 

color, showy or fragrant flower, 

attaractive seeds or fruit, seeds or fruit eaten by wildlife. 

Rusty Blackhaw grows from east to central Texas along 

streams or woodland edges. Although it is generally an 

understory tree, it is most attractive in the open in full sun. It 

has lustrous bright green glossy leaves, beautiful clusters of 

white flowers in spring, and attractive blue fruit in fall. The 

leaves turn pink to mauve to dark purple in autumn. Rusty 

Blackhaw can grow on almost any soil as long as it is fairly 

well drained. In shaded, moist areas, it usually occurs as a 

single tree, although there may be two or three in an area. In 

areas with less rainfall, however, it occurs on exposed 

calcareous hillsides in drifts and groves of sometimes up to 100 plants. 

Excellent specimen tree with few problems, Showy flowers, needs good drainage, slow grower. 

Source of data: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/natives/viburnumrufidulum.htm 

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=VIRU 




Common Name: Texas Pistachio 

Mexican pistachio, American pistachio 

Botanical name: Pistacia mexicana Kunth 

Synonyms: Pistacia texana 

Type: Tree- large shrub 



Height: 12 -20 ft 



Blooming Period: March - August 

Plant Form or Habit: Shrub or small tree 

Foliage Color and Texture: Glossy foliage 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Fruit attracts birds 


Plant Use: Waterwise garden 

Copall pistachio is a large, airy, rounded shrub or multi-trunked small tree, 12-20 ft. tall. Its glossy 

foliage, reddish in spring, dark-green later, is pinnately compound. Clusters of small, white flowers are 

followed by clusters of red, nut-like drupes on females. These become almost black on drying. 

This uncommon, handsome evergreen is drought-resistant and grows well in full sunlight and merits 

planting as an ornamental in warm, dry climates. In spring the new dark red foliage is showy. Clusters of 

small, white flowers are followed by clusters of red, nut-like drupes on females. These become almost 

black on drying. The fruit attracts birds. Texas pistachio (Pistacia texana) doesn’t produce nuts, nor is the 

fruit edible, but this small beautiful tree (or large shrub) is a great addition to a waterwise garden. 

Also known in English as American pistachio, wild pistachio and Mexican pistachio and in Spanish as 

Lentisco, it is the only pistachio species native to the Americas. While the tree is not an evergreen, in 

warmer areas of the southwest it can keep its leaves all winter. 

The plant is highly drought-tolerant and can thrive in alkaline soils. It is also heat-tolerant and can tolerate 

high salt content. The tree has no pH preferences. However, Texas pistachio does need to have welldrained 

soil. It can be raised in sun or partial shade. It is also highly resistant to insect damage. 

Birds feed on the fruit, but deer do not care for the tree, which makes it a highly attractive plant in areas 

with high deer populations. 

Source of data: http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=pime4 




Common Name: Texas Mountain Laurel 

Botanical Name: Sophora 

secundiflora 

Plant Type: Shrub, medium tree 

Light Requirement: Sun/part shade 



Height: 15 - 25 feet 

Width/Spacing: 5- 15 feet wide 

Flower Color: Purple, fragrant 

Blooming Period: Feb. March 

Plant Form or Habit: Shrub, small tree 

Foliage Color and Texture: Evergreen 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Butterflies 


Plant Use: Specimen shrub 

Texas mountain laurel grows in 

limestone soils in Central and 

Southwest Texas and to 5000 feet in 

the Chisos and Davis Mountains. This 

slow growing evergreen may be grown as a medium to large shrub or trained to a single or multi-trunk 

tree. The pinnate leaves with their lustrous, leathery upper surface provide year long beauty, enhanced in 

mid-spring by the densely-flowered racemes of lavender or violet pea flowers having the scent of grape 

Kool Aid. The black, somewhat constricted seedpods contain red to red-orange seeds which are 

sometimes used in jewelry. Both seeds and flowers are quite poisonous and contain narcotic properties. In 

zones colder than Zone 8, flowering is not reliable because of late freezes which damage the buds. Texas 

mountain laurel is difficult to successfully transplant from the wild. Fortunately it is being produced by a 

number of growers and is fairly available. 

Texas Mountain Laurel is the symbol of native Texas plants. It grows well in good soil conditions but still 

looks dark green and healthy when growing out of a rocky outcropping. This evergreen shrub tree can be 

trimmed lightly and occasionally to form a denser shrub to screen a view. It can also be trimmed up into a 

multi trunked tree form. It grows slowly but can reach to well over 20 feet in time. Provide no pruning and 

care and Texas Mtn. Laurel will still form an attractive plant. Provide the plant with full sun to partial 

shade and excellent drainage. Its only pest problem is the Genista caterpillars which occasionally will feed 

on the plant's foliage but which may be easily controlled with an application or two of B.t. spray. 

Source of data: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/nativeshrubs/sophorasecund.htm 

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=sose3 




Common Name: Texas Redbud 

Botanical name: Cercis Canadensis 

Type: Small tree 

Light Requirement: Sun, partial shade 





Flower Color: pink to magenta 

Blooming Period: March, April 

Plant Form or Habit: Small tree 

Foliage Color and Texture: Thick, 

waxy upper surface. 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Bees, 

butterflies, months and birds 


Plant Use: Showy, attractive, 

understory tree or accent tree 

Texas redbud grows on thin, 

calcareous well-drained soils west 

of eastern redbud's native habitat. It is smaller and more drought tolerant than its eastern relative, with 

thick, leathery, much smaller leaves that have wavy margins. The waxy upper surface of the leaves helps 

retard transpiration. It is most commonly multi-trunked. 

Its clusters of flowers appear in early spring and continue to bloom as the large, bluish-green leaves 

develop. Leaves heart shaped to kidney shaped, rounded at the tip. Flowers rose purple, in small clusters 

along the branches, appearing before the leaves, in March or early April. Fruit a reddish brown flat pod up 

to 4 inches long and pointed at the tip. Deciduous leaves turn gold or red in fall. Seedpods are reddishpurple 

and persist into the winter. 

Texas redbud is larger in stature, has larger leaves, and is less drought tolerant than Mexican redbud. 

Source of data: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/natives/cerciscanadensisvar.texens.htm 

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CECAT 




Common Name: Vitex Shoal 

Botanical Name: Vitex agnus-castus 'Shoal Creek' 

Plant Type: Shrub 

Light Requirement: Full Sun 





Flower Color: Lavender blue 

Blooming Period: 




& hummingbirds 


Plant Use: Specimen shrub 

The old Vitex had small spikes of 

flowers that were pale lilac, mauve, 

off-white or light pink. The blooms 

were small and unimpressive. Horticulturists now have identified and tested improved varieties such as 

'Montrose Purple', 'LeCompte' and 'Shoal Creek' which have 8- to 12-inch long spikes. These varieties 

will all be marketed under the name, 'Texas Lilac' Vitex. This cultivar of Vitex was selected for it vigorous 

growth habit, large flower spikes and it produces the best blue-purple flowers. Vitex are large 

multistemmed shrubs that that maintain fairly dense, symmetrical and rounded canopies. Vitex also have 

some spring interest because the new branch growth has a showy purple color that turns red-brown and 

lastly a pale gray color as the branch matures. Vitex have medium to fine textured leaves that are 3 to 4 

inches long with 5 to 7 leaves per stem. Vitex have a gray-green leaf with a lighter silver-gray color 

underside and in the fall the leaves develop a purple tint. In early summer Vitex begin producing silvery 

gray buds on the tips of each stem that open to a beautiful display of lavender blue flowers that are 

extremely fragrant. Each cluster of flowers that the Vitex produces has dense rings of lavender blue 

flowers and each cluster can range from 8 to 12 inches long. Vitex continue this process over several 

weeks until the clusters completely blanket the entire canopy which are relished by butterflies and 

hummingbirds. The Vitex can tolerate most soil conditions, provided they are well drained, and will 

flourish in full sun. The Vitex is designated as a Texas Superstar Shrub by Texas A&M University. 

Common Names: Vitex, Chaste Tree, Texas Lilac, Lilac Chaste Tree. 

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root 

system. Watering can be reduced after establishment. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new 

growth begins in spring. 

Source of data: http://www.tree-land.com/trees_vitex_shoal_creek.asp 




Common Name: Artemesia - Powis Castle 

Botanical name: Artemesiax Powis Castle 


Light Requirement: High 


Hardiness/Zone: 4 - 8 


Height: 3 ft 

Width/Spacing: 3ft 


Blooming Period: Rarely flowers 

Plant Form or Habit: Evergreen woody 

perennial, or shrub 

Foliage Color and Texture: Leaves are 

finely dissected like filigreed silver lacework. Silvery gray foliage 

Butterfly or bird attracter: No 

Deer Resistant: Usually 

Plant Use: Rock garden, herb garden or stand alone specimen 

Aromatic, lace-like; blue-gray foliage; berries are beautiful; low water use and low maintenance 

Additional comments: Powis Castle benefits from pruning to keep it in a compact mound. But don't prune 

in fall; prune when new growth starts in spring. Has a tendency to up and die rather unexpectedly. Non- 

Native – adapted. 

36” x 30” wide, (cutting propagated). This is a much underused ornamental sage. With dissected silvergray 

foliage, it is the perfect companion plant to use with other flowering perennials and ornamental 

grasses to bring out interesting contrasts of leaf color and texture. It almost never flowers, thus 

maintaining its neat appearance with no extra effort. Not at all fussy as to soil type, “Powis Castle” is also 

quite drought tolerant. Zones 4-9. 

Source: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/growgreen/plantguide/viewdetails.cfm?plant_id=207 

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/herbaceous/artemisiapowis.html 




Common Name: Texas Betony 

Botanical name: Stachys coccinea 





Height: 14 - 18 tall 

Width/Spacing: 12-18 inches apart 

Flower Color: Red 

Blooming Period: March to October 

Plant Form or Habit: Sprawling 


Butterfly or bird attracter: Hummingbirds , 

butterflies 

Deer Resistant: Some 

Plant Use: Perennial garden, containers, ground 

cover 

West Texas native plant with bright red tubular flowers that are great at attracting hummingbirds. Texas 

Betony has a long bloom season, from spring until fall. Leaves are soft and fuzzy and the plant has a mat 

forming growth habit. Great for borders, mixed perennial beds as well as containers. 

Texas Betony is a member of the mint family, as its distinctly square stems suggest. Its elongate red 

flowers are similar to those of the locally native Cedar Sage another member of the mint family. Texas 

Betony can grow up to 3 ft. tall, but tends to sprawl. It is used as a border plant in both sunny and shady 

locations. 

Texas Betony is great for attracting hummingbirds. Its bright red, tubular flowers bloom from spring to 

fall. Remove spent spikes to keep the blooms coming. The soft and fuzzy leaves also are attractive and 

have a pungent but not off-putting smell. This plant is a favorite nectar source for Pipevine Swallowtail 

butterflies. The plant will often persist through the winter, though it may die down to the crown. This 

Texas native can be found naturally in the mountains of the Trans-Pecos and as far west as Arizona. 

Being a perennial, it returns each spring. Texas Betony doesn't require much water once established, 

another plus. And average soil is fine for it to thrive. You can use it in shade, too. What's not to like? 

Source of data: http://www.plantsfortexas.com/plants/stachys_texas.html 

http://www.mostlytexasnatives.com/contact_18.html 




Common Name: Butterfly Weed 

Plant Type: Perennial herb 

Light Requirement: Sun to part shade 


Hardiness/Zone: Native Texas wildflower 


Height: 11/2 ‘ 2’’ 

Width/Spacing: 2’ 

Flower Color: Yellow or orange blooms 

Blooming Period: April to September 

Plant Form or Habit: Herb 

Foliage Color and Texture: Green leaves 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Birds, butterflies 

and bees 


Plant Use: Summer flowers, perennial garden, low water areas 

This bushy, 1 1/2-2 ft. perennial is prized for its large, flat-topped clusters of bright-orange flowers. The 

leaves are mostly alternate, 1 1/2–2 1/4 inches long, pointed, and smooth on the edge. The yellow-orange 

to bright orange flower clusters, 2–5 inches across, are at the top of the flowering stem. The abundance of 

stiff, lance-shaped foliage provides a dark-green backdrop for the showy flower heads. 

This showy plant is frequently grown from seed in home gardens. Its brilliant flowers attract butterflies. 

Because its tough root was chewed by the Indians as a cure for pleurisy and other pulmonary ailments, 

Butterfly Weed was given its other common name, Pleurisy Root. Although it is sometimes called Orange 

Milkweed, this species has no milky sap. 

Soil Description: Prefers well-drained sandy soils. . 

Conditions Comments: Butterfly weed has an interesting and unusual flower structure. Plant it among 

other mid-sized perennials. Inevitably butterfly weed will get aphids; you can leave them for ladybugs to 

eat or spray the insects and foliage with soapy water. Aphids can also be removed by blasting the plant 

with a high pressure stream of water 

Source of data: Howard Garrett’s Plants for Texas 

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/growgreen/plantguide/viewdetails.cfm?plant_id=124 

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASTU 




Name: Delosperma - Ice Plant - Variegated 

Genus of 150 or more species of evergreen or semievergreen 

shrubs and mat-forming succulents. The 

hardy ice plant has triangular leaves, which are borne in 

opposite pairs, and give way to daisy-like flowers all 

summer long. Native to South Africa 

Delosperma Variegated sports delicate magenta blooms 

amidst variegated white and light green foliage. The 

perennial, Delosperma, is commonly referred to as Ice 

Plant and is a succulent. The Delosperma will spread 

over and around rocks, does well in full sun, under 

trees in the shade, and will gracefully flow over the 

sides of containers and baskets. The Delosperma is 

most desired for its rapid growth rate, low maintenance and beautiful trailing growth habit. Although it 

prefers full sun, the plant will still prosper with some shade as well. Delosperma will mature to 

approximately 4-8” tall and about 18-24” wide. Space about 8-12” apart and not too deep! Delosperma 

works very well in containers and baskets too! 

Source: http://www.sedanfloral.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=447 

http://www.saundersbrothers.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=1491&typeID= 




Name: Delosperma - Ice Plant 

Genus of 150 or more species of evergreen or semi-evergreen 

shrubs and mat-forming succulents. The hardy ice plant has 

triangular leaves, which are borne in opposite pairs, and give way to 

daisy-like flowers all summer long. Native to South Africa 

Plant in a coarse well-drained soil within a pH range of 6.0-7.5. 

Does not tolerate wet feet and prefers a rocky/sandy loam. 

Where not hardy, ice plants can be grown as an annual. 

Great plant for hot dry areas. 

In extreme drought conditions the leaves may drop while 

blooming will continue. The 

succulent leaves will return from the tuber once moisture is returned to the soil. 

If growing in containers use regular garden soil or add sand to the potting medium. 

Most peat based mediums stay too soggy in winter for Delosperma plants. 

Delosperma is a terrific, long blooming perennial groundcover for hot, dry, sunny areas. Combine them 

with other drought tolerant plants such as Junipers, Sedums, and Sempervivums. 

Plants are well watered and allowed to dry thoroughly before water is added again. If too much water is 

added, the roots will rot, so avoid overwatering. Fertilize only once during the growing season with a very 

dilute solution. Use a balanced fertilizer diluted to ¼ of the strength recommended on the label. Whether 

grown in containers or in the landscape this is really a great plant to grow. 

Source: http://streambankgardens.com/Delosperma_Hardy_Ice_Plant.html 




Name: Delosperma - Ice Plant - mixed varieties 

Genus of 150 or more species of evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubs 

and mat-forming succulents. The hardy ice plant has triangular leaves, 

which are borne in opposite pairs, and give way to daisy-like flowers all 

summer long. Native to South Africa 

Plant in a coarse well-drained soil within a pH range of 6.0-7.5. 

Does not tolerate wet feet and prefers a rocky/sandy loam. 

Where not hardy, ice plants can be grown as an annual. 

Great plant for hot dry areas. 

In extreme drought conditions the leaves may drop while blooming 

will continue. The 

succulent leaves will return from the tuber once moisture is returned to 

the soil. 

If growing in containers use regular garden soil or add sand to the 

potting medium. 

Most peat based mediums stay too soggy in winter for Delosperma 

plants. 

Delosperma is a terrific, long blooming perennial groundcover for hot, 

dry, sunny areas. Combine them with other drought tolerant plants such as Junipers, Sedums, and 

Sempervivums. 

Plants are well watered and allowed to dry thoroughly before water is added again. If too much water is 

added, the roots will rot, so avoid overwatering. Fertilize only once during the growing season with a very 

dilute solution. Use a balanced fertilizer diluted to ¼ of the strength recommended on the label. Whether 

grown in containers or in the landscape this is really a great plant to grow. 

Source: http://streambankgardens.com/Delosperma_Hardy_Ice_Plant.html 




Common Name: Nanho Purple 

Botanical name: Buddleia davidii 'Nanho Purple' 


Light Requirement: Full sun 


Height: 3 to 5 

Width/Spacing: 2 to 4 ft spread 

Flower Color: Lavender purple 

Blooming Period: June - September 

Plant Form or Habit: Shrub, arching spreading 

Foliage Color and Texture: Willowy, gray green 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Butterflies, bees, birds 


Plant Use: Cut flowers, decorative shrub 

Deciduous shrub with low-spreading foliage. Long, tapering and fragrant rich purple flowers adorn this 

plant all summer. Attracts butterflies. Full sun produces best growth and flowering results. Spring 

fertilization is recommended. Plant is drought tolerant once established. Remove dead flowers for repeat 

bloom. Cut to ground in spring. Outstanding profusion of blue flowers. Drought and deer resistant. Great 

cut flower. 

'Nanho Purple' is a butterfly bush cultivar which features lavender-purple flowers on a compact plant. It is 

a deciduous shrub with an arching, spreading habit which typically grows to 3-5' tall if not cut back in late 

winter and 2-3' tall if cut back. Features spike-like terminal clusters (to 6" long) of lavender-purple 

flowers which bloom from June to September and sometimes to first frost. Flowers are fragrant, and, as 

the common name suggests, very attractive to butterflies. Willowy gray-green foliage. Popular fresh cut 

flower. Provides valuable summer and early fall flowers when few other shrubs are in bloom. Best grown 

in massed plantings in borders, cottage gardens, rose gardens or butterfly gardens. 

Rapidly becoming the most popular shrub in America, Butterfly Bush is a must for every late summer 

perennial garden. A hallmark of the Blue Butterfly Bush is the lightly scented clusters of flowers 

measuring one to two feet in length. Aptly named, the butterfly bush attracts loads of butterflies and is 

also a favorite of hummingbirds. In northern areas of the country, they will die back to the ground in 

winter. Reappearing in very late spring, you will be amazed at how quickly the Blue Butterfly Bush once 

again grows shrub. Outstanding when planted in full sun. Zones 5-9. 

Source of data: http://www.directgardening.com/detail.asp?ProductID=7547 

http://www.mynurserydirect.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=361&typeID=10 




Name: Mint – Cat 

Catnip plants can attain a size of 3' x 3'. Their small lilac 

flowers grow in clusters. The stems of these fragrant plants 

have the squarish shape typical of the mint family, whether 

herb or weed (creeping charlie, for instance). Catnip plants 

enjoy sun and are drought-tolerant, making them good 

candidates for sunny, dry areas where many other flowers 

would struggle. 

Catnip plants can be grown in planting zones 3-9. 

Grow catnip plants in full sun to partial shade. Like so many 

herbs, this perennial thrives in poor soil that is well-drained. 

Catnip plants like a slightly alkaline soil. 

Unless you can tolerate damage, protect catnip plants from cats by, e.g., fencing it off. Pinch them often 

while they're growing, to obtain dense, well-shaped plants. Harvest upon flowering, on a dry, sunny day. 

Late morning is a good time to harvest -- after the dew has dried but before the day heats up. Cut off the 

whole plant at the base and hang it upside down as soon as possible in a dark, dry, well-ventilated place 

(e.g., an attic) to minimize loss of volatile oil. 

The many blue flowers each plant produces grows to a height of 12 to 15 inches. Each plant should be 

spaced 18 inches apart. Recommend you put the plant in well drained soil. It is a perfect plant to place in 

those dry areas you always forget to water. 

The catmint blooms in June and July. It’s recommended as ground cover for planting below shrubs. Or it 

also works as a sunny blue border plant. It is an aromatic plant. 

You can remove spent flowers to produce a second bloom. Trim unwanted growth to keep it looking well 

groomed. The flowers of the catmint tend to be a lavender color. The leaves are gray-green. 

Source: http://landscaping.about.com/od/herbplants/p/catmint_plants.htm 

http://www.youcanlearnseries.com/Landscape/Plants/Catmint.aspx 




Common Name: Fall Aster, Hill Country Aster 

Botanical name: Aster oblongifolius, 




Hardiness/Zone: 7-10 


Height: 1 - 3’ 

Width/Spacing: 1 2’ 

Flower Color: Purple/lavender 

Blooming Period: Fall 


Foliage Color and Texture: narrow leaves and 

stems are sparsely covered with short hairs 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Nectar source 


Plant Use: Borders, fall color, cutting garden 

Pests and diseases: Cutworms, powdery mildew, and root rot. Can be over watered easily 

Fall aster creates dazzling purple mounds in the fall season. It slowly colonizes by stolons so thin 

regularly to control it. The plant may open up if it gets too top heavy so it is a good idea to keep it 

thick by pruning it back by no more than half in June. After it goes dormant wait to cut back to the 

basal rosette in late fall early winter. 

This native perennial plant is 1-2' tall, branching frequently to create a bushy appearance. The slender 

stems are rather stiff and slightly pubescent; the lower stems turn brown and become slightly woody 

during the fall. The alternate leaves are up to 2" long and ½" across, becoming smaller as they ascend 

the stems; they are typically one-half the maximum size or a little less. They are linear to linearoblong, 

slightly pubescent, and smooth along the slightly ciliate margins. These leaves are rather 

densely crowded along the stems (particularly the upper stems) and sessile. 

Source of data: Howard Garrett’s Plants for Texas 


http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=syob 




Common Name: Mexican Bush Honeysuckle 

Type: Perennial 

Light Requirement: Full sun/light shade 



Height: 4X4 feet high 

Width/Spacing: 4 ft. wide 

Flower Color: Orange 

Blooming Period: Spring until winter 

Plant Form or Habit: Evergreen shrub 

Foliage Color and Texture: simple, velvety, ovate, 

slender, 3in long 



Plant Use: Border, accent shrub, containers 

Mexican Honeysuckle is a small shrub that isn't fussy, blooms most of the year, and is attractive to 

hummingbirds. With yellow-green leaves and bright orange flowers, Mexican honeysuckle grows 2 to 4 feet tall 

and spreads 3 to 6 feet wide. The soft, velvety leaves become larger in partial shade locations. Clusters of bright 

orange, narrowly tubular flowers appear almost any time of the year. 

Mexican Honeysuckle prefers light shade to full sun exposure. It is fairly drought tolerant, but looks better and 

grows larger when given regular supplemental water in the summer. It has a moderate to fast growth rate and is 

not particularly fussy about soil. It grows equally well in a loose, amended soil or in native, unimproved soil. The 

primary requirement is good drainage. Water weekly in summer, every other week in the winter. 

Source of data: 

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/aransas/mexicanhoneysuckle.htm 

http://ag.arizona.edu/pima/gardening/aridplants/Justicia_spicigera.html 

http://www.horticultureunlimited.com/landscape-plants/mexican-honeysuckle.html 

Native and Adapted Landscape Plants by Texas Cooperative Extension, City of Austin 



A member of The Texas A&M University System and its statewide Agriculture Program. 

Plant

Common Name: Blue Mist Spirea 

Botanical name: Caryopteris clandonensis 

Blue Mist, Bluebeard, Blue Spirea or Caryopteris-whatever 

you want to call it, this delightful latesummer 

bloomer is a magnet for butterflies and a big 

asset in the late-summer border. Caryopteris has true 

blue flowers and is hardy, tough and easy to grow. 

The Caryopteris in our gardens are hybrids of several 

Asian species. They are generally referred to as 

Caryopteris x clandenensis, although there are some 

other species on the market. Caryopteris is a subshrub; 

it can die back to the ground each winter like a 

herbaceous plant, or in warmer climates it can grow as a woody shrub. Caryopteris leaves are generally 

silvery green, although variegated and golden-leaved varieties exist. The leaves are small and narrow, 

reminding one of willow leaves. In some varieties they are serrated at the edges, on others the edges are 

smooth and the leaf may be slightly lobed. The flowers are carried on whorled spikes at the end of stems. 

The long stamens stick out of each flower and the petals of the flowers have tiny extensions, which give 

the flower clusters a feathery appearance. Caryopteris flowers are generally blue, although pink forms 

exist. Butterflies and bees are very attracted to Caryopteris flowers. The flowers are said to have a slight 

scent. 

Size of mature Caryopteris plants is about 3 feet by 3 feet. 

Caryopteris is one of the few shrubs that will bloom in light or part shade. They also do well in full sun. 

They are hardy from Zone 9 to at least Zone 5. In Zone 5 Caryopteris may die back to the ground but will 

make substantial growth in spring and will bloom by late summer. Caryopteris blooms on new wood, so 

all winter-damaged wood can be safely pruned off in early spring without losing the flowers. In fact, 

Caryopteris often has a better shape and looks fuller if it is cut back to about half it's size each spring, 

regardless of winter damage. Be a little patient with them in the spring, as they are often slow to leaf out. 

Caryopteris should be watered regularly, but don't fertilize unless your soil is quite poor. Too much 

fertilizer makes more leafy growth than flowers. They begin blooming in late summer and continue 

Source of data: http://www.life123.com/home-garden/trees-shrubs/landscape-shrubs/caryopteris-beautiful-in-blue.shtml 




Common Name: Dwarf Barbados Cherry 

Plant Type: Shrub 

Light Requirement: Dappled shade, part shade, 

full sun 


Hardiness/Zone: 9 


Height: 3-4 feet 

Width/Spacing: 1 ½ - 2 ½ feet apart 

Flower Color: White to pale pink 

Blooming Period: March to December 


Foliage Color and Texture: Evergreen 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Butterflies, birds 


Plant Use: Use as hedge, or accent shrub 

Barbados Cherry develops into a thick, rounded canopy of fairly delicate 

foliage . Small pink flowers appear periodically from April to October and are followed about one month 

later by bright red, tart-tasting, 1-inch fruits which are high in vitamin C. 

This is an outstanding small evergreen shrub for central and south Texas. Leaves are a glossy dark green 

with an abundance of multi-colored pink flowers from late Spring through the Fall. Flowers are followed 

by attractive bright red berries that are prized by songbirds. Barbados cherry grows to a maximum height 

of 3-4' and is easily hedged for a more formal look. It is drought and cold tolerant and will keep its leaves 

on down to the mid 20's. In unusually cold winters, the plant may freeze to the ground but quickly 

recovers its original size. 

Source of data: Wasowski’s Native Texas Plants 

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MAGL6 





Common Name: Texas Sage – San Jose 

Leucophyllum sp. 'San Jose' 

EXPOSURE: Full Sun 

GROWTH HABIT: Shrub 

LIFE CYCLE: Perennial 

LEAF DURATION: Evergreen 

FLOWER COLOR: Pale Lavender/pink 

HEIGHT & SPREAD: 4' - 5' X 4'- 5 

COMMENTS: A compact form of Cenizo (Leucophyllum) that appears to be a natural hybrid that is 

sterile. Sage green leaves and pale lavender blooms. 

A tidier form of the familiar Leucophyllum with bluish lavender flowers and a more compact form. Needs 

good drainage and limited water 

Source of data: http://www.nativetx.com/shrubdetail.php?ID=LSAN 

http://tc.templejc.edu/cgi-bin/Landscape.asp?search=p234 




Common Name: Compact Texas Sage 

Leucophyllum frutescens ‘Compactum’ 

Leucophyllum frutescens ‘Compactum’ is slow growing with 

dense growth habit, only 3-5’ tall with a 3-5’ spread. This 

Texas Sage will tolerate wind, heat, drought, and salt. The 

shrub, however, is not good for areas with high rainfall and 

high humidity. Compact Texas will flower from late spring 

until fall, usually after a rain, hence its other common name of 

Barometer Bush. The flowers are pink and bell-shaped and 

contrast nicely with the silvery-gray foliage. This shrub shears 

well and can be used as hedges, in mass plantings and in 

containers. 

Purple sage grows best in gravelly lime rock soils, but it isn't 

picky about pH. This species does not like fertilizer or compost 

and will be reluctant to bloom in rich soil. The plants tend to 

sprawl and get leggy as they age. To prevent this, keep the soil dry and lean and tip prune to encourage 

dense foliage and compact branching. Purple sage grows slowly, so hedges of this species do not require 

very frequent pruning. 

Light: Purple sage prefers full sun, but can get by on 4-6 hours of direct sun per day. 

Moisture: Purple sage must have exceptionally well drained soil. Water it conscientiously until it is well 

established, then treat it like the desert plant it is. Overwatered plants will get floppy and resist blooming. 

Source of data: http://www.magnoliagardensnursery.com/productdescrip/Leucophyllum_Compacta.html 

http://www.floridata.com/ref/l/leuc_fru.cfm 




Common Name: Santolina, Gray - 

Lavender Cotton 


Light Requirement: Sun/shade 



Height: 18 inches to 24 inches 

Width/Spacing: 18 – 24 inches 


Blooming Period: Summer 

Plant Form or Habit: Rounded 

Foliage Color and Texture: Silver 

Evergreen/Deciduous: Evergreen 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Attract bees 

Deer Resistant: Yes, rabbit resistant 

Plant Use: Borders, foundation plant, 

color massed in beds, rock gardens 

18” x 36” wide, (cutting propagated). Make ample use of evergreen Santolina in your xeriscape to enjoy it 

for the colorful yellow button flowers and aromatic silver-gray foliage. Shear off faded flowers in late 

summer and trim as needed in mid-spring to shape and tighten the foliage. Grows best in sandy or loam 

soils; avoid clay. With a little extra shearing to remove faded flowers and tighten up the shape in early 

spring, it gives you garden the look of age and maturity. 

Useful for blending contrasting colors together; shears well; will not tolerate wet feet; high humidity is 

problematic. 

The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in 

nutritionally poor soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very 

alkaline soil. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant 

can tolerate maritime exposure. 

In its native Mediterranean region, gray santolina, also known as lavender cotton was used medicinally as 

an astringent and as an antiparasitic. It was later used in England as an ornamental, and appreciated for its 

lavender-like scent. 


http://www.highcountrygardens.com/catalog/product/85620/#facts 

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/herbaceous/santolinachamae.html 




Common Name: Mexican Bush Sage 

Botanical name: Salvia Leucantha 





Height: 2 – 4 ft tall 

Width/Spacing: 2-4 ft wide 

Flower Color: Purple 

Blooming Period: Late summer 

Plant Form or Habit: Lose spreading 

mound 

Foliage Color and Texture: Grayish 

green 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Attracts butterflies, insects 


Plant Use: Ornamental, cut flowers 

Mexican bush sage, with its graceful arching stems and soft downy foliage, is a favorite salvias. The fuzzy 

purple calyces are the main show, and these persist even after the actual flowers have fallen off, making 

Mexican bush sage one of the few salvias suitable for use as a cut flower. It may also be used in 

everlasting arrangements as the calyces retain their color after drying. The butterflies that seem to 

materialize out of the blue in autumn are drawn like magnets to this and other late blooming salvias. 

Full sun is best, but Mexican bush sage can tolerate afternoon shade; it may tend to get leggy and top 

heavy, however, if it has to reach for the sun. Mexican bush sage can tolerate some drought - better than 

most salvias. USDA Zones 8 - 10. Mexican bush sage is sometimes grown as an annual. It needs a long 

season to grow and doesn't start blooming until very late summer or even into autumn. 

Mexican bush sage is easy to propagate from root cuttings and stems that have rooted where they touch 

the ground. Ordinary stem cuttings can also be rooted. 

Give Mexican bush sage plenty of room. It grows and grows all summer long - and the foliage is attractive 

- but the real show doesn't start until autumn. As it flowers, the plant spreads outward and is subject to fall 

over and break off stems. Remove flower clusters as they age to reduce the weight on the stems. It might 

be a good idea to prune back your Mexican bush sage in early summer to promote a bushier habit and to 

keep it from getting so top heavy that stems break off. 

Source of data: http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=15935 

http://www.floridata.com/ref/s/salv_leu.cfm 



A member of The Texas A&M University System and its statewide Agriculture Program. 

+

Common Name: Blackfoot Daisy 

Botanical name: Melampodium leucanthum 


Light Requirement: Full sun/part shade 



Height: 6-12” 

Width/Spacing: 1-2’ 

Flower Color: White with yellow centers 

Blooming Period: March thru November 

Plant Form or Habit: Sturdy Mounding Plant 

Foliage Color and Texture: Fine Texture green, to 

grey green 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Butterflies, insects and 

birds 


Plant Use: Rock gardens, borders 

Blackfoot Daisy is a central Texas native that 

thrives on the limestone outcroppings of the hill country. A low, round, bushy plant with flower heads of 

8-10 broad white rays surrounding a small yellow central disk. Plains Blackfoot or Blackfoot daisy is a 

low, bushy, mounded perennial, 6-12 in. tall and twice as wide. It is covered with narrow leaves and 1 in. 

wide, white, daisy-like flowers. The white rays are toothed at the tips and surround yellow disk flowers. 

These honey-scented flower heads are solitary and terminal on slender stalks. 

At first glance, Blackfoot Daisy appears to be the twin of White Zinnia (Zinnia acerosa), but flower heads 

of the latter species have 4-6 broad white rays and a narrow base of several overlapping scales. Both may 

be found in the same habitat, but the range of White Zinnia does not extend as far south as Blackfoot 

Daisy. 

Soil Description: Dry, rocky, calcareous soils. Rocky, Gravelly Sandy, Limestone-based, Caliche type 

It is heat and drought tolerant. Good drainage is essential to its success. In late winter, older plants can be 

cut back halfway to keep them compact. Rich soil and abundant water will likely produce many more 

flowers in the short-term, but may consequently shorten the lifespan. 


http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/aransas/blackfootdaisy.htm 

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MELE2 




Common Name: Coreopsis – Lance Leaf 

Botanical name: Coreopsis lanceolata 





Height: 1 ft to 3 ft 


Flower Color: Butter yellow 

Blooming Period: Spring to summer 

Plant Form or Habit: Erect 

Foliage Color and Texture: shiny, deep green 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Butterflies, insects and birds 

Deer Resistant: Somewhat 

Plant Use: Ornamental 

This Daisy like flower with eight yellow rays on single, elongated stems makes an excellent cut flower 

that lasts about seven to ten days. A drought tolerant plant, it blooms continuously from June through 

July creating a fantastic summer display and it can tolerate some shade in sandy soils. Under ideal 

conditions this beautiful wildflower will bloom its first year its foliage makes an attractive ground cover 

throughout the year. 

Lance-leaf tickseed grows in small clumps but forms extensive colonies. It is 1-2 1/2 feet tall and has 

leaves 3-4 inches long, opposite; sometimes alternate near the top where the leaves are fewer. Some of the 

leaves are deeply cut, almost forming 3 leaflets. Flower heads are yellow, 1-1 1/2 inches across. The 

yellow center or disk flowers stand out distinctly from the ray flowers, which appear to be attached just 

below them. Ray flowers are 4-lobed. The yellow, daisy-like flowers occur singly atop long, naked 

peduncles. This native species has branching stems at base and often forms sizable colonies along 

roadsides and in old fields. 

It should have frequent deadheading to keep it in bloom well into the summer. 

Source of data: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/growgreen/plantguide/viewdetails.cfm?plant_id=132 

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=cola5 

http://www.americanmeadows.com/WildflowerSeeds/Species/LanceleafCoreopsisseeds.aspx?gclid=CIH27OaO1qUCFchA2goduWfkkQ 




Common Name: Standing Cyprus, Texas plume, Red 

Texas star, Red gilia 

Plant Type: Biennial 




Height: 2 - 4 ft 


Flower Color: Red, orange, yellow 

Blooming Period: May, June, July 


Foliage Color and Texture: sparse, green narrow 



Plant Use: Ornamental, hummingbird attractor 

The stiff, unbranched, 2-4 ft. stem of this sparsely leaved 

biennial can reach 6 ft. Showy, red, tubular flowers, 

widely flaring at the rim, are marked with orange or 

yellowish spots inside. Flowers are arranged in a thick 

spike, opening from the tip of the stem downward. 

Native Habitat: Dry, sandy or rocky fields; open woods. Central and east Texas. Well-drained sand, 

loam, or limstone 

Conditions Comments: Standing cypress is stunningly beautiful and easy to cultivate in garden settings. 

Showy, red, tubular flowers, widely flaring at the rim, are marked with orange or yellowish spots inside. 

Flowers are arranged in a thick spike, opening from the tip of the stem downward. When the bloom stalk 

is through blooming, you can prune it off to allow replacement stalk to grow and flower. 

After flowering ceases, allow seeds to completely mature before moving for reseeding or collecting seed 

to plant in a new area. 

Maintenance: The first year of growth will produce a ferny rosette, followed by a flower spike the second 

year. When the spike has bloomed out, cut it off, and new spikes will be formed. 

Source of data: http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=IPRU2 




Common Name: Dianthus – Firewitch 

Botanical Name: Dianthus gratianopolitanus – Fire Witch 



Water Requirement: Very low 


Height: 4 to 6 inch high 

Width/Spacing: 12-18 inches wide 

Flower Color: Magenta-pink 

Blooming Period: April thru September 

Plant Form or Habit: Spreading perennial 

Foliage Color and Texture: Gray-green 



Plant Use: Border Plant. Rock Gardens, groundcover 

Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Fire Witch' has evergreen, 

blue-green linear foliage and showy, profuse, fragrant 

magenta-pink blooms Spring-Fall. Very good performer. 

Its spreading tendency makes it an outstanding groundcover, 

particularly on dry slopes. Many plants placed together create a 

pool of deep blue foliage when not in bloom. 

Tough, beautiful, and easy-to-grow. Recommended for 

borders, rock gardens, along walks or paths, and for edging. 

Grown close together, it is an excellent groundcover. With its 

grassy blue-green foliage and profuse blooming time, 'Fire 

Witch' is one not to miss. Deadhead to promote continued bloom. 

Dianthus needs a sunny site with well-drained soil, but will tolerate some shade in the afternoon. Heat and 

humidity resistant, cold tolerant and moderately tolerant of salt. Deer tend to avoid. Moderate growth rate. 

Mature size 6" high and 12-18" wide, spacing 6-12". 

Source of data: http://classygroundcovers.com/item----161&affl=google-dianthus-baths-pink?gclid=COGXktWI95oCFQQRswod63lAdw 




Common Name: Dianthus – Bath’s Pink 

Botanical Name: Dianthus gratianopolitanus – Bath Pink 





Height: 4 to 6 inch high 




Plant Form or Habit: Spreading perennial 

Foliage Color and Texture: Gray-green 



Plant Use: Border Plant. Rock Gardens, 

groundcover 

Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Bath's Pink' has 

evergreen, gray-green linear foliage. Showy, profuse, fragrant pink blooms with magenta rings cover the 

plant April-June. 

Its spreading tendency makes it an outstanding groundcover, particularly on dry slopes. Many plants 

placed together create a pool of deep blue foliage when not in bloom. 

Tough, beautiful, and easy-to-grow. Recommended for borders, rock gardens, along walks or paths, and 

for edging. Grown close together, it is an excellent groundcover. With its grassy blue-gray foliage and 

profuse blooming time, 'Bath's Pink' is one not to miss. Deadhead to promote continued bloom. 

Dianthus needs a sunny site with well-drained soil, but will tolerate some shade in the afternoon. Heat and 

humidity resistant, cold tolerant and moderately tolerant of salt. 

Deer tend to avoid. Moderate growth rate. Mature size 4-6" high and 12-18" wide, spacing 6-12". 

Named for Jane Bath of Stone Mountain, GA, who discovered it. A 1994 Herbaceous Perennial Georgia 

Gold Medal Winner. 

Source of data: http://classygroundcovers.com/item----161&affl=google-dianthus-baths-pink?gclid=COGXktWI95oCFQQRswod63lAdw 




Common Name: Dianthus – Frosty Fire 

Botanical Name: Dianthus x allwoodii 





Height: 6 inch high 


Flower Color: Magenta-pink 


Plant Form or Habit: Mounding 

Foliage Color and Texture: Silvery blue 



Plant Use: Border Plant. Rock Gardens, groundcover 

The Dianthus ‘Frosty Fire’, Dianthus x allwoodii, is a 

wonderful double red flowered Dianthus. With its 

grassy blue-gray foliage and profuse blooming time, ‘Frosty Fire’ is one not to miss. Dianthus ‘Frosty 

Fire’ has a plant spread of 8-12” and a height of 6”. Dianthus will bloom from midsummer to early fall. In 

order for a longer bloom time, deadhead the blooms continuously throughout the summer. 

Dianthus needs a sunny site with well-drained soil, but will tolerate some shade in the afternoon and 

humidity. These fragrant, spicy dove like flowers look wonderful as a border plant, rock gardens, along 

walks or paths, for edging and a definite in cottage gardens. 

Source of data: http://www.gatewaygardens.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=58 




Common Name: Purple Coneflower - Bravado 

Botanical name: Echinacea purpurea Bravado 

Plant Type: Perennial – none native adapted 

Light Requirement: Sunny/Part shady 



Height: 1- 4’ 

Width/Spacing: 1-1 ½’ 

Flower Color: Rosy Pink 

Blooming Period: Mid-spring to summer 

Plant Form or Habit: Bushy 

Foliage Color and Texture: Grayish to green, rough 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Butterflies, insects and birds 


Plant Use: Borders, meadows, mixtures, floral gardens 

Glorious rosy-pink blooms bobbing atop hardy native plants that bloom freely over a very long season--is 

there a simpler or more beautiful plant for the garden than this Coneflower? Unlike other Echinaceas, 

Bravado holds its extra-wide petals out flat, offering up even more color from late spring until the cold 

fall weather sets in. The blooms are 4 to 5 inches wide, their hue varying from light cotton-candy pink to 

deep magenta-tinged rose. And the cheery golden-brown cones, which bring in the butterflies and bees, 

are superb for drying and using in Everlasting arrangements! 

These long-stemmed, bushy plants reach 4 feet tall, holding their blooms overhead like gay umbrellas on 

very sturdy stems. Superb for a large planting anywhere, they show to particular advantage in the back of 

the border, drifting across a perennial bed, or in any naturalized woodland or meadow setting. They bloom 

the first year and for many years thereafter, lasting through the worst heat and dry weather summer has to 

offer. The flowers are also superb in the vase--if you can tear them away from the butterflies, that is! A 

natural treasure, Coneflower belongs in almost every garden with space for plenty of colorful, long-lasting 

blooms! 

They start out an unusual pastel pink, but by the time the petals have reached their full width, the bloom is 

a richer pink verging into purple, with magenta cone that grows larger & darker as it matures. 

A small clump will be a large clump in three years, & can be divided either spring or autumn. Excellent 

for the xeriscape garden, low-maintance mixed border, cutting garden, or containers. 

Source of data: http://www.parkseed.com/gardening/PD/0794 

http://www.paghat.com/echinacea-bravado.html 




Common Name: Esperanza – Orange Jubilee 

Botanical Name: Tecoma X 'Orange Jubilee' 

Plant Type: Perennial. 



Hardiness/Zone: 


Height: 12 ft tall. 

Width/Spacing: 8 ft across 

Flower Color: Orange 

Blooming Period: Late Spring thru Fall 

Plant Form or Habit: shrub 

Foliage Color and Texture: Vibrant green 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Hummingbirds and 

bees 


Plant Use: Summer flowers, perennial garden, 

low water areas 

The Orange Jubilee is an evergreen shrub that loves sun and heat. It blooms from late spring through early 

fall. These desert plants are drought resistant, and do well in almost any soil. The Orange Jubilee blooms 

are bright orange and tubular; they look like elongated bells, which is why some people call them Orange 

Bells plants. This desert plant attracts hummingbirds and bees. The leaves are a vibrant green color. 

Orange Jubilee plants will get 8 feet tall or more, and several feet wide. Orange Jubilees can be trimmed 

to control size and can be shaped, but most are left natural allowing branches to get longish and weepy. If 

they get frost damaged in the winter, just cut them back and they will grow again in the spring. 

Orange Jubilee is an upright shrub that can grow up to 12 feet tall and 8 feet across if not frozen back for a 

couple of winters. The rich green, lush looking foliage gives this hybrid shrub a subtropical appearance. 

The compound leaves are about 6 inches long by 4 inches wide and are divided into 9 to 11 leaflets. 

Clusters of orange-red, bell-shaped flowers appear from spring to fall in Southern Arizona. Orange jubilee 

attracts hummingbirds and produces few seed pod. 

Orange Jubilee is moderately drought tolerant, surviving on minimal supplemental water during the 

summer. However, this plant will look more lush and flower more profusely when given regular 

supplemental water from spring until fall. Tecoma X 'Orange Jubilee' can be grown in a variety of soil 

types. It will tolerate our rocky, native soil as well as a rich soil with a lot of organic matter included. 

When in a rocky, native soil, orange jubilee is more tolerant of inconsistent watering. 

Source: http://www.horticultureunlimited.com/landscape-plants/jubilee-orange.html 

http://phoenix.about.com/od/desertplantsandflowers/a/orangejubilee.htm 

Extension programs service people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national originTexas 

A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating 


Common Name: Esperanza – Mayan Gold (dwarf) 

Botanical Name: Tecoma stans 'Mayan Gold' 

Plant Type: Perennial. 




Height: 2 – 3 ft. 



Blooming Period: Late Spring thru fall 


Foliage Color and Texture: Vibrant green 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Hummingbirds and bees 


Plant Use: Summer flowers, perennial garden, low water areas 

This plant has awesome bright green foliage and vibrant masses of unique yellow, trumpet-shaped 

flowers. Mayan Gold will grow as tall as two or even three feet by the end of the season, throwing up 

more blooms the entire time. 

A 2009 release from Pan American Seed. This variety of Esperanza loves the heat and humidity! 

Brilliantly blooming small shrub with golden trumpet shaped flowers. Perfect plant for patio pots. Species 

reaches 20' in zone 9-11, but works as a showy annual shrub that may also re-seed in North TX. Dry 

hardy in ground. Full/part sun. Zones 9-11. 

Tecoma stans is a species of flowering perennial shrub in the trumpet vine family, Bignoniaceae, that is 

native to the Americas. It is drought-tolerant and grows well in warm climates. The flowers attract bees, 

butterflies, and hummingbirds. The plant produces pods containing yellow seeds with papery wings. 

Select a site in full sun for best blooming, but it also performs nicely in morning sun and afternoon shade. 

Grow esperanza in large containers around the porch, patio or deck, or plant in fertile, well-drained soil in 

the tropical-style garden. Amend heavy, poorly drained soil with the addition of 3 to 4 inches of organic 

matter and till to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. 

While preparing the soil, incorporate 2 pounds of a slow-release, 12-6-6 fertilizer per 100 square feet of 

planting area. Dig the planting hole two to three times as large as the root ball and plant at the same depth 

it is growing in the container. 

Feed container-grown plants with a diluted water-soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer every other week or use 

controlled-release granules according to the formula recommendation. Keep in mind that daily watering 

and high temperatures usually mean fertilizing more often. Feed those in the landscape every four to six 

weeks with light applications of fertilizer. 

Source: http://www.paintedflowerfarm.com/pages/plants/nonnatives/esperanza,mayangold.htm 

Extension programs service people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national originTexas 

A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating 


Common Name: Lantana New Gold 

Botanical name: Lantana x 'New Gold' 

Plant Type: Semi-hardy 



Heat/Drought Tolerance: Very High 

Height: 12 to 15 inches tall 

Width/Spacing: 18 to 24 inches wide 

Flower Color: Gold- yellow 

Blooming Period: April till frost 

Plant Form or Habit: Spreading 

Foliage Color and Texture: 


Deer Resistant: Mostly 

Plant Use: Container, mass planting, rock gardens 

New Gold Lantana is a trailing form which 

produces masses of golden-yellow flowers from 

Spring to Frost! A butterfly magnet that is useful 

in the garden as an edger, in mass plantings or in containers. Easy to grow and drought tolerant. DO NOT 

prune in Fall. Cut back when new growth begins to emerge in spring. First off, never prune your 

perennial lantana in the Fall or Winter as this will insure death of the plant. Prune lantana only in Spring 

when new growth begins to emerge. Cut away all dead branches to a point just above where new growth 

is emerging. Lantana can also be sheared during early to mid-Summer to encourage new budding and 

flowers. 

Lantana is one of those maverick plants that actually does best when it gets so hot and miserable outside 

that all but the most dedicated gardeners call a two month hiatus to await more hospitable conditions. New 

Gold, a compact, free-flowering lantana with golden-yellow blooms, will bloom its heart out as we enrich 

the electric company. 

New Gold Lantana should be used en masse in the garden in sunny beds large enough to have an impact 

on you and the butterflies that frequent it. In flower beds, it should be spaced 16 to 18 inches apart in any 

reasonable garden soil. 

Source of data: http://www.arhomeandgarden.org/plantoftheweek/articles/New_Gold_Lantana.htm 

http://www.groundcover.com/info/lantana-newgold.html 

http://wilsonbrosnursery.com/Plants/Plant-Files/Perennial-Plants/Lantanas/Lantana-New-Gold.aspx 




Common Name: Lantana Silver Mound 

Botanical Name: Lantana x Silver Mound 





Height: 24 inches 

Width/Spacing: 3 – 4 feet 

Flower Color: Creamy white – yellow centers 

Blooming Period: Spring till frost 

Plant Form or Habit: Mounding 


Butterfly or bird attracter: Butterflies, 

hummingbirds 


Plant Use: Groundcover, hanging baskets, containers 

Dense clusters of creamy white blooms with lemon yellow centers. Numerous, 1 to 1 1/2 inch flower 

blossoms cover dark green ovate leaves from spring until the frost. Blooms continuously in frost-free 

areas; prune in early spring as new growth begins to emerge. 

Trailing growth is excellent for use as groundcover or tumbling from hanging baskets. Excellent annual 

for colder climates. Evergreen in frost-free climates. 

Use as a groundcover in mass plantings and banks, in containers and baskets, or even as a hedge. A very 

versatile plant, plus it is a butterfly and hummingbird magnet. Deer and rabbit resistant. Plant in the spring 

and water as needed during the first growing season, thereafter it is considered heat and drought tolerant. 

Source of data: http://www.bloomindesigns.com/product/WLANASILVERMO/Lantana-camara-Silver-Mound---18-Flat.html 




Common Name: Lantana Camara Hardy Pink 

Botanical Name: Lantana x Camara Hardy Pink' 






Width/Spacing: 3 – 6 feet 

Flower Color: Yellow to pink as they age 




Butterfly or bird attracter: Butterflies, hummingbirds 


Plant Use: Mass plantings, groundcover, containers 

Lantana is a commonly cultivated shrub native from 

southernmost Texas to Central America. Ornamental flower clusters are produced throughout the summer 

and are a favorite of butterflies and other nectar-feeding insects. Flower color is normally yellow, but 

many different cultivated varieties have been developed with different colors. This cultivar has flowers 

that change color from yellow to pink as they age. 

There are many named varieties and hybrids of lantana available that are more compact, bloom earlier, 

produce more colorful flowers, or hold their flowers better in bad weather than the "common" type. Some 

new varieties are also almost sterile (rarely set seed), which means deadheading is not as important for 

continuous bloom and it is unlikely to become invasive. 

Lantana provides summer color. In winter, some gardeners prune back lantana to keep the plants from 

getting too large. The stems become thorny especially with age, so caution is necessary when cutting them 

back. The blue-black fruit clusters are poisonous. 

Use as a groundcover, in mass plantings and banks, in containers and baskets, or even as a hedge. A very 

versatile plant, plus it is a butterfly and hummingbird magnet. Deer and rabbit resistant. Plant in the spring 

and water as needed during the first growing season, thereafter it is considered heat and drought tolerant. 

Source of data: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/Plantanswers/publications/lantana/lantana.html 

http://www.duke.edu/~cwcook/trees/laca.html 




Common Name: Lantana New Gold 

Botanical name: Lantana x 'New Gold' 

Plant Type: Semi-hardy 




Height: 12 to 15 inches tall 

Width/Spacing: 18 to 24 inches wide 

Flower Color: Gold- yellow 

Blooming Period: April till frost 


Foliage Color and Texture: 


Deer Resistant: Mostly 

Plant Use: Container, mass planting, rock gardens 

New Gold Lantana is a trailing form which 

produces masses of golden-yellow flowers from 

Spring to Frost! A butterfly magnet that is useful 

in the garden as an edger, in mass plantings or in containers. Easy to grow and drought tolerant. DO NOT 

prune in Fall. Cut back when new growth begins to emerge in spring. First off, never prune your 

perennial lantana in the Fall or Winter as this will insure death of the plant. Prune lantana only in Spring 

when new growth begins to emerge. Cut away all dead branches to a point just above where new growth 

is emerging. Lantana can also be sheared during early to mid-Summer to encourage new budding and 

flowers. 

Lantana is one of those maverick plants that actually does best when it gets so hot and miserable outside 

that all but the most dedicated gardeners call a two month hiatus to await more hospitable conditions. New 

Gold, a compact, free-flowering lantana with golden-yellow blooms, will bloom its heart out as we enrich 

the electric company. 

New Gold Lantana should be used en masse in the garden in sunny beds large enough to have an impact 

on you and the butterflies that frequent it. In flower beds, it should be spaced 16 to 18 inches apart in any 

reasonable garden soil. 

Source of data: http://www.arhomeandgarden.org/plantoftheweek/articles/New_Gold_Lantana.htm 

http://www.groundcover.com/info/lantana-newgold.html 

http://wilsonbrosnursery.com/Plants/Plant-Files/Perennial-Plants/Lantanas/Lantana-New-Gold.aspx 




Name: Mexican Mint Marigold 

Scientific Name: Tagetes lucida 

Mexican Mint Marigold is a native to Central America 

and has small golden yellow marigold-like flowers. 

This Marigold will bloom from late summer to early 

winter providing show stopping color for fall. This is a 

great plant to put next to other fall bloomers such as 

Salvia leucantha. The foliage has a refreshing smell 

that is anise-like, reminds me of black jelly beans! 

Tagetes lucida has excellent drought and heat tolerance 

as well as tolerance to poor soils, but must be planted 

in a spot with good drainage. Mexican Mint Marigold 

can get 12-24" tall and should be spaced at least 18" 

apart. Tagetes lucida is part of the Plants For Texas® 

Program, 

meaning it was Texas Grown, Tested in Texas to perform outstanding for Texas Gardens. 

Hardiness: USDA Zones 8-10 

Plant Use: Tender Perennial 

Exposure: Full Sun 

Water Requirements: Medium to Low 

Sweet licorice flavor brightens salads and main dishes. Pretty, golden yellow flowers bloom all summer. 

Thrives in warmer climates where French tarragon will not grow. Medicinal: Stimulant and diuretic. 

Improves digestion. 

"Mexican mint marigold has a lot to offer. It thrives in the hot, humid South, where many herbs languish; 

its small, bright flowers blossom in fall when other herbs have played out for the season; its licorice-anise 

flavor is a successful stand-in for French tarragon; and it looks good in the garden. 

In the humid South, where French tarragon is difficult to grow, mint marigold is a fine culinary substitute. 

The flavor is almost indistinguishable from that of tarragon, but because mint marigold breaks down more 

quickly when heated, it's best if added at the end of cooking. In salads, vinegars, oils, or quick-cooking 

recipes, substitute it for tarragon in equal proportions. - Crafts - "Mint marigolds dried leaves add 

fragrance to potpourris and sachets. Harvest the long stems just before frost when they are tipped with 

yellow-gold flowers. 

Source: http://www.magnoliagardensnursery.com/productdescrip/Tagetes.html&h=3 

http://www.johnnyseeds.com/p-8181-mexican-mint-marigold.aspx 




Common Name: Gregg’s Blue Mistflower 

Botanical Name: Eupatorium greggii 






Width/Spacing: 18-24 inches 

Flower Color: Blue, purple 

Blooming Period: Spring to frost 

Plant Form or Habit: Upright perennial 

Foliage Color and Texture: Opposite, toothed leaves 



Plant Use: Ground cover, border plant 

Gregg’s Mist flower is a Central Texas Native that you 

can enjoy all summer. Texas Ageratum will start 

blooming early spring and continue until frost and can 

bloom all year in warmer areas. Since blue is much a 

hard to find color for the garden, the appeal of Gregg’s 

Mist flower is the thistle-like blue blooms that the 

Queen Butterflies loves. It is also a good nectar source 

to most other butterflies. 

It has an extensive root system, and will come up from the roots after the winter. In cases like this, we 

suggest waiting until you are sure the plant has finished blooming, and then cut the stalks down to about 3 

inches from the ground. There usually will be a green leaf crown still growing close to the ground. These 

stalks left above the ground are just a marker so we know where to expect the mistflowers to start coming 

up in the spring. Mistflower is adapted to most soil types, but is especially suited to heavy textured and to 

highly organic soils. Natural stands are found on moist to wet sites, such as low woods, wet meadows and 

ditches. It grows best in full sun, but will tolerate light shade. 


http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=cogr10 

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/herbaceous/eupatoriumcoeles.html 




Common Name: Ruellia - White 



Water Requirement: Medium to Low 


Height: 10 – 12 inches 




Plant Form or Habit: Clumping 




Plant Use: Flower beds, containers, groundcover 

This selection is similar to the familiar blue or pink-flowered Mexican petunia (Ruellia brittoninana) but 

it is a more compact plant with snow white blossoms. It has a shrubby growth habit and it is easy to 

control its size and shape with pruning. For blooming it requires good root fertilization and brightmoderate 

lighting. 

Ruellia plants are moderately susceptible to spider mites and some other plants pests that can damage 

leaves. It is a good idea to give them an overnight dunk underwater once every month–you can sink the 

plant and its planter right in the fish tank–as a preventative measure to discourage insect pests. 

Dozens of crystal white blooms cover dwarf 10-12 inch plants throughout summer. A heat loving variety, 

Ruellia thrives in wet and dry conditions in full sun. This new variety is ideal for borders in the garden 

with a spread of 16-18 inches and makes a great companion in pots and containers. 

Source of data: http://hydrophytesblog.com/ripariumsupply/?page_id=4&category=13&product_id=12 




Common Name: Ruellia - Katie Dwarf 

white, blue, pink 

Botanical name: Ruellia brittoniana 





Height: 1 ft -1 ft 

Width/Spacing: 1 ft – 1 ft 

Flower Color: Blue, white, pink 






Plant Use: Flower beds, containers 

Katie Ferguson of Texas found this dwarf form of our native ruellia, and this plant has taken Texas by 

storm. Ruellia 'Katie' makes a 6" tall x 12" wide clump with lance-shaped green leaves. 

The dwarf, less-aggressive version of the species is Katie dwarf Ruellia (sometimes called Nolan's dwarf). 

It works nicely in an informal front-of-the-border grouping or as a groundcover in narrow spaces, "Katie 

needs no deadheading, and will continue to flower all season long, and is just as tough as its species 

parent, able to grow in hot, dry neglected spots. 

Dwarf ruellia is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial with long, narrow, dark green leaves. It is compact, 

growing to one foot tall by one to two feet wide. This prolific bloomer produces large tubular flowers 

from spring until frost. ‘Katie’ has blue flowers, ‘Rosa’ has pink, and ‘Blanca’ has white. Cut plants back 

in late winter to remove frost damage and encourage new growth. This ruellia may be planted in full sun 

or part shade. It is an excellent choice for containers and oasis zones. Dwarf ruellia has a tendency 

to naturalize in moist soils, and the seedlings may have the larger growth habit of regular Ruellia 

brittoniana. To avoid this mixture, seedlings should be removed. It is root hardy to 10°F. USDA Zone 8. 


http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/cemap/ruellia/ruellia.html, 

http://www.mswn.com/Plant%20Info%20Sheets/Ruellia%20brittoniana%20Dwarf.pdf 




Common Name: Ruellia - Pink 





Height: 10 – 12 inches 








Plant Use: Flower beds, containers, 

groundcover 

The Mexican petunia is a tender evergreen perennial that forms colonies of stemmy stalks that are 

distinctly vertical in aspect and hold attractive dark green, leaves oppositely at the nodes. 

Dwarf ruellia plants never get over 5" tall and the flowers are bunched right in with the leaves on very 

short stems. Although the blossoms each last only one day, there are usually plenty of buds forming so 

that there is a succession of new blooms over long periods. The leaves of this ruellia are dark green and 

very slender. As with the other ruellias, this flower does well under quite a variety of conditions, including 

full sun to shade, as well as dry to damp. They are rather cold-tender and can sometimes be killed by a 

very hard freeze, but most of the time they come back from the roots. 

Mexican petunia can be grown indoors as a houseplant in bright light. Mexican petunia is a water plant 

that becomes very aggressive with access to abundant moisture. Survives dry spells once established. 

When growing Mexican petunia indoors water freely when in active growth but water only when dry in 

winter. 

Zones 8-10 

Source of data: http://www.mylittleplants.com/servlet/Detail?no=230 




Common Name: Ruellia - Blue Shades 






Height: 1 – 2 ft 


Flower Color: Blue 







Ruellia humilis ‘Blue Shade’ is a native groundcover in areas of the 

Eastern US, including Texas. The foliage is a deep olive green color 

and the leaves are hairy. The growth habit is very compact only 

getting 1-2 feet tall with a equal spread, in fact this Ruellia is often 

used as a groundcover in Central Texas. Wild Petunia will bloom 

from late spring until fall, the flowers are petunia-like and a lavender 

to lilac blue color. Ruellia humilis ‘Blue Shade’ prefers a well 

drained soil and should not be over watered. 

Source of data: http://www.magnoliagardensnursery.com/productdescrip/Landscape/Ruellia_BlueShade.html 




Common Name: Ruellia - Blue Shades 






Height: 1 – 2 ft 









Ruellia humilis ‘Blue Shade’ is a native groundcover in areas of the 

Eastern US, including Texas. The foliage is a deep olive green color 

and the leaves are hairy. The growth habit is very compact only 

getting 1-2 feet tall with a equal spread, in fact this Ruellia is often 

used as a groundcover in Central Texas. Wild Petunia will bloom 

from late spring until fall, the flowers are petunia-like and a lavender 

to lilac blue color. Ruellia humilis ‘Blue Shade’ prefers a well 

drained soil and should not be over watered. 

Source of data: http://www.magnoliagardensnursery.com/productdescrip/Landscape/Ruellia_BlueShade.html 




Common Name: Ruellia - Katie Dwarf 

white, blue, pink 






Height: 1 ft -1 ft 


Flower Color: Blue, white, pink 






Plant Use: Flower beds, containers 

Katie Ferguson of Texas found this dwarf form of our native ruellia, and this plant has taken Texas by 

storm. Ruellia 'Katie' makes a 6" tall x 12" wide clump with lance-shaped green leaves. 

The dwarf, less-aggressive version of the species is Katie dwarf Ruellia (sometimes called Nolan's dwarf). 

It works nicely in an informal front-of-the-border grouping or as a groundcover in narrow spaces, "Katie 

needs no deadheading, and will continue to flower all season long, and is just as tough as its species 

parent, able to grow in hot, dry neglected spots. 

Dwarf ruellia is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial with long, narrow, dark green leaves. It is compact, 

growing to one foot tall by one to two feet wide. This prolific bloomer produces large tubular flowers 

from spring until frost. ‘Katie’ has blue flowers, ‘Rosa’ has pink, and ‘Blanca’ has white. Cut plants back 

in late winter to remove frost damage and encourage new growth. This ruellia may be planted in full sun 

or part shade. It is an excellent choice for containers and oasis zones. Dwarf ruellia has a tendency 

to naturalize in moist soils, and the seedlings may have the larger growth habit of regular Ruellia 

brittoniana. To avoid this mixture, seedlings should be removed. It is root hardy to 10°F. USDA Zone 8. 


http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/cemap/ruellia/ruellia.html, 

http://www.mswn.com/Plant%20Info%20Sheets/Ruellia%20brittoniana%20Dwarf.pdf 




Common Name: Rudbeckia – Cherry Brandy 

Botanical Name: Rudbeckia hirta ‘ Cherry Brandy’ 


Light Requirement: Full sun to part shade 

Water Requirement: Needs regular watering - 

weekly, or more often in extreme heat 


Height: 20 to 24 inches 

Width/Spacing: 12 to 16 inches 

Flower Color: Red 

Blooming Period: Spring, summer 

Plant Form or Habit: 

Foliage Color and Texture: Course hairy 

textured 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Attract butterflies, 

bees 


Plant Use: Border, container plant, cut flower 

Cherry Brandy rudbeckia (Rudbeckia 

hirta 'Cherry Brandy') grows 2 feet tall and wide and has 3- to 4-inch diameter, cherry-red blooms that 

form in early summer and flower until frost. The plant is heat-and drought-tolerant and adapts to most soil 

conditions. It makes a great addition to a perennial border and also grows well in containers. 

This fantastic garden performer produces robust, bushy plants that will add height to borders. Growing to 

60cm (24in), the strong plants will produce a mass of stems, each enhanced by an attractive rich, cherryred 

single bloom. It is perfect for planting in drifts in the border or in large containers on the patio. 

There are 25 species of Rudbeckia including perennials, biennials and annuals. All are native to North 

America and are generally found growing in the East and Midwest, though they have now naturalized 

throughout most of the United States and can be seen in fields and gardens from Canada to Mexico. 

A member of the Aster family, the rudbeckia’s daisy-like flowers come in single, semi-double and fullydouble 

forms in a range of colors from lemon-yellow to gold, chestnut, mahogany, and bronze, as well as 

multi-colored blooms. Most species are in bloom from midsummer through fall. Plants have coarsetextured, 

hairy green leaves. 

Source: http://www.perennials.com/seeplant.html?item=1.455.270 

http://www.garden.org/subchannels/flowers/perennials?q=show&id=3113 




Common Name: Rudbeckia – Cherokee Sunset 

Botanical Name: Rudbeckia hirta ‘Cherokee Sunset’ 



Water Requirement: Needs regular 

watering - weekly, or more often in 

extreme heat 




Flower Color: Golden browns 

Blooming Period: Spring, summer 


Foliage Color and Texture: Course hairy 

textured 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Attract 

butterflies, bees 



In 2002, having been developed by Thompson & Morgan’s flower breeders, Rudbeckia ‘Cherokee 

Sunset’ was launched; a stunning double flowered Rudbeckia in a colour palette of rich golden-brown 

autumnal shades. The variety quickly became established as a best-seller around the world and picked up 

the accolade of an All American Selections Winner. 

The rich blooms are from yellow and orange to bronze and mahogany. The blooms are 3 to 4 1/2 inches 

across and can be semi-or fully double with a growth habit 30 inches tall and they hold up better against 

mildew better than other Gloriosa Daisies. 

Large blooms, in shades of golden yellow, orange, bronze and mahogany make up this stunning blend. 

Rudbeckia Cherokee Sunset has free branching plants, with strong stems, which flower over a long period 

from midsummer to early autumn. 

Wonderful, free flowering daisies in colors from yellow to bronze and mahogany. You can have them for 

years, but the original plants will only last a season or two. The plants self-seed readily, and if you learn to 

recognize the slightly hairy seedlings and allow a few to develop where you want them, you can have as 

many as you want. 

Source: http://www.tandmpics.com/res/pdf/press/TMPRUK09.05%20Rudbeckia.pdf 

http://ezinearticles.com/?Gloriosa-Daisies-For-Your-Container&id=4953007 




Common Name: Rudbeckia – Irish Eyes 

Botanical Name: Rudbeckia hirta ‘Irish Eyes’ 



Water Requirement: Needs regular watering - 

weekly, or more often in extreme heat 





Blooming Period: Midsummer - fall 


Foliage Color and Texture: Course hairy textured 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Attract butterflies, bees 



If you would like a Rudbeckia with a green eye, look no farther than Irish Eyes. This plant has a green 

cone and single flowers opening 4 to 5 inches across. With its foliage reaching about 30 inches tall, Irish 

Eyes are striking and unusual. They are grown as an annual or short-lived perennial. 

Vase life: 7 to 14 days. Known as gloriosa daisy, coneflower and black-eyed Susan, this favorite North 

American native species blooms nonstop -- even in partial shade -- from midsummer until frost.R. 

hirta 'Irish Eyes' has 5-inch, single yellow, green-eyed flowers. Most rudbeckias reach 24 to 42 inches. 

Rudbeckia is tough. Technically a biennial or short-lived perennial, it is often treated as an annual. Hardy 

in all zones. Harvest flowers with tight centers, strip leaves, and condition in cool water spiked with sugar 

before arranging. 

Source: http://www.americanmeadows.com/perennials/black-eyed-susan-irish-eyes 

http://www.garden.org/subchannels/flowers/perennials?q=show&id=191&page=2 




Common Name: Russian Sage 

Botanical name: Perovskia atripliciflolia 

Plant Type: Perennial - non Native adapted 

Light Requirement: Sunny 



Height: 3 ft 

Width/Spacing: 3 ft 

Flower Color: Small blue flowers 

Blooming Period: Summer 


Foliage Color and Texture: Fine-textured; silvery 

green lacy leaves 

Evergreen/Deciduous: Deciduous 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Bees, butterflies and 

hummingbirds 

Deer Resistant: Usually 

Use: Flower beds and boarders 

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is neither Russian, nor is it a sage. It was, however, named after a 

Russian diplomat (B. A. Perovski) by Russian botanist (S. G. Karelin) around 1840. Russian sage is 

actually native to Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and other countries in that region) and 

Tibet. There are only seven species of Perovskia, but it is a member of the mint family (Labiateae) and 

there are over 5,500 genera in that family. 

The “sage” misnomer comes from the smell of the leaves when crushed. The aroma produced is really 

sage-like and very pleasant. Cultivation of the plant began immediately after it was discovered and 

named. The plant is deciduous. The stems are grayish white and the distinctive and attractive silvergreen 

leaves are a real eye-catcher. However, what makes this plant extremely desirable are its abundant 

tiny lavender flowers that bloom in late spring and continue to early fall. 

Flowering happens only on new growth, so the plant should be drastically cut back in early spring before 

it begins to sprout new leaves. Cutting it back to the ground will not harm Russian sage. 

One of the great things about Russian sage in a desert garden is that it is very tolerant of dry soils with 

high pH and high salt levels and it is considered drought-tolerant. In addition to growing well in the 

desert, it also grows well in gardens by the sea because of its tolerance to high salt concentrations. 

Source of data: http://www.gardening-tips-perennials.com/russiansage.html#ixzz0xwF3DTX1 

Russian Sage in The Desert: It's not Russian nor Sage, but a beautiful plant nevertheless 

http://desertgardens.suite101.com/article.cfm/russian_sage_in_the_desert#ixzz0xwFK0FQn 




Common Name: Augusta Duelberg – White 

Botanical name: Salvia farcincea 




Heat/Drought: High 

Height: 30" tall 

Width/Spacing: 4' wide 


Blooming Period: May till frost 

Plant Form or Habit: Bush 

Foliage Color and Texture: Bright green 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Butterflies, bees 


Plant Use: Bedding, containers, perennial boarders 

‘Augusta Duelberg', named by discoverer Greg Grant 

after Henry's wife, is a white-flowered version of mealy 

blue sage. Like Henry, it is a tall, beautiful, early spring 

flowering Texas native perennial that needs very low 

maintenance and is tough enough to handle heat, cold 

and Texas summers. Use it in containers, perennial borders, water-wise gardens. This plant needs little 

water once established. If you want the flowers to rebloom, shear back between bloom cycles. Like 

"Henry', this is one you'll 

This splendid selection of the Texas native Salvia farinacea makes a compact 30" tall x 4' wide specimen, 

topped from May until frost with hundreds of spikes of silvery-white flowers. Obviously heat- and 

drought-tolerant, this salvia has been a real standout 

Named a Texas SuperStar by Texas A&M University. 

Source of data: http://www.plantdel.com/Catalog/Current/Detail/06823.html 

http://www.tamus.edu/systemwide/06/04/research/superstars.html 




Common Name: Henry Duhlberg – Blue 

Botanical name: Salva farcincea 




Heat/Drought: High 


Width/Spacing: 3 Feet 



Plant Form or Habit: Bush 

Foliage Color and Texture: Bright green 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Butterflies, bees 


Plant Use: Bedding, containers 

Low maintenance, heat tolerant, native 

perennial with masses of showy blue 

flowers 

Notes: Spikes of showy blue flowers from spring until frost. More floriferous than other cultivars. Texas 

native plant; found by Greg Grant in a small central Texas cemetery. Taller with bluer and more 

floriferous flowers and larger and greener leaves than modern cultivars. Not preferred by deer. 

Low maintenance, heat tolerant, native perennial with masses of showy blue flowers. Zone 7. Flowers: 

Spikes of showy blue flowers from spring until frost. More floriferous than other cultivars. Care: Shear 

frequently between bloom cycles to promote rebloom. Foliage: Healthy, larger and greener than the 

species, mildew resistant. Exposure: Full sun. Heat tolerant, Duelberg sage is a showy, blue flowered 

perennial which blooms vigorously from spring until frost 

Named a Texas SuperStar by Texas A&M University. 

Source of data: http://www.plantanswers.com/salvia.htm 

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/cemap/salvia/salvia.html 




Common Name: Skullcap - Pink 

Botanical name: Scutellaria suffrutescens 





Height: 1 ft 



Blooming Period: Spring to fall 

Plant Form or Habit: Evergreen shrub 

Foliage Color and Texture: Thyme-like foliage 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Attract butterflies, insects 

and/or birds 


Plant Use: Border, rock garden, containers 

Plant this skullcap in full sun or part sun and watch the blooms from May to November. It makes a great 

border plant. It can reach up to one foot in height, but in part sun spreads out and rarely obtains it full 

height. 

Shear back by 1/3 after bloom. Low growing; very tidy; mounding plant 

Scutellaria suffrutescens is a drought tolerant, heat loving, sun loving plant that is great for the Texas 

Garden. Scutellaria suffrutescens is in the mint family along with other drought tolerant plants such as 

Salvias, the flower is reminiscent of tiny snapdragon flowers. The flowers are rose-red to pink in color 

and small, but they are plentiful which more than makes up for their size, usually Skullcap will hold its 

bloom from late spring until early fall.. Pink Texas Skullcap has Thyme-like foliage and has a dense 

growth habit, remaining neat and compact. It can however benefit and responds well to the occasional 

shearing, which will prevent it from getting thin in the middle. Use Pink Texas Skullcap for rock gardens, 

on dry hillsides, xeriscaping, or even for container gardening! 

Source of data: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/growgreen/potw_pinkskullcap.htm 

http://www.nativesoftexas.com/pink_skullcap.htm 

Native and Adapted Landscape Plants by Texas Cooperative Extension, City of Austin 

Extension programs service people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The 

Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating A member of 

The Texas A&M University System and its statewide Agriculture Program.

Common Name: Turks Cap, Big Momma 

Botanical name: Malvaviscus drummondii ‘Big Momma’ 

Plant Type: Annual herbaceous perennial 




Height: 5 ft 

Width/Spacing: 2ft wide 

Flower Color: Red 2-3” 

Blooming Period: Spring till fall 


Foliage Color and Texture: Dark green 

Evergreen/Deciduous: Semi-evergreen 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Hummingbirds, butterflies 


Plant Use: Ornamental for shade 

Can bloom all winter into spring in a mild winter, sun/part shade, drought tolerant but will tolerate wet, 

dormant in winter, hummingbirds, birds. Fruit for wildlife; susceptible to freeze; spreads aggressively; 

attracts hummingbirds and butterflies 

Turk’s cap is a good ornamental for a shady site, but is aggressive and must be controlled to keep it from 

taking over. 

This deer-resistant 2005 introduction from Texan Greg Grant produces flowers that are over 1/3 larger 

that the typical form. Malvaviscus 'Big Momma' emerges in late spring and quickly rises to 6' tall, topped 

from midsummer until frost with bright orange flowers, swirled like a turk's cap. 

This shrubby plant has showy red flowers and leaves that are intermediate between the parent species 

(which see). A relatively recent Texas introduction by Greg Grant, this should prove a garden worthy 

plant that is likely to be a bit more cold-hardy than the Malvaviscus arboreus parent. Some consider 

Malvaviscus drummondii to be a variety of Malvaviscus arboreus. 



http://www.woodlanders.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=1967 




Common Name: Turks Cap, Pink 

Botanical name: Malvaviscus arboreus var 

drummondii 

Plant Type: Annual herbaceous perennial 




Height: 2’ to 3’ft 



Blooming Period: Spring till fall 

Plant Form or Habit: spreading 

Foliage Color and Texture: Dark green 

Evergreen/Deciduous: Semi-evergreen 

Butterfly or bird attracter: Hummingbirds, butterflies 


Plant Use: Ornamental for shade 

This spreading shrub, often as broad as high, grows 

2-3 ft., sometimes reaching 9 ft. Bright-red, pendant, 

hibiscus-like flowers never fully open, their petals 

overlapping to form a loose tube with the stamina column protruding, said to resemble a Turkish turban, 

hence its most common name, Turks cap. Especially useful in shady situations. 

Can bloom all winter into spring in a mild winter, sun/part shade, drought tolerant but will tolerate wet, 

dormant in winter, hummingbirds, birds. Fruit for wildlife; susceptible to freeze; spreads aggressively; 

attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Turk’s cap is a good ornamental for a shady site, but is aggressive 

and must be controlled to keep it from taking over. 

Source of data: http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MAARD 




Common Name: Zexmania 

Botanical name: Wedelia texana 







Flower Color: Yellow, orange 

Blooming Period: May thru October 

Plant Form or Habit: Small shrub 


Butterfly or bird attracter: Attract butterflies, 

insects and/or birds 


Plant Use: Perennial garden, rock garden, rocky 

hillsides 

Periodic shearing encourages repeat blooming and fullness. Blooms continuously though not profusely; 

use in combination with other blooming plants, re-seeds. 

Zexmenia if a perennial with yellow flowers and a long booming period (May to October). It is very 

drought tolerant when established. Grow in full sun in a well drained location. Deer may leave this plant 

alone. 

Zexmenia is a truly tough Texas plant. It blooms from late spring to frost, sporting yellow flowers above 

the mat of foliage. This low-growing native perennial reaches about 2 feet in height and is very drought 

tolerant once established. Deer tend to leave it alone. Give Zexmenia a full sun to part shade location with 

good drainage. Shear it back periodically to encourage fresh re-growth and lots more blooms 

Source of data: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/growgreen/plantguide/searchplantresults.cfm?commonname=Zexmenia&submit8=Submit 

http://www.nativesoftexas.com/zexmenia.htm 

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/growgreen/potw_zexmenia.htm

Common Name: American Beauty Berry Botanical name: Callicara ...

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