If you want to produce a beautiful landscape painting with minimal maintenance , choosing aboriginal plants is crucial . And if you live in Texas , you ’ll be happy to hear that there ’s no famine of stalwart yet beautiful plants for your lawn or garden . When you choose native industrial plant like the one described below , you are n’t just beautifying your outside space . You ’re also help to support the local ecosystem . And whether you ’re a veteran landscaper or just picking out a few plants for your yard , we trust you ’ll get some divine guidance from this list !
The Best Texas Native Trees for Landscaping
Eastern Redbud
The eastern Cercis canadensis ( Cercis canadensis ) can be either a tree or a shrub . It can develop up to 30 pes grandiloquent . It ’s a tree that can add some real ocular interest to any garden ; its crimson - purple flowers form a sharp line against the near - black branches . And since bloom appear before the leaves , the Cercis canadensis can add a real splash of colour to any garden .
In autumn , the redbud ’s leaves will often call on to a fiery red - orange tree . And since this tree is such a pop landscape painting plant , there are many unlike cultivars to pick out from .
subsist Oak
There are several species of live oak tree , though they all belong to theQuercusgenus . The name derive from the fact that the live oak tree is an evergreen , so it looks like alive throughout the winter . If you opt to plant alive oak , you ’re in just company : this is the most commonly implant aboriginal tree in Texas !
alive oaks can get to be improbably large , so it ’s important to take their size into account when planting them . Over meter , they can grow to be 40 feet or tall . But the literal size comes from the duad of their branches ; some live oaks can grow to be 75 feet wide !
Black Cherry
If you ’re look for an appropriate lawn tree but are worried about a tree that could grow too large , the opprobrious cherry ( Prunus serotina ) may be deserving looking into . While the shameful cherry tree maturate quickly , it rarely gets tall than 50 feet . It ’s also a fruiting Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , so you get the benefit of edible cherries in the fall . The leaves also grow yellow in tumble , so your lawn will have a beautiful centrepiece !
However , this tree tends to do better in more moist soil that drains well ( like limestone - rich soil ) and is also more alkaline . If you ’re look at plant one , it ’s a unspoiled idea to test your dirt to verify it would leave an optimum growing environment .
Spanish Oak
The Spanish oak ( Quercus coccinea , Quercus falcata , orQuercus rubra ) is also squall the southerly violent oak . It ’s a long - lived tree that can live 100 years or more in the right environment . But if you ’re planning on planting one , it ’s good to know that the Spanish oak is n’t capable to retain a whole heap of pee . So to make certain the tree diagram can access enough water to thrive , seek to found it somewhere where it is n’t palisade by other trees .
The Spanish oak is a tree with plenty of environmental benefit . It bring forth acorns that tip a kind of wildlife . And like many oaks , this one ’s leaves turn a beautiful potpourri of red and yellow in fall .
Bald Cypress
If you ’re looking for a hardy tree that will develop well in just about any type of dirt , the barefaced cypress ( Taxodium distichum ) is an excellent choice . It has all right , lace - like needles that deform a rich , classifiable bolshy in the cold-blooded month .
This coniferous tree is a democratic landscape tree , partly because it command so little maintenance . It by nature forms an attractive triangular material body , and the only tangible maintenance needed is the removal of any drained limb . However , it prefers acidic soil . If your land ’s territory is mostly alkalic , adding peat moss to the soil is often all the bald cypress needs .
Ashe Juniper
Some landowners consider the ashe juniper ( Juniperus ashei ) to be a dope . However , it ’s a hardy shade tree diagram that makes a stately addition to any landscape painting . This tree can be found in large number in central Texas , though it grow well all over the state of matter . It does peculiarly well in jumpy soil .
The ashe juniper will grow to be up to about 50 feet tall . Its “ cones ” get along in the build of diminished , bluish berries . As a resolution , it is sometimes called the “ blueberry Genista raetam . ”
Southern Sugar Maple
If you like the spirit of maple trees , the southerly sugar maple ( Acer floridanum ) is one that grows peculiarly well in Texas . It ’s a great pick of medium lawn tree , and it ’s also more estrus - resistant than many maple variety . And since its branches reach outwards , it offers a decent amount of spook .
This low - maintenance tree is a good landscape vocalism , as it does well in a grasp of dirt types . It prefers mildly acid soil , though it will even do well in soil that is slenderly alkalic .
The Best Texas Native Shrubs for Landscaping
Esperanza
You might sometimes hear this shrub ( Tecoma stans ) call “ yellow bells . ” It ’s a descriptive name , as the bright chime - like blossom amass in cheerful clusters . Thanks to the splash of color it can add to any lawn or garden , it ’s clear-cut to see why it ’s such a popular flora for landscaping !
Even in you endure in one of the hotter , dry region of the state , esperanza is a good selection ; it ’s highly resistive to drouth . And like many bush , it unremarkably grows to about 3 - 6 feet magniloquent . It ’s a large landscape works if you want something orotund than most flowers or grasses but not something as large as a tree .
Cenizo
Cenizo ( Leucophyllum frutescens ) is often call “ Texas salvia . ” It ’s not a rightful sage plant , but its silvery leaf make it well-to-do to misidentify for one . But the best feature of this garden bush is its ability to bloom all year , even in winter . Depending on the individual plant , its small but vivacious flush can be lavender , medium purple , violet , or even pink .
The cenizo industrial plant usually will grow from 2 - 8 foot gamey . But to avoid it becoming unkempt , make certain you sporadically trim supernumerary - long branches .
Agarita
If you want a shrub that will impart bursts of chicken , violent , and silver - green , the agarita ( Mahonia trifoliolata ) is a wonderful choice . It ’s a flake prickly , though not overly so , and is a very rough-cut sight in Hill Country .
This plant life has silver , spine - like leaves that bide green all year . In spring , it ’s overlay in small yellow heyday . And in summer , it rise reddish berry .
Flame Acanthus
This plant ( Anisacanthus quadrifidusvar.wrightii ) is another bush aboriginal to the beautiful Hill Country . Its flame - comparable violent flowers attract both hummingbirds and butterflies , so it ’s a great pick for landscape gardening if you revel view wildlife ! Its distinctive bloom are shape like narrow cones , are bright red , and point upward at the tops of the branch .
If you do n’t have much of a green thumb but want to still let in some beautiful plant life in your lawn or garden , the flame acanthus is ideal . It resist heat and drouth and seems to turn well in just about every eccentric of soil .
Rock Rose
If you care the tone of hibiscus flowers but want something more compatible with the Texas clime , the rock arise ( Pavonia lasiopetala ) is ideal . Its flowers have five petal that are usually red or pinkish . They also tend to draw hummingbird to your garden .
The rock uprise plant is a bit smaller than some other landscaping shrubs , as it can grow up to four feet tall . Its beaut makes it a popular landscaping flora , but it ’s important to lop as needed : the rock heighten is prone to weed - like growth !
American Beautyberry
American beautyberry plants ( Callicarpa americana ) make great additions to your garden if you ’re trying to maintain some colour year round . Their intense purple berries appear after the foliage have fallen , so they ca n’t be missed ! Their metal lustre is especially obtrusive against the spare wood of the branch .
Like many shrubs on the list , the American beautyberry is a plant life that makes a positivist environmental impact . Though these berry are n’t the first choice of food for raspberry and other animate being , they are a very important survival food when other food reference melt out . And if you like , you’re able to also use this shrub as your own food plant . The berries by and large sample unpleasant when eaten raw , but they can be made into various types of wine-colored and jelly !
Texas Mountain Laurel
The Texas pot Stan Laurel plant ( Sophora secundiflora ) is another majuscule choice for those in search of a soda pop of purpleness . Its blossom form delicate , pallid violet clusters that stand out against its glossy fleeceable leaves . If you ’re looking to create a secrecy hedging , this dim , multi - stemmed bush is certainly up to the job . Or if you prefer , you’re able to cultivate a unmarried plant until it becomes the same size as a modest tree .
Texas mountain laurel wreath is also a good pick if you ’re trying to effectively landscape an orbit with poor dirt . This plant will thrive in bouldered grunge that other plants wo n’t tolerate . However , keep in mind that it tend to grow slowly in soil of any type .
Turk ’s Cap
Since Texas is n’t a body politic particularly known for tone , many of the native shrubs on the list prefer full sun or at least partial sun . However , the vibrant Turk ’s hood ( Malvaviscus arboreusvar.drummondii ) will fly high in the specter . This works is sometimes call the “ sleeping hibiscus , ” as its bright red flowers reckon a bit like a hibiscus flower that has folded itself shut . And if you like , you could even use the fruits and blossom to make herbal tea leaf !
The Turk ’s cap is uncouth enough in Texas that you’re able to find it in most nurseries . And like many plants on the leaning , it is jolly small sustainment . But there is one crucial aspect of alimony to keep in mind : though it is a perennial , it must be cut back to the dry land in winter .
White Mistflower
You might hear the white Conoclinium coelestinum ( Ageratina havanensis ) call by a few other figure , including “ Havana blazing star ” and “ shrubby boneset . ” Its silky , mist - like white blooms appear in early Autumn . If you have sex butterfly , this is a great landscape gardening plant to choose . Its blooming time of year coincide with the migration of crowned head butterflies , so it provides much - needed nectar .
While the flowers are seasonal , the shrub itself is evergreen , making it a expectant year - round garden plant . It also does n’t grow overly freehanded ; typically , it will reach 2 - 6 ft in high spirits when fully grown . Its naturally round shape stand for you wo n’t need to do a lot of pruning .
The Best Texas Native Perennials for Landscaping
Amerind Grass
Though flowering plants are some of the most popular garden plant , interesting - looking forage are an fantabulous manner to add some change . Indian grass ( Sorghastrum nutans ) is one of the more common Great Plains prairie grasses . As you might expect from a native prairie plant , Indian grass demand full Lord’s Day to grow in good order .
lot of Indian supergrass can make a statement on either side of a private road or at the ends of a garden . Between late summertime and early fall , it grow spray of “ spine ” with tiny icteric flowers . The pot itself can also grow quite tall ; most bunches of Indian locoweed will grow to be 3 - 7 feet high !
Lemon Beebalm
If you like sweet - smell plants , lemon beebalm ( Monarda citriodora ) will be an excellent gain to your garden . If you squelch the leaves or scratch them between your finger , you ’ll reek a pleasant , mess - like perfume .
Lemon bergamot mint is a plant that looks asnice as it smells . Its pretty flowers have finespun , papery petal and appear to be stacked on the radical . The flowers themselves are pinkish or purplish , and they ’re sure to make for Apis mellifera , butterfly stroke , and hummingbirds to your lawn or garden ! And even though it grows quickly , it usually wo n’t grow grandiloquent than about three feet .
Switchgrass
If you ’re looking for a uniquely beautiful prairie grass for your landscaping project , switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum ) is a great choice . This grass can both prevent erosion and ameliorate overall filth quality , so include it may also better the health of other plants .
Switchgrass has a beautiful bluish - green color that set it aside from many landscaping grasses . But its seed capitulum is especially lovely , too . Its many fine branches and overall purplish shape give it a hazy cast . Switchgrass can for certain get improbable , as it can reach over eight infantry .
Wild Petunia
Many of the native plants on the list have at least some academic degree of summit . But if you ’re looking for a pretty ground cover , look no further than untamed petunia ( Ruellia nudiflora ) . Though it depend like one , this plant is not an actual genus Petunia . But its finespun , pale empurpled flowers will certainly liven up your garden all give and summer .
If you take a potted plant life or two for a porch or overhang , the wild petunia work well . It ’s small enough to do well as a container plant . It will usually do well even in slightly ironical grime , as it ’s naturally come up in relatively moist parts of the Sonoran Desert .
Yucca
There are many coinage of plant in theYuccagenus . Many of them are very democratic landscape painting plant in hot , dry sphere . They have rosette - like shapes of precipitous , pointed leave-taking , as well as a tall , central spray covered in flower .
Some landscapers choose to capitalise on the spectacular nature of the yucca plant and order it alongside cordylines and phormiums , two other landscape painting plant with striking , pointed folio . Even a duo of yucca plants will make a statement . But if you want , you may also use them to make a hedge or border .
Little Bluestem
If you ’re concerned in landscape painting grasses but have find most species to be too tall , little blustem ( Schizachyrium scoparium ) is a great option . Even when it ’s full grown , it does n’t reach more than 2.5 - 3 feet improbable . When it blooms in summer , the seed head at the tops of the blades maturate clean astray , making the plant look a snatch like a Calluna vulgaris .
There are plenty of effective ways to use little bluestem and similar grasses . you’re able to plant them behind shorter plants to create a backdrop , or you’re able to plant them along fencelines . Some landscape architect also care to create small , prairie - corresponding while with little bluestem and several types of native flowers .
Black - Eyed Susan
The disgraceful - eyed Susan ( Rudbeckia hirta ) may be the nation flower of Maryland , but it ’s also native to Texas . When the black - eyed Susan heyday , it create a blanket of brightly bright blossom . These flowers are great for pull butterflies , and they ’re also an first-class selection if you prefer admit wildflowers in your garden .
Like many wild flower , the black - eyed Susan does n’t need much maintenance at all . All you need to do is remove dead flowers so young ones can grow back quickly .
Crossvine
The correct pick of vine can really bring a landscape together . And crossvine ( Bignonia capreolata ) is an excellent choice . Its flowers are whizz - shaped and usually cherry-red , yellow , and/or orange . However , there are many cultivated varieties made specifically for landscape gardening . Its parting are unique and beautiful too : in winter , they are so sorry green that they come along intimately regal .
This climbing vine is the perfect choice for treillage or garden walls . It can climb up to 50 foot , so if you only require it to treat a small fortune of your garden , be sure to regularly trim it !
Dwarf Palmetto
The dwarf palmetto ( Sabal minor ) is a small palm perfect for use in landscaping . Much like the yucca plant , it can bring a lot of visual pastime to a landscape with its pennant of pointed leaves .
This little plant can thrive in a range of different habitat types , and it ’s remarkably frigid - hardy for a palm . It will do well in both shade and full sunlight , so it ’s a great alternative if you desire a striking ornamental plant life that ’s still low - maintenance .
Prickly Pear
The term “ waspish pear tree ” refer to any of the cactus in theOpuntiagenus . Its comparatively monotone , barbed “ pad ” create some real visual interest in any landscape painting , especially in desert or desert - like clime . Depending on the exact species you choose , prickly pear cacti can mature unsloped or blow up to the side .
These cacti also will tote up a salvo of color when they loom . Many of them will grow a single peak at the top of each pad . The flowers come in many different colors , but many of them are pink , yellowed , or purpleness . Even the color of the pad varies pretty between species : some are more blue - leafy vegetable than light-green .
