Texas Sage, commonly known by other names as Cenizo, Texas Ranger, or Barometer Bush, is a well-known native shrub often used in Texas commercial and residential landscapes. Texas Sage is evergreen and typically needs full sun to look its best. Texas Sage has very unique silver-gray velvet textured leaves and…
Muhlenbergia capillaris, most commonly known as Gulf Muhly, Pink Muhly, or Hair Grass, is a hardy ornamental grass native to Texas and most of the United States; however, it grows most successfully in zones 8-11. Gulf Muhly grows only to 3 foot tall and wide, and it has a wide…
Salvia greggii, commonly known as Autumn Sage, is a small woody perennial that is often used commercially in Texas and is found in zones 5-9. This perennial can grow 2-3 feet tall and wide and is easy to grow as it is heat and drought tolerant and considered a native…
Varieties of Helianthus are my favorite summer flowering plants. If you are not known for your green thumb, then this may soon become your favorite garden flower as well. The Mammoth Sunflower is a particularly interesting variety as it will grow over 10 feet tall with flower centers reaching over…
Many Texans have heard of the terms Texas ‘natives’ and ‘superstar’ plants for Texas but have no idea which plants they are referring to. The “Texas Superstar” plants are those that have been tested by researchers from Texas A&M University to see which varieties perform best in the extreme weather of…
Vitex agnus-castus, otherwise known as Chaste Tree or Monk’s Pepper, is a popular tree in Texas especially in residential areas, municipal medians, and parks. This deciduous tree can grow anywhere from 12 to 20 feet tall and will grow well in full sun from zones 6-9. Some of the cultivars…
Rubus fruticosus, commonly known as the Blackberry shrub, naturally grows throughout the UK. Other species that are more naturalized in North America, include the Rubus laciniatus and Rubus armeniacus. This deciduous perennial shrub can be planted in full sun, and the fruiting canes are best managed along a fence line. Even…
Manihot esculenta ‘Variegata,’ more often known as Variegated Tapioca, is a unique tropical annual to southern Texas perennial and classified as a Texas Superstar by the Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension office. You can expect this plant to reach 4’-6’ tall and wide and have a naturally sprawling…
Passiflora spp., more often known as the Passionflower Vine, is known for its stunning and unique flowers. You can find this semi-evergreen perennial vine from zones 6-11, and it should be planted in full sun. Tendrils allow this vine to climb, and once established, the Passionflower Vine may be difficult…
Hibiscus coccineus, more often known as Texas Star Hibiscus, is a Texas ‘Super Star’ and perennial shrub many have not given a chance. You can expect this plant to reach anywhere from 3′ to 8.’ This perennial dies back to the ground in the winter, grows from zone 6a to…