Appropriate plant selection

Select tress, shrubs and groundcovers based on their adaptability to your region's soil and climate. Texas has an abundance of beautiful native plants, which are adapted to the region. Most have lower water demands, fewer pest problems and needs less fertilizer than many non-adapted, exotic plants brought into Texas landscapes.

Three examples of perennial native plants are shown below.

BLACKFOOT DAISY GREGG’S MISTFLOWER PIGEON-BERRY
Height: 6 to 18 inches Height: 12 to 36 inches Height: 12 to 36 inches
Bloom Time: April to October Bloom Time: May to October Bloom Time: May to October
Perennial Perennial Perennial
Sun to Dappled Shade Sun Dappled Shade, Shade
Kerr County Native Texas Hill Country Native Kerr County Native
This compact, low plant is excellent for rock gardens or as a border in raised beds. This wildflower is one of the best nectar plants for butterflies, especially the Gulf Fritillaries. It does spread by rhizomes. Unwanted plants are easy to remove. The plant will die back in the winter but begins to return in mid February. It can tolerate a variety of soils. Removing the spent blooms will prolong the bloom period. This open semi-woody plant can be used as an understory plant. It is often considered a ground cover. Its berries occur right along with its blooms; both being quite delicate. In drought conditions, it will need supplemental watering and may lose its leaves which will return with the fall rains.
Photographer: Betty Gardner Photographer: Priscilla Stanley Photographer: Bill Lindemann