Bat-faced Cuphea     Cuphea llavea

USE: Colorful perennial
EXPOSURE: Full sun; part shade
WATER: Low; drought tolerant
BLOOM PERIOD: Late spring to fall
HEIGHT: 2' - 3'     WIDTH: 3'

COMMENTS: Unique color arrangement on bloom gives this plant its name; easy to grow; no major pests or diseases

Bicolor Iris     Dietes bicolor

USE: Drought tolerant perennial plant, attractive to bees and butterflies
EXPOSURE: Sun; part shade
WATER: Low
BLOOM PERIOD:  Spring to early summer, flowers creamy yellow with markings
HEIGHT:  4'   WIDTH: 2' - 3'

COMMENTS: Deer resistant; forms clumps of long, narrow, iris-like foliage; well adapted to Texas

 Bird of Paradise, Yellow     Caesalpinia gilliesii

USE: Very attractive ornamental specimen
EXPOSURE: Full sun for best flowering
WATER: Needs adequate moisture
BLOOM PERIOD: Late spring to fall
HEIGHT:  4' - 5'    WIDTH: 2' - 3'

COMMENTS: Highly deer resistant; does best when grown in rich, loamy soil with good drainage; remove frost damage or prune to ground in late winter; fertilize before new growth begins in spring and every three months during the growing season

Blackfoot Daisy     Melampodium leucanthum

USE: Evergreen Texas native
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: Very low water usage
BLOOM PERIOD: Spring to frost
HEIGHT: 6" - 12"     WIDTH:12"

COMMENTS: Excellent for rock gardens; small daisy-like blooms all spring and summer; self-sows; deer resistant; prune back when gets leggy

Bulbine     Bulbine frutescens

USE: Evergreen clump-forming succulent with delicate, unusual flower spikes, useful in xeric, rock and cactus gardens
EXPOSURE: Sun
WATER: Very low
BLOOM PERIOD: Spring through summer; yellow and orange flowering selections available.
HEIGHT: 1' - 2'     WIDTH: 3' - 4'

COMMENTS: Cylindrical, fleshy leaves, usually upright; plants spread by rhizomes; trim old bloom stalks as they decline; native to South Africa; treat as annual in unprotected areas during severe cold

Bur Oak     Quercus macrocarpa

USE: Tough, deciduous shade tree
EXPOSURE: Sun
WATER: Very low
BLOOM PERIOD: N/A
HEIGHT/WIDTH: Can exceed 100'

COMMENTS: Drought tolerant, long-lived and moderate growth rate;  exhibits nice fall color; produces golf-ball sized acorns; good butterfly larvae plant; native to Texas
 

 Burford Holly     Ilex cornuta 'Dwarf Burford'

USE: Evergreen shrub or hedge; can be pruned to small tree
EXPOSURE: Sun/part shade
WATER: Low; drought tolerant
BLOOM PERIOD: Blooms small creamy white flowers in spring; attracts bees
HEIGHT/WIDTH: 4' - 6'    

COMMENTS: Bright red berries in fall attract birds; glossy evergreen leaves with pointed tips

Bush Morning Glory     Ipomoea carnea

USE: Tender perennial
EXPOSURE: Full sun or part shade
WATER: Low: drought tolerant
BLOOM PERIOD: Spring through summer
HEIGHT: 8' - 10'     WIDTH: 3' - 6''

COMMENTS: Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees; large flowers that bloom repeatedly; blooms fade as the sun warms; available in pink, violet/lavender, or white

Butterfly Bush     Buddleia davidii

USE: Perennial
EXPOSURE: Full sun or light shade
WATER: Moderate to regular; blooms best with medium water usage
BLOOM PERIOD: Spring, summer, fall
HEIGHT: 3' - 8'    WIDTH: 4' - 6'

COMMENTS: Attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds; shear back after blooms fade to encourage more blooming; then in spring, prune severely to preserve a shrub-like shape

'Cecile Brunner' Climbing Rose     Rosa 'Cecile Brunner'

USE:  Adapted plant, almost thornless; fragrant flowers for cutting
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: Regularly to establish; sporadically in extreme heat
BLOOM PERIOD: Spring; sporadically in summer
HEIGHT/WIDTH: 10' - 20'

COMMENTS: Needs strong support; small, delicately pointed buds open to fragrant, light pink, double blooms in large sprays

 Cedar Sage     Salvia roemeriana

USE: Perennial with scalloped, round, fuzzy leaves and red flowers
EXPOSURE: Shade; part shade
WATER: Low
BLOOM PERIOD: March to August; 2 to 3 inch red flower spikes lasting 4 - 6 weeks
HEIGHT/WIDTH: 1' - 2'

COMMENTS: Likes well-drained soil; good ground cover plant under Ashe juniper; very deer resistant; native to Texas

 Century Plant     Agave Americana

USE: Dramatic evergreen ornamental; native to Mexico
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: Low water usage
BLOOM PERIOD: Doesn’t bloom until decade or so old (not a century!), then plant dies
HEIGHT: 4' - 8’     WIDTH: 6' - 12’

COMMENTS: Give it plenty of room, away from pedestrian traffic; use extreme care when working around it; can be poisonous

 Chile Pequin     Capsicum annuum

USE: Prized hot pepper, both ornamental and edible (HOT)
EXPOSURE: Sun/part shade
WATER: Likes moist soil
BLOOM PERIOD: Lovely white flowers; green pepper appears after flower drops; turns red as matures; May through October
HEIGHT/WIDTH: 1' - 3'

COMMENTS: Very deer resistant; beautiful in mass plantings; birds love the peppers; native to Texas

Copper Canyon Daisy     Tagetes lemmonii

USE: Perennial shrub
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: Low; needs well-drained soil
BLOOM PERIOD: During short-day seasons - spring & fall
HEIGHT: 4'     WIDTH: 4'

COMMENTS: Likes caliche soil; good companion plant to Mexican Bush Sage and Fall Aster; extremely deer-resistant

 Coral Honeysuckle     Lonicera sempervirens

USE: Great vine for pergolas, trellises; flowers attract hummingbirds; berries attract birds
EXPOSURE: Sun/part shade
WATER: Low to medium
BLOOM PERIOD: Low to medium
HEIGHT: 16’    WIDTH: 6' - 12’

COMMENTS: Semi-evergreen; coral tubular flowers; will thrive in various soils; prune to direct and control growth; tamer vine suitable for smaller structures

Coreopsis   Coreopsis lanceleolata

Use: Herbaceous perennial in Asteraceae family; bright yellow flowers May to August; plant forms neat clumps
Exposure: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Bloom Period: May to August
Height/Width: 1' - 2'

Comments: Deadhead old blooms for repeat flowering; deer resistant; attracts butterflies; large-flowered native is commonly known as tickseed

Crossvine     Bignonia capreolata

USE: Native, high-climbing flowering vine
EXPOSURE: Full sun to part shade; blooms best in full sun
WATER: Tolerates low water; grows more in moist soil
BLOOM PERIOD: 2 - 3 weeks in spring
HEIGHT: 35' - 50' (can reach 70' in some areas)     WIDTH: 5' - 9'

COMMENTS:  Brick-red and yellow trumpet shaped flowers; evergreen; profuse flowering during short bloom time that coincides with hummingbird migration; tendrils have little claws that allow vine to climb on walls and fences without support

Culinary Sage     Salvia officinalis

USE: Use leaves for meat, poultry, fish, stews; attracts butterflies
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: Requires well-drained soil
BLOOM PERIOD: Late spring
HEIGHT: 18" - 36”     WIDTH: 2' - 3'   

COMMENTS: Perennial shrub-like plant with gray-green leaves and purple flowers; harvest leaves when flowering begins; tolerates shallow, rocky soil; deer resistant; replace after 3 or 4 years when plant becomes woody

Duranta/Sky Flower     Duranta erecta

USE: Perennial shrub or small tree; must be treated as annual root-hardy perennial from south central Texas and north
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: Medium
BLOOM PERIOD: Summer
HEIGHT: 4' - 5'    WIDTH: 4' - 5'

COMMENTS: Glossy green leaves with dangling blue flowers are followed by berry-like yellow fruit

Esperanza, Yellow Bells     Tecoma stans

USE: Deciduous perennial
EXPOSURE: Full sun; heat tolerant
WATER: Low to medium
BLOOM PERIOD: Spring through fall
HEIGHT: 4' - 8'     WIDTH: 4' - 6'

COMMENTS: Very showy blooms; remove seed pods as they develop to maximize blooming; cut back and mulch during winter; not always winter-hardy; some report that it is deer-resistant, others report it is not

Fall Aster     Aster oblongifolium

USE: Evergreen perennial
EXPOSURE: Full sun to partial shade
WATER: Low water usage
BLOOM PERIOD: In fall for about 3 weeks
HEIGHT: 2' - 3'     WIDTH: 3'

COMMENTS: Attracts butterflies; deer-resistant; spectacular while in bloom

Firebush   Hamelia patens

USE: Perennial in the southern half of the state; large bush or small tree
EXPOSURE: Full sun to part shade
WATER: Low
BLOOM PERIOD: Showy red-orange, tubular flowers in a 4’ - 5’ mound in summer until frost
HEIGHT: 3' - 8'   WIDTH: 5' - 7'

COMMENTS: Nectar source for Black Swallowtail, Zebra Longwing, hummingbirds; requires well-drained soil; foliage bright red before it freezes back; re-sprouts in spring; drought tolerant; deer resistant

 Flame Acanthus   Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii

USE: Airy perennial shrub with small flame-like blooms native to Texas
EXPOSURE: Full sun/partial shade
WATER: Very low; extremely drought-tolerant
BLOOM PERIOD: Summer to fall
HEIGHT/ WIDTH: 3 - 4'    

COMMENTS: Very deer resistant; attracts hummingbirds and butterflies; cut back by half each spring; reseeds prolifically

 Flat-Leaf Parsley     Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum

USE: Culinary herb with aromatic foliage; attractive to bees and butterflies; larval host for swallowtails
EXPOSURE: Sun to part shade
WATER: Medium
BLOOM PERIOD: Late winter to early spring
HEIGHT: 18" - 24”    WIDTH: 12" - 24"

COMMENTS: Biennial if bloom stalks are cut at emergence from the crown of the plant; often grown as annual; does not like extreme heat; does well in containers or garden; likes richer, moister soil

Flowering Senna     Cassia corymbosa

USE: Semi-evergreen shrub or small tree
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: Low to medium
BLOOM PERIOD: Summer and fall with showy yellow flowers
HEIGHT: 4' - 8'    WIDTH: 4' - 8'

COMMENTS: Very deer resistant; dangling green/brown seed pods; protect in extremely cold weather

 Four Nerve Daisy   Tetraneuris scaposa

USE: Low-growing dainty yellow daisy with grass-like evergreen foliage
EXPOSURE: Sun to part shade
WATER: Low water usage; needs good drainage
BLOOM PERIOD: March through October
HEIGHT: 1'     WIDTH: 1' - 2'

COMMENTS: Deer resistant; attracts butterflies; good plant for rock gardens and borders

Garlic Chives   Allium tuberosum

USE: Leaves can be used as a mild garlic seasoning when added fresh before serving; flowers are edible; used in fresh and dried flower arrangements; small clumps make attractive borders
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: Low
BLOOM PERIOD: August - September
HEIGHT: 18"     WIDTH: 6"

COMMENTS: Prefer light, rich, moist soil; prune blooms to promote growth of new leaves; cut back leaves frequently to promote thick growth; divide established plants every third year; deer resistant

 Greek Oregano     Origanum vulgare hirtum

USE: Culinary herb in mint family; sometimes called Italian oregano; grown for its leaves; can be dried or frozen
EXPOSURE: Prefers full sun; some afternoon shade in summer heat;
WATER: Water weekly/bi-weekly during dry periods; prefers well-drained soil; withstands droughts very well
BLOOM PERIOD: Small white flowers in summer
HEIGHT: 1' - 2'    SPACING: 10" - 12"

COMMENTS: Hardy perennial; for containers or garden; average soil; do not fertilize or will be flavorless; harvest young leaves in morning when the oils are strongest; cut flower buds to prevent bitter flavor

Gregg's Mistflower     Conoclinium greggii

USE: Flowering plant that attracts butterflies in great numbers
EXPOSURE: Full sun to partial shade
WATER: Moderate
BLOOM PERIOD: Late spring to frost
HEIGHT: 1' - 2'    WIDTH: Spreading

COMMENTS: Can be invasive, but easily divided and shared; keep contained if necessary

Gulf Muhly     Muhlenbergia capillaris

USE: Native, deciduous ornamental grass
EXPOSURE: Sun to part shade
WATER: Low to moderate water; heat and drought tolerant
BLOOM PERIOD: August through November
HEIGHT: 2' - 4'   WIDTH: 2' - 4'

COMMENTS: Striking pink, feathery seed heads attract birds; extremely deer resistant

 Hyacinth Bean Vine     Dolichos lablab

USE: Great annual vine for pergolas, trellises, fences; attracts butterflies
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: Average, but regular
BLOOM PERIOD: Mid-summer to early fall; showy seeds pods in fall
HEIGHT: 10' - 15'    WIDTH: 3' - 6'

COMMENTS: Purple flowers followed by showy purple seedpods; plant seed after all danger of frost has passed; often reseeds in spring; fast-growing; needs strong support; dies with first freeze; raw bean seeds are poisonous; must be boiled for long time to be safe to eat

Indigo Spires Sage     Salvia 'Indigo Spires'

USE: Tender perennial
EXPOSURE: Full sun to partial shade
WATER: Low to medium
BLOOM PERIOD: Blue-purple spikes continuously spring to frost
HEIGHT: 3' - 4'    WIDTH: 4' - 5'

COMMENTS: Shear back by 1/3 in mid-summer; allow room to sprawl; extremely deer resistant

Jerusalem Sage     Phlomis fruticosa

USE: Evergreen perennial
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: Low
BLOOM PERIOD: Yellow blooms spring and summer
HEIGHT: 2' - 3'   WIDTH: 3' - 4'

COMMENTS: Easy to grow; deer resistant; remove spent blooms to encourage more blooms

Lamb's Ear     Stachys byzantine

USE: Low growing spreader for dry areas
EXPOSURE: Dappled shade
WATER: Low water, poor soil
BLOOM PERIOD: 12-inch purple spikes in spring
HEIGHT: 6" - 8"    WIDTH: 12"

COMMENTS: Grown primarily for fuzzy, pale grey-green foliage; often recommended for children’s gardens because of soft feel; do not water from above as leaves will rot; deer resistant; native to Turkey, Armenia, Iran

Lantana, common     Lantana camara

USE: Evergreen, flowering shrub
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: Drought and heat tolerant
BLOOM PERIOD: Spring to frost
HEIGHT: 3' - 4'    WIDTH: 1' - 3'

COMMENTS: Low maintenance and Texas tough in any well-drained soil; regular fertilization creates more blooms; deer-resistant; will die back and return in late spring when soil has warmed; attracts butterflies

Lantana 'New Gold'     Lantana x hybrida 'New Gold'

USE: Flowering shrub
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: Drought and heat tolerant
BLOOM PERIOD: Late spring to frost
HEIGHT: 1' - 3'    WIDTH: 1' - 4'

COMMENTS: As name implies, deep gold blooms; trailing and is usually evergreen though can die back

 Lavender 'Provence'     Lavandula x intermedia 'Provence'

USE: Fragrant; valued for scent; good cut or dried flowers; attracts butterflies and bees
EXPOSURE: Thrives in warm climates and full sun
WATER: Drought tolerant; needs well-drained soil
BLOOM PERIOD: Light lavender spikes early to late summer
HEIGHT: 1' - 2'    WIDTH: 2' - 3'

COMMENTS: Takes about 3 years for lavender to reach full size; mulch and protect in winter; prune after flowering to keep neat and compact; deer resistant

 Lavender 'Spanish'     Lavandula stoechas

USE: Fragrant; various culinary uses; good cut or dried flowers; attracts butterflies and bees
EXPOSURE: Thrives in warm climates and full sun
WATER: Drought tolerant; needs well-drained soil
BLOOM PERIOD: Lavender-to-purple spikes early to late summer
HEIGHT/WIDTH: 18" - 24"

COMMENTS: Takes about 3 years for lavender to reach full size; mulch and protect in winter; prune after flowering to keep neat and compact; deer resistant

Leadwort Plumbago     Ceratostigma plumbaginoides

USE: Groundcover; adds great color; will grow in rock garden, between rocks in a wall or on a difficult-to-landscape bank
EXPOSURE: Sun to partial shade
WATER: Moderately moist, well-drained soil; fairly drought tolerant once established
BLOOM PERIOD: Summer
HEIGHT: 6" - 12”      SPREAD: 3' - 5'

COMMENTS: Dark-green leaves; clusters of bright blue flowers; fall color is bronze-red; semi-evergreen in zone 9; can cut back in February to produce fresh foliage; deer resistant 

Lindheimer Muhly     Muhlenbergia lindheimeri

USE: Ornamental grass; pink fading to tan; feather-like seed heads attractive to birds
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: Low to moderate water usage
BLOOM PERIOD: Fall
HEIGHT/WIDTH: 3' - 4’

COMMENTS: Extremely deer resistant; native

Maiden Grass     Miscanthus sinensis

USE: Ornamental Grass
EXPOSURE: Sun
WATER: Low
BLOOM PERIOD: Winter
HEIGHT: 3' - 4'   WIDTH: 3' - 4'

COMMENTS: Many cultivars of Miscanthus sinensis; old foliage should be cut back to the ground at end of winter before new growth starts

Maiden Grass (Varigated)    Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus'

USE: Ornamental Grass
EXPOSURE: Sun
WATER: Low
BLOOM PERIOD: Winter
HEIGHT: 3' - 4'   WIDTH: 3' - 4'

COMMENTS: Many cultivars of Miscanthus sinensis; old foliage should be cut back to the ground at end of winter before new growth starts

Mealy Blue Sage     Salvia farinacea

USE: Native, perennial plant
EXPOSURE: Sun/part shade
WATER: Low; loves thin limestone soil
BLOOM PERIOD: Three to nine-inch flower spikes bloom April to frost,
HEIGHT/WIDTH: 2' - 3' feet

COMMENTS: Available in bright blue, purple-blue and white; excellent in flower beds or patio pots; silver fuzz on stems and leaves gives it the “mealy” name; deer resistant

Mexican Bush Sage     Salvia leucantha

USE: Perennial
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: Extremely drought tolerant; needs well-drained soil
BLOOM PERIOD: Purple and while flowers summer and fall
HEIGHT: 3' - 5'   WIDTH: 3' - 5'

COMMENTS: Prune back to six inches after first frost; deer-resistant; good, reliable bloomer throughout the summer; a harder-to-find variety features solid purple blooms

Mexican Feather Grass     Nassella tenuissima

USE: Perennial ornamental grass
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: After established, survives on natural rainfall
BLOOM PERIOD: Leaves are silky green in spring and buff-colored in fall
HEIGHT: 1' - 2'     WIDTH: 1' - 2'

COMMENTS: Does well in high PH soil; good for natural or rock gardens; shear in late winter for fuller growth

Mexican Mint Marigold     Tagetes lucida

USE: Flowering culinary herb often substituted for tarragon
EXPOSURE: Full sun to partial shade
WATER: Low; heat and drought tolerant
BLOOM PERIOD: Late summer, early fall
HEIGHT: 2' - 3'    WIDTH: 2' - 3'

COMMENTS: Very deer-resistant; many gardeners grow it just for the flowers; fragrant

Mexican Oregano     Poliomintha longiflora

USE: Evergreen low shrub
EXPOSURE: Full sun to partial shade
WATER: Low; drought and heat tolerant
BLOOM PERIOD: Summer to fall
HEIGHT: 3' - 4'    WIDTH: 4'

COMMENTS: Leaves are edible; can be used in place of oregano; will sprawl if not pruned; cut back to half after first bloom and cut to six inches after frost browns the leaves

Mexican Petunia, Dwarf     Ruellia brittoniana

USE: Flowering shrub
EXPOSURE: Full sun to partial shade
WATER: Moderate
BLOOM PERIOD: Late spring to frost
HEIGHT: 2'     WIDTH: 3'

COMMENTS: Blue, pink, and white bloom varieties; can be invasive; keep contained

Mountain Laurel, Texas   Sophora secundiflora

USE: Specimen plant in landscape; evergreen; densely flowered racemes of lavender to violet flowers that attract bees
EXPOSURE: Sun to part shade
WATER: Very low; drought- resistant after established
BLOOM PERIOD: Spring
HEIGHT: 10' - 20’   WIDTH: 8' - 12'
 
COMMENTS: Native to Texas; showy flowers with strong grape bubble gum fragrance; propagate from seed; poisonous seeds; needs good drainage; occasional caterpillar problem; slow grower; prune for shape only or to raise canopy; deer resistant

Mule Pinks     Dianthus barbatus x caryophyllus

USE: Great evergreen edging plant with attractive dark blue-green foliage and brilliant pink, clove-scented flowers
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: Average water needs; water regularly, but do not over-water
BLOOM PERIOD: Early spring - mid-spring
HEIGHT: 12" - 18"    SPACING: 9" - 12"

COMMENTS: Hard-to-find, "historic" perennial related to the carnation; flowers are sterile thus the name "mule"; propagate by dividing the root ball

Mystic Spires Salvia     Salvia longispicata X farinacea  'Mystic Spires Blue'

USE: Perennial; mixed garden plantings
EXPOSURE: Full sun to part shade
WATER: Low- to-medium water usage
BLOOM PERIOD:
HEIGHT: 18" - 36”   WIDTH: 2' - 3’

COMMENTS: Slightly smaller variety of Indigo Spires;, bluish-purple blooms; naturally compact and well-branched; prune back to 6” during late winter/early spring and again by 1/3 in mid-summer; extremely deer-resistant

Obedient Plant     Physostegia angustifolia

USE: Flowering perennial
EXPOSURE: Sun or shade
WATER: Moderate
BLOOM PERIOD: Summer to fall
HEIGHT: 2' - 3'    WIDTH: 12"

COMMENTS: Cut back after flowering; in fertile areas divide every two years to prevent becoming invasive; individual flowers stems may be twisted and remain as arranged

Peach Tree, Harvester     Prunus persica 'Harvester'

USE: Adapted, freestone variety
EXPOSURE: Sun/full sun
WATER: Normal to moist
BLOOM PERIOD: Blooms mid-spring
HEIGHT/WIDTH: 15' - 30'

COMMENTS: Most adaptable of all fruit trees for home gardens; bears first crop after 3 to 4 years; harvest from late June to early August

Pink Skullcap     Scutellaria suffrutescens 'Texas Rose'

USE: Adapted; xeric; leaves are bright green; flowers are bright pink
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: Drought tolerant; needs well-drained soil
BLOOM PERIOD: Spring through fall
HEIGHT: 6" - 12"     WIDTH: 12" - 18"

COMMENTS: Good in rock gardens, raised beds, front of bed as border; trouble-free; shear when needed; deer resistant

Pomegranate, Ornamental     Punica granatum 'Double Red'

USE: Ornamental deciduous shrub
EXPOSURE: Sun/part shade
WATER: Low
BLOOM PERIOD: Spring to fall
HEIGHT: 5' - 10'     WIDTH: 4' - 6'

COMMENTS: Ornamental varieties bear insignificant, tart fruits; double blossoms resemble carnations; flowers on new growth; prune before new growth begins in spring

Prairie Flameleaf Sumac     Rhus lanceolata

USE: Native, large shrub, small tree
EXPOSURE: Sun
WATER: Low water, heat tolerant
BLOOM PERIOD: Summer
HEIGHT: Up to 30'     WIDTH: Up to 20'

COMMENTS: Deciduous; leaves are vivid red in fall; requires neutral to alkaline soil

Rose Geranium ‘Old Fashioned Rose’     Pelargonium graveolens ‘Old Fashioned’

USE:  Xeriscape; grown for its rose scent; used in sugars, jellies, desserts; in potpourris, sachets, flower arrangements; attractive to bees, butterflies and birds
EXPOSURE: Full sun to partial shade
WATER: Average water needs; do not over-water; drought tolerant
BLOOM PERIOD: Lovely blooms; but not showy
HEIGHT: 24" - 36”  WIDTH: 18" - 24"

COMMENTS: Larger varieties can tolerate winter temperatures in the upper 30s with heavy mulch; may want to over-winter in pots; cut back hard; will come back in spring; propagated from tip cuttings

Rosemary, upright or trailing     Rosmarinus officinalis

USE: Evergreen perennial
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: Moderate; does not tolerate over- or under-watering
BLOOM PERIOD: Pale blue blooms on and off all year
HEIGHT: 3' - 4'    WIDTH: 3' - 4'

COMMENTS: Many varieties with many culinary and medicinal uses; extremely deer-resistant; cut back to prevent leggy look

Ruby Grass, 'Savannah'     Melinus nerviglumis 'Savannah'

USE:  Ornamental grass for hot dry areas; low-maintenance edging plant or use in beds, containers
EXPOSURE: Full sun or part sun, but best suited to full sun
WATER: Medium water usage; well-drained soil, moist to slightly dry
BLOOM PERIOD: Fall
HEIGHT: 12" - 24"     SPACING: 10" - 18":

COMMENTS: Mauve-pink iridescent seed heads that sway above graceful blue-green foliage; will winter over in a bed that is really dry; perfect drainage a must

Russian Sage     Perovskia atriplicifolia

USE: Woody flowering shrub
EXPOSURE: Sun
WATER: Low
BLOOM PERIOD: Summer to fall
HEIGHT: 3' - 4'   WIDTH: 3' - 4'

COMMENTS: Many-stemmed clump with flower panicles at ends of stem; foliage is finely cut gray-green scented leaves; in bloom it looks like a light purple haze; cut back in early spring
 

Salad Burnet     Poterium sanguisorba

USE: Perennial culinary herb; leaves taste much like cucumber
EXPOSURE: Four to six hours sun
WATER: Dry soil is no problem
BLOOM PERIOD:  Small, purple flowers on spikes; keep the flowers cut off for best performance as culinary herb
HEIGHT/WIDTH: 12" - 18”

COMMENTS: In mild climates will grow into the winter months; comes back quickly in the spring; cut and use leaves often to keep them coming; does not dry well, but can freeze or use it in herb vinegar mixtures or salad dressings; easily grown from seed; not native; deer resistant

Salvia 'Hot Lips'     Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips'

USE: Native; flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies; can be used as flower, ground cover or hedge
EXPOSURE: Part shade/full sun
WATER: Low water, drought and heat tolerant
BLOOM PERIOD: Blooms spring through fall
HEIGHT/WIDTH: 2' - 3'

COMMENTS: Salvia is the true name for sage as leaves are aromatic; flowers are white with red "lips"; cut back in January and July to encourage blooms; deer resistant

Santolina, Green/Green Lavender Cotton     Santolina virens

USE: Aromatic, flowering bush; low mounding
EXPOSURE: Sun/part shade
WATER: Low; heat and drought tolerant
BLOOM PERIOD: Solitary, daisy-like bright yellow flowers on slender stems; mid to late summer
HEIGHT: 12" - 18"    WIDTH: 18" - 24" (sometimes wider if happy)

COMMENTS: Good edging plant; aromatic; deer resistant; native to Mediterranean; gray also available; may be short-lived (4 - 5 years)
 

Society Garlic     Tulbaghia violacea

USE: Flowering plant, herb
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: Average; do not over-water
BLOOM PERIOD: Blooms purple flowers mid-spring to mid-summer
HEIGHT: 12" - 18"    WIDTH: 12" - 18"

COMMENTS: Attractive, thin strap-like leaves; smells somewhat “skunky”; edible; used to flavor food; deer resistant; attracts bees and butterflies

Squid Agave     Agave bracteosa

USE: Cactus/Succulent suitable for containers and small garden spaces
EXPOSURE: Sun to part shade
WATER: Once established needs only occasional watering
BLOOM PERIOD: Blooms only once after about 10 to 15 years, but does not die after blooming as other agaves do; flower is pale yellow
HEIGHT: 2' - 4'      WIDTH: 2' - 3

COMMENTS: Tolerates extremes of both cold and heat though likes part shade in extreme heat

Texas Betony     Stachys coccinea ‘Ortega’

USE: Square-stemmed member of the herb family with intense fragrance makes strong show through summer
EXPOSURE: Shade to part morning sun
WATER: Drought tolerant once established
BLOOM PERIOD: Early spring until first hot weather; then again in fall
HEIGHT: 14" - 18"    SPACING: 12" - 18"

COMMENTS: Native perennial; needs well-drained soil; attracts hummingbirds; deer resistant

Texas Sage/Cenizo     Leucophyllum frutescens

USE: Evergreen shrub
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: Low
BLOOM PERIOD: Pink-purple blooms summer through fall often triggered by humidity or high soil moisture after rains
HEIGHT: 8'   WIDTH: 8'

COMMENTS: Extremely drought and heat tolerant; maintenance-free once established; must have full sun and very well-drained alkaline soil

Thryallis/Golden Showers     Galphimia glauca

USE: Shrub, container plant
EXPOSURE: Full sun to partial shade
WATER: Average; water regularly; do not over-water
BLOOM PERIOD: Blooms spring to frost; bright yellow flowers
HEIGHT: 3' - 6'   WIDTH: 3' - 6'

COMMENTS: Evergreen although it dies down in especially harsh winters; modest water requirements; extra-long blooming period; low maintenance; highly deer-resistant; non-native but adapted
 

Thyme, French          Thymus vulgaris

USE: Classic culinary thyme; perennial; can be used as border plant
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: Low; drought tolerant; dry conditions concentrate aromatic oils
BLOOM PERIOD: Pale purple, small flowers May - August
HEIGHT: 4" - 12"     WIDTH: 18"

COMMENTS: Easy-care plant; not troubled by pests or disease; cut often for use and to keep plant compact; tolerates shallow, rocky soil; deer resistant

Thyme, Lemon     Thymus x citriodorus

USE: Culinary herb with rich, lemon-scented leaves
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: Low to medium; dry conditions concentrate aromatic oils
BLOOM PERIOD: Showy pale lilac flowers in summer
HEIGHT: 6' - 12"    SPREAD: 1' - 1.5'

COMMENTS: This thyme reaches peak fragrance just before blooming; leaves can be used fresh or dried; good border plant or in rock garden

Thyme, Silver     Thymus x citriodorus 'Argenteus'

USE: Another lemon-scented culinary thyme; this one has gray-green leaves edged in silver; good contrast with green leaves of Thymus vulgaris; forms aromatic mound; good for border
EXPOSURE: Full sun
WATER: Low
BLOOM PERIOD: Lilac flowers in early summer
HEIGHT: 6" - 12"    SPREAD: 1' - 3'

COMMENTS: Fragrant, especially showy; attracts butterflies and bees; also good in herb gardens, rock gardens

Tropical Milkweed     Asclepias curassavica

USE: Host plant for the Monarch butterfly and favorite nectar source for other butterflies
EXPOSURE: Full sun/partial shade
WATER: Low water usage; drought tolerant
BLOOM PERIOD: May - September
HEIGHT/WIDTH: 1' - 2'

COMMENTS: Member of milkweed family; bushy with yellow to orange flowers; likes well-drained sandy soil; deer resistant

Winecup     Callirhoe involucrata

USE: Sprawling plant great for filling in between plants; larval host plant for Gray Hairstreak butterfly
EXPOSURE: Prefers full sun; sun or part shade
WATER: Low; water every 3 - 4 weeks if no rainfall; drought-tolerant; will go dormant in summer without supplemental water
BLOOM PERIOD: February through July
HEIGHT:   6-12”   WIDTH: 4' - 5’

COMMENTS: Perennial; likes gravel or sandy soils; grow from seed or from carrot-like tuber; deadhead to prolong the growing season; dies back in heat; trim to promote fall growth; cutback to rosette in winter

Winter Savory     Satureja montana

USE: Evergreen, culinary herb; because it is easily pruned, winter savory makes a good border plant; blooms attract bees
EXPOSURE: Full sun or part shade
WATER: Low water use; well-drained soil
BLOOM PERIOD: June to August
HEIGHT: 18”    WIDTH: 2’

COMMENTS: White to lilac small blooms; grown easily from seeds; used to flavor poultry and meat, sausage and beans; sprawling growth habit; not native

Zexmenia     Wedelia hispida

USE: Mostly evergreen Hill Country native
EXPOSURE: Full sun to partial shade
WATER: Low
BLOOM PERIOD: Spring to frost
HEIGHT: 1' - 3'    WIDTH: 1' - 2'

COMMENTS: Good xeric plant; deer-resistant; periodic shearing encourages repeat blooming