In north Texas, full-sun gardens are ideal for daylilies, oxblood lilies, Crape myrtle, and Aucuba japonica. Read on for more information about these plants and how to plant them in your landscape. Once you know what plants thrive in North Texas, you’ll be on your way to a beautiful landscape. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Daylilies
As daylilies thrive in north Texas full sun, they require moderate amounts of water. They need little fertilizer, and their heavy leaves serve as mulch once established. In winter, they do not require any water, but the soil should remain moist, and a light mulch will protect them from deer. To keep your daylilies looking their best in the winter, divide the clumps once they finish flowering in the early fall.
While daylilies are known as one of the most versatile flowering plants, they do require adequate water and fertilization in order to thrive. Daylilies thrive best in six hours of direct sunlight and ample water. Achieving the proper balance will reward you with maximum flowering on each bloom scape, annual multiplication of fans, and the size of reblooms depending on variety.
To plant a daylily, dig a hole at least twice as wide as the plant’s roots. Then, fill the hole with soil and water it well. If the soil is heavy, add some compost, wood chips, or manure. Do not leave the roots in water, as they may be damaged. To plant a daylily, simply place the bulb in a hole that is twice as wide as the plant’s roots.
When planting daylilies, remember to water regularly. Watering during nighttime may cause leaf-streak fungus and rust fungus. While these diseases are generally harmless, they can cause havoc in your garden. If you want to control pests and fungi, you may want to invest in insecticides. As long as your daylilies get ample water during the day, they won’t need much water.
Oxblood lilies
Oxblood lilies are native to the south and east of Texas, but have recently been seen growing in parts of Florida and California. These gorgeous blooms attract hummingbirds and other pollinators to gardens. In the tropics, they grow in southern Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. They are hardy, growing in full sun to part shade. Their deep red, scented flowers appear on 12-inch stems in early spring.
Oxblood lilies are best planted in full sun and partial shade. The bulbs are available in late spring and early fall. They are best planted three to four inches deep and spaced eight inches apart. Oxblood lilies are a hardy plant, and can withstand a wide range of soil conditions. They are easy to grow, even in shade.
Oxblood lilies can be propagated by division, tubers, corbs, and bulbs. They do best in early spring or late fall, but you can also direct-sow rhizomes and bulbs at any time of year. Once they have flowered, they will continue to bloom. But if you’ve already planted them, you may want to consider division in order to keep them thriving in your garden.
Another perennial flower you should consider is the pass-a-long crinum lily. This plant looks like a lily, but it’s actually related to a spider or a crinum lily. It is part of the amaryllis family, which is best known for its hardy, long-lived perennials. However, unlike lilies, it has little to do with the region in Texas.
Aucuba japonica
If you live in North Texas, you may wonder if there’s a plant that can grow in full sunlight. A popular variety is Aucuba japonica. This tree can tolerate both full and partial shade and is easy to care for. The plant’s foliage is glossy green with yellow variegation, and the female plants produce red berries. It can grow to six feet tall and spread outward.
Japanese Aucuba will grow to be about eight feet tall and wide, depending on where it is planted. Because of its low canopy, it is easy to plant under power lines. This plant can live for up to 20 years with the proper conditions. The Japanese Aucuba will not die from heat, and it will thrive in the shade. It will need a moderate amount of water and sunlight to reach maturity.
The traditional tea olive is an excellent choice for the shade garden. It grows tall and has aromatic leaves. The dwarf variety, Goshiki osmanthus, has yellow-variety leaves. Another popular choice is Aucuba japonica. Its mounded form makes it perfect for shady locations. It’s also very drought-tolerant and can be transplanted and propagated. The flowers of the sage are fragrant year-round and attract butterflies and other pollinators.
Crape myrtle
The most important factor in choosing a crape myrtle for your landscape is its color. Some varieties have bi-colored flowers, while others are solid pink. Decide how high you want the tree to grow, as the color of the blossoms will vary based on how stressed the tree is. The more sun the crape myrtle gets, the better.
A reputable nursery will carry a variety of crape myrtles suited to your hardiness zone. Rather than settling for a clumpy plant that requires a lot of maintenance, choose a commonly available variety. These varieties are superior to older, less reliable cultivars. Aside from size, color is also a big consideration. Choose one with a wide range of colors and you’ll have minimal pruning problems.
When buying a crape myrtle plant, be sure to check the tree for damage and make sure it is in good shape. You can then water the soil and set the pot in a shady area. It will grow quickly and bloom from June to October. If you don’t have full sun, consider adding Crapemyrtle Food to promote flowering.
If you’re looking for the most colorful and adaptable shrub for your landscape, look no further than a Crape Myrtle. This showy evergreen tree will explode with vibrant spring blooms and a deep red or yellow fall foliage. Its unique habit of adjusting to its surroundings makes it a favorite for public gardens and medians. They are also fast growing, drought-tolerant, and mildew-resistant.
Flame acanthus
A native shrub that grows five to four feet, Flame Acanthus has a dazzling display of orange and red flowers. It is commonly called the Hummingbird Bush and blooms from midsummer to frost. In cold weather, the plants die back to the ground but will re-emerge from the ground in spring. Unlike some perennials, this one has few known pest or disease problems.
Typically planted in full sun, flame acanthus grows about four to six feet tall and a width of approximately four feet. Planting it in this location will ensure the plants grow to their full potential. The flowers of this perennial will attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other nectar-collecting insects. It is a good plant for landscapes, patios, and pools.
In Texas, the most effective plant for full sun is the Mexican Flame. This native shrub grows up to four feet tall and can be divided by its roots. It is root-hardy to the Dallas/Fort Worth and I-20 corridors. It requires less water than the others but is equally attractive. Its small, lanceolate leaves are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.
Yarrow
Yarrow is one of the best plants for northern Texas, but it can grow in partial shade and needs to be staked. The best part about yarrow is that it grows quickly and does not require much maintenance. However, it needs good drainage and a good amount of sun to thrive. It is not suitable for rocky soil, but does well in poorer soil. It grows well in clay and prefers a hot, dry climate, but it can tolerate some shade as long as the soil is loose.
The flowers of yarrow are stunning and are often used as a ground cover in sunny meadows. This perennial plant is known to repel herbivores, and its roots pull up essential nutrients from the soil. It is also useful for the surrounding plants. Low-growing varieties of yarrow are perfect for sunny meadows or as a ground cover. And since yarrow is drought tolerant, they can grow in even the hottest part of Texas.
Common yarrow, also known as milfoil, has white flowers and can reach up to three feet in height. The plant has silvery-gray foliage and grows in a variety of soils. It can be divided every two years to increase the number of plants you can grow. Yarrow is a great plant for north Texas full sun gardens. It can tolerate heat and dry soil, and its foliage is deer-resistant.