We can’t all be so lucky to have a green thumb. And even if you are an experienced gardener or landscaper, the North Texas heat is a formidable challenge. So consider adding some low-maintenance options that will survive the scorching temps to come. Not sure what to choose? Take advice from Mark Ruibal, owner of Ruibal’s Plants of Texas, which has four locations across Dallas. He shares his favorite varieties that are not only easy on the eyes, but also easy to keep alive. Let’s dig in.
Perennials
These plants will come back year after year without replanting, which makes them a great option for stress-free gardening.
Lantana: Climate plays a big role in whether this plant grows as an annual or perennial. In hot and humid areas (hello, Dallas), it’s a perennial.
“This is a plant that’s been around forever,” says Ruibal. “There are different varietals. Some will get big and wild and out of control. Gold or silver lantana will stay a little more controlled.” The shrubby plant comes in an array of colors such as red, orange, yellow and pink. Ruibal likes lantana because it can handle the heat and is drought tolerant. “Cut it back in the wintertime,” he suggests.
Lemon grass: You may know lemon grass as an herb commonly used in Asian cuisine, but the plant can be an ornamental addition to your landscape. Bonus: Lemon grass can act as a mosquito repellent, which is always welcome during the summer. “This is another decent perennial that gets a couple feet tall,” shares Ruibal. “It has a good shape to it and flows nicely.” Lemon grass does well in hot weather, but if the tips look dry, give it a good water.
Rosemary: Another herb to consider is rosemary, which is aromatic and easy to grow. The shrub is a good fit for gardens in warm climates. Be sure to leave it room to grow, vertically and horizontally.
Autumn sage: Also known as Salvia greggii, this perennial is native to southwest Texas and Mexico. You may have spotted it growing on the side of the highway. “Autumn sage is very heat tolerant and holds up well through the summer,” Ruibal says. The soft shrub has a minty aromatic leaf and grows to about two to three feet tall. Autumn sage blooms in colors like red, purple, orange and white.
Pink muhly grass: “This is a very nice wispy perennial grass that gets a couple feet tall and blooms with a real light pink bloom, almost like smoke,” says Ruibal. It’s a lot of beauty with little maintenance and care needed. Other than pruning the plant every few years, it’s a hands-off species that offers a lovely bloom when fall approaches. Plant pink muhly grass now to enjoy the show later this year.
Red yucca: For low-water areas, such as a zeroscape yard, consider red yucca, a cactus/succulent-like plant. “It gets a nice big bloom and doesn’t require any work,” Ruibal notes. The native Texas perennial offers pinkish-red flowers on stalks that can grow up to five feet tall from a woody base. The blooms will also attract hummingbirds to your garden.
Annuals
Annuals bloom during one single growing season. When planting an annual, make sure you’re choosing one for the right season so they perform well. Here are some options to get planted now.
Pentas: These blooming shrubs are also called Egyptian star for their striking, star-shaped flowers. “They attract butterflies and hold up well,” says Ruibal. They also come in a plethora of color options such as red, pink and white, making them a vibrant addition to your flowerbed.
Vinca: Known as Madagascar periwinkle, the colorful blooms do well on hot summer days. The annual requires little to no care and will bloom well into fall. Ruibal also notes that the plant is a little more disease tolerant than in the past, so this year’s crop should be hearty.
Zahara zinnia: These cheerful but tough plants are suited to the Texas heat. They are a foolproof addition to your flower bed or containers. “They get you great color through the summer,” Ruibal says.
Shade Plants
We love shade in the summer, and these plants do too. Fill spots in your yard hidden from the sun with these recommendations.
Coleus: Caladiums are a popular choice for shady beds, but you may have to find a substitute right now. “With the combination of the hurricane last year where they grow, and the drought, the caladium crop took a really big hit this year,” explains Ruibal.
Instead, try coleus, a low-maintenance plant with big, bold leaves in a variety of color combinations.
Dragon wing begonias: These beauties have long, glossy leaves and dangling flower clusters.
“They hold up in summertime and in the shade,” Ruibal says. Dragon wing begonias bloom repeatedly during the growing season.