Texas winter landscape plants how to#

While physical destruction of habitat is an enormous issue, most people don’t realize that many of our preserved green spaces do not support the wildlife that depend on them due to exotic plant invasion. Moreover, many exotic plants become invasive pests, outcompeting native plants and further harming our ecosystems. Replacing native plants with exotic plants from other continents/regions disrupts this fragile web of connections, as many of our native insects cannot forage on these exotics. Native plants have co-evolved complex relationships with native birds, insects, and wildlife, and removing these native plants severs critical ecological connections and webs. Owing to this long-term relationship with a geography, native plants are the foundation upon which healthy ecosystems depend.

Texas winter landscape plants how to#

Pink muhly ( Muhlenbergia capillaris) and Lindheimer’s muhly ( Muhlenbergia lindheimeri) make impressive accent plants, especially fall through winter when their shining seedheads and graceful foliage blow in the wind.īrowse the Best Selection of Native Plants in Dallas at North Haven Gardensįor more information about choosing plants that are native to North Central Texas, you can explore resources from our blog and check the NHG events calendar for classes and demonstrations on how to incorporate native plants in your Texas landscape.By replacing our conventional landscaping with gardens featuring native plants, we can restore these vital habitats and create spaces for birds within our own backyards.Ī native plant is one that occurs naturally in the region in which it evolved. Add texture, color, and a native food source for animals to your yard with muhly grass. It loves boggy areas and also makes a great addition to a pot on a sunny poolside patio. This striking native will bring a dramatic, tropical feeling to the garden while withstanding Texas temperature extremes. It blooms abundantly from mid-spring to the first freeze and does well in shady areas where other shrubs don’t bloom. This perennial shrub dies back to the ground in winter but can spread 2’-6’ tall and wide when it regrows as temperatures rise. Looking for pollinator-friendly plants? Turk’s Cap is a favorite for hummingbirds, and its vibrant red flowers can quickly become the star attraction in your home garden. texensis) announce spring’s arrival with their dramatic shows of lavender flowers in early spring, then ornament the garden well into winter with dangling clusters of seedpods. canadensis) and Texas redbud ( Cercis canadensis var. Both the eastern redbud ( Cercis canadensis var. The fragrant clusters of creamy white flowers ripen into black raisin-like fruit that no bird can resist. This lovely specimen tree is a wonderful addition to a semi-shady area or under a larger tree. Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum ( Viburnum rufidulum). Here are just a few our favorite native plants to consider in getting started on your own backyard oasis: But sometimes, having so many options can make the decision process a bit intimidating, especially for the inexperienced gardener. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a great resource for both specific plant-related information and guides for landscape design and maintenance. When planted together, native plants can make a stunning addition to any outdoor space. Some species of plants native to Texas are also larval host plants (LHP), meaning that they serve as a food source for the caterpillars of butterflies.Īnd of course, we can’t forget one of the most significant benefits of all: there’s no better landscape designer than nature itself. They support a variety of insects, birds, and wildlife. Planting Texas-specific varieties is a beautiful way to make a positive ecological difference for the bugs, birds, and animals in our area. However, native plants have evolved to survive our regional challenges, which can significantly reduce the maintenance they require. They are low maintenance. We’ve all encountered the frustrating damage that can be done by pests, disease, and climate extremes. They are water-wise. Looking to reduce your water bills? The large majority of plants native to Texas are drought-tolerant, offering an excellent opportunity to cut down on irrigation. Here are just a few of the benefits of having plants native to Texas in your garden: In the often-tough growing conditions of North Central Texas, native plant species are a smart way to set your garden up for success and make a haven of beauty for you, visiting pollinators, and wildlife. What’s the benefit of planting native plants? No matter where you live, plants that are native to your region are better-adapted to the climate and soil of that area.