Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Wednesday - April 11, 2012
From: Haltom City, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Drought Tolerant, Shrubs
Title: Winter- and drought-resistant plant for North Central Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I would like to know is there a good winter and drought resistant flowering bush for my area. I would like something with bigger flowers like azaleas or roses maybe bigger, that will not grow anymore than 4 feet tall and not very wide maybe 3 or 4 feet, flowers a long time is bushier than a rose bush like a shrub no thorns. Is there anything close to fitting these requirements? Low maintenance is a plus. Native plants would be preferred, red pink or orange flowers, something bright.ANSWER:
Since the mission of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is "to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes", we only recommend native plants for landscaping. However, I'm afraid that I can't think of any shrubs native to your area of North Central Texas that meet all your criteria. I can recommend several attractive drought-tolerant natives that have smaller flowers or will grow taller than your preferred height. Since they are native to the area, they will be low maintenance. Here are several:
Leucophyllum frutescens (Cenizo) is drought- and cold-tolerant, evergreen and may flower several times per year after rains.
Salvia greggii (Autumn sage) is drought- and cold-tolerant and can be evergreen in mild winters.
Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii (Flame acanthus) is deciduous, drought- and cold-tolerant.
Fallugia paradoxa (Apache plume) is semi-evergreen and drought- and cold-tolerant.
You can see more possibilities in our Texas–North Central Recommended list of "Commercially available native plant species suitable for planned landscapes in North Central Texas."
You can also find recommendations in the list, "A Beginner's List of Plants for a Mixed Border in Dallas and Fort Worth," from the North Central Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas and an expanded "List of Native Plants for Landscape Use in Dallas-Ft. Worth" from the Collin County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas.
From the Image Gallery
More Drought Tolerant Questions
Replacing Drought-Stricken Cedars
January 16, 2012 - Hello, I live in Williamson County on a couple acres. We have several dead cedars as a result of drought; we're reluctant to cut them down because many of them provide a friendly barrier between us...
view the full question and answer
Restoring fire damage in Bastrop TX
November 03, 2011 - I live in the Bastrop State Park area. We were severely affected by the wildfire and as we are trying to rebuild our home, we are being very aware of the particularities of the recovery process. We lo...
view the full question and answer
Drought-tolerant trees for planters in San Diego
August 09, 2012 - We need some ideas for a drought tolerant tree that will provide shade (4 foot raised planters in sunny location) not get too big when mature, and not too messy. San Diego
view the full question and answer
Trees and shrubs turning brown in Dripping Springs TX
October 31, 2011 - Due to the extended drought - a number of trees and shrubs in our Dripping Springs area property have turned brown. Specifically: Live Oak; Agarita; Ash Juniper; Cedar Elm. Is this a dormant stag...
view the full question and answer
Water eroding corner in Austin
October 25, 2011 - I live close to the Wildflower Center. My yard slopes - as do my neighbors' yards to one corner in my yard. The result is constant moisture in one corner. The rest of the yard is caliche, rocks (m...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
