Plants Available at the BCMGA Fall Plant Sale
Abelmoschus (Moschatus) This plant loves our heat. It is a small shrub with dark green glossy leaves and 11/2” red blooms. It likes full sun and well-draining soil. Attracts butterflies!
African Milk Bush (Synadenium) The African Milk Bush is a shrub to small tree, up to 16’ tall. It has fleshy leaves 5”-7” long and thick stems that exude a white poisonous milk when damaged. It likes full sun to light shade in moist, well draining soil. The plant will freeze at 32 degrees.
Agapanthus (Agapanthus africanus) The Agapanthus has long strap-like leaves and large heads of beautiful blue flowers on 2’-3’ stems. They flower freely in their second year and grow into thick established clumps. They bloom mid to late summer. They like sun to part shade in moist well-draining soil.
Airplane Plant or Spider Plant, Varigated & solid green (Chlorophytum) This plant is grown for its pretty foliage. It does bloom in late winter and early spring with small inconspicuous white flowers. It will grow 18”-24” tall and has trailing growth when it puts on its baby airplanes or baby spiders. It likes partial sun in moist, well draining soil. Should be fed monthly. All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested.
Alamanda, Yellow (Cathartical) A fast growing shrubby to semi-climbing vine that produces many trailing large trumpet-shaped, bright yellow flowers. It grows to 12’ in full sun an blooms all summer long. A tender plant, it must be protected in winter.
Alternanthera (Alternanthera dentata) This plant is grown exclusively for its colorful foliage, rich purple to burgundy leaves. It forms spreading foliage mounds to 12”-30” tall. Common names include Joseph’s coat, copperleaf, calico plant, bloodleaf, joyweed and parrot leaf, all in reference to the often brilliantly colored leaves. It likes full sun to part shade in moist, well-draining soil. It may be grown indoors as long as it is placed in a sunny location and kept moist. Pinching stems or shearing will keep plants compact and bushy.
Althea, Rose of Sharon (Althaea syniacus) The Althea is a large shrub/small, deciduous tree, growing 6’-10’ tall. It blooms mid to late summer in sun or partial shade and any type of soil. Has a moderate growth rate.
Aloe & Giant Aloe (Aloe Vera) A succulent that is extremely frost tender, the Aloe gel is great on burns and insect bites. Simply break one of its spikes open and rub the gel on the affected area. These are best grown in pots that can be placed outdoors in the summer and brought inside to a sunny window in winter. Aloes have a shallow, spreading root system, so when it is time to repot choose a wide planter, rather than a deep one. One might also use a packaged “cacti mix” soil.
Althea or Rose of Sharon (Althea) This plant is a bushy shrub that grows 6’-10’ tall and spreads 3’-5’ wide. It has pretty bright green foliage and a lavender-blue bloom that flushes out in mid-spring and keeps on going until fall. It likes partial shade to full sun in well-draining soil. It goes dormant in winter but buds out in mid-March. Blooms occur on current growth so prune in early spring before new growth starts. A great plant in the border or as a specimen! Attracts butterflies!
Angel Trumpet, Yellow, White, Peach (Brugmansia) Root hardy tropical-looking shrub tree, 6-12’ tall. It is treated as a large, root hardy perennial that may or may not freeze depending on our winter conditions. It has magnificent 12” trumpet-shaped blooms. This is absolutely gorgeous at the back of a bed or as a major accent. It likes sun to part shade in well-draining soil. These are not recommended for families with small children because they are toxic.
Antherium (Crassinerveum) This is a bird’s nest type anthurium. Do not plant it too deeply and keep moist but not soaked. It likes light shade and will grow up to 5’ tall and 4’ wide. Will do well in containers. It should be mulched well and fertilized monthly.
Antique Roses, Various Old roses will be at their lovely best if planted in a favorable situation with rich, well-draining soil. The best place to locate a rose bed is in an open area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily, preferable in the morning and it should have a 2”-3” layer of mulch applied spring and fall. The roses should have a good deep soaking of water every 7-10 days. With reasonable care you will receive years of enjoyment from these beautiful flowers!
Arrowhead Plant Green, Pink and variegated (Syngonium podophyllum) Arrowhead is an easy plant to grow and is slow growing. It can be grown in standard potting mix with lots of water, full sun or filtered light. In full sun the leaves will be big and green with colorations. In filtered light leaves will be smaller and paler in color.
Barleria, Blue, Philippine Violet (Barleria Striata) This pretty shrub grows to 4’ and has beautiful trumpet-shaped, violet blooms in October & November. It likes full sun or filtered shade in moist, well-draining soil. Butterflies and hummingbirds love it!
Begonia, Angel Wing (Begonia corallina cv. “Lucerna”) Begonias like warmth, high humidity, good air circulation and judicious watering & fertilizing. It has clusters of bright red flowers and likes to be fed monthly from April to October with a balanced fertilizer. It makes a wonderful houseplant and likes to live outside in the summer in partial shade. Water plants when the soil is dry.
Barbados Cherry, dwarf (Malpighia glabra) The Barbados Cherry is a small bushy evergreen with tiny clusters of pale pink fragrant flowers from spring to fall. After blooming it set small red berries that the birds quickly eat. It is a small, sometimes multi-trunk tree that rarely reaches more than fifteen feet tall. It should not be pruned its first year. It likes moist, well-draining soil but is also drought tolerant once established. The butterflies love this one!
Brazilian Red Cloak (Megaskepasma erythochlamys) A semi-tropical plant that needs protection on the coldest nights. It likes full sun to light shade in moist, well-draining soil. Can grow to 15’ tall with a 10’ spread. Butterflies and hummingbirds love it!
Bromeliads, various Exceptionally tolerant plants that can be grown indoors or outdoors. Outdoors they like filtered shade and well-draining soil. Most bromeliads will produce little offshoots, called pups, which can be gently repotted to make new plants.
Bulbine, Yellow & Orange (Bulbine flavescens) Bulbine is a unique, normally evergreen clump-forming perennial. Yellow Bulbine has green, narrow, alovera-type foliage. Forms dense, terminal racemes of small, star-shaped yellow flowers on slender 18” stems almost 11 months of the year! Has been evergreen down to 25 degrees. Requires good drainage. Tangerine Bulbine foliage is a little more refined and produces dense, terminal racemes of gorgeous star-shaped tangerine flowers almost all year round. Likes sun to part shade and matures to a height of 18”.
Cape Jasmine (Augusta) The Cape Jasmine is an evergreen shrub that grows 6’-8’ tall in sun to partial shade. It blooms from late spring through mid summer with beautiful, fragrant white blossoms. It likes average water in well draining soil. Attracts butterflies.
Cacti, various (Echeveria sp.) A beautiful gray green succulent growing pattern forms rosettes. It is easy to grow and ideal for a hot sunny windowsill and outdoors in a cactus garden.
Cardboard Palm (Zamia furfuraecea) The Cardboard Palm is grown for it interesting foliage. It usually grows 3’-4’ tall and 4’-6’ wide. It is hardy down to about 30 degrees and likes light shade to partial sun in well-draining soil. It does like regular watering.
Cassia Candlestick Bush (Cassia Alata) A deciduous shrub that grows to 30’ tall and 30’ wide. It has beautiful tall, yellow, candlestick-like blooms in spring and summer. It likes full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought tolerant once established.
Cestrum, Yellow (Cestrum auranticum) A large, root hardy tropical-looking shrub displaying large showy clusters of bright yellow or white 1” tubular flowers spring to fall followed by spherical, fleshy white berries. The flowers are an excellent source of nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds. Birds love the berries. It grows 4’-6’ tall and prefers full sun. It also responds well to pruning.
Chinese Beautyberry (Calliicarpa dichotoma) This plant is like our American Beautyberry except it has a more compact growth. It grows to 3’-4’ in full sun or light shade, in moist, well-draining soil. It has tiny white flowers in mid summer followed by clusters of lavender berries all fall and winter. Blooms and fruit appear on new wood so it can be cut to the ground in spring when buds begin to swell. Birds love it!
Chocolate Plant (Pseuderanthemum alatum) The Chocolate Plant has low growing coppery-brown leaves with silver blotches along the midrib. It has very showy purple blooms from early summer to fall. It needs partial shade to full shade in moist, well-draining soil.
Coleus, Assorted (Coleus) Native to the tropics, this plant is grown for its brightly colored leaves. It has small blue flower spikes that should be removed to ensure vigorous growth. Pinch stems often to encourage branching and compact growth habit. This semi-succulent likes full sun and loose, well-draining soil. Feed regularly with high nitrogen fertilizer.
Confederate Rose, Dbl. Pink and Pink/White (Hibiscus mutabilis) This is an old-fashioned perennial or shrub hibiscus. It tends to be shrubby or tree-like for us with beautiful double pink or pink and white blooms summer through fall. It grows in full sun or partial shade and likes moist, well draining soil. Attracts butterflies!
Coral Bean (Erythrina x Bidwillii) A stunning, sterile hybrid of our native Texas Coralbean and the spectacular Fireman’s Cap tree. This forms a very large shrub or small tree anywhere from 6’ to 12’ tall and produces incredible, 2’-3’ long stems of brilliant deep red tubular flowers in heavy bloom cycles late spring to fall. Goes dormant in winter and is root hardy down to the low 20s. It likes full sun in moist, well-draining soil and is tough once established. Another one the hummingbirds love!
Creeping Snake Herb (Dyschoriste decumbens) This plant is a ground hugging evergreen perennial with small blue flowers with dark blue throats. Blooms all summer long and even during warm spells in the winter. It likes moist, well-draining soil in full sun. A great groundcover for the sun!
Crinum Lily, Pink & some unknown colors (Crinum sp.) This large, coarse-textured, upright rosette of broad, light green, 4’ long leaves is topped all summer with great clusters of very fragrant pink, trumpet-shaped flowers. It averages 3’-4’ tall and wide and likes moist, well-draining soil in a sunny spot.
Datura, Dbl. Purple and Yellow (Datura inoxlo) Datura is similar to the Angel Trumpet except it large trumpet-shaped blooms are upright. Daturas are root hardy but should be mulched well in winter. A non-stop bloomer from early summer into fall, it grows to 3’ tall in well-draining soil and likes full sun to part shade.
Dessert Rose (Adenium obesum) This plant is a native of East Africa. It has fleshy leaves and beautiful 2” pink open-trumpet shaped flowers. It is a succulent that needs lots of fresh air and light. It loves to be outdoors in warm weather but once the temperature reaches 54 degrees it needs to come indoors for the winter. While indoors it needs little water and keeping it cool (54-61 degrees) gives the plant a needed rest. During the spring and summer it should be fed monthly.
Dicliptera (Dicliptera suberecta) This beautiful 24”-36” mounding shrub produces round, soft, velvety, gray-green leaves and whirls of 1-1/2” tubular, two-lipped, bright red-orange flowers in the spring and summer. Grows in sun or part shade and likes moist, well-draining soil. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies!
Duranta, Sweet Memories & White (Duranta erecta) Sweet Memories has deep purple flowers with white eyes. These plants have arching branches with panicles of small flowers. Blooms late spring through fall followed by golden yellow, persistent berries. Attracts butterflies and birds. Likes full sun and moist, well-draining soil. Grows to 8’ and is root hardy. It is evergreen in mild winters.
Echeveria (Echeveria sp.) A beautiful gray green succulent growing pattern forms rosettes. It is easy to grow and ideal for a hot sunny windowsill and outdoors in a cactus garden.
Esparenza aka Yellow Bells and Orange Bells (Tacoma x Smithii) A Texas native that is a 4’-6’ tall open shrub covered with bright yellow or orange, tubular blooms all summer and into fall. Prefers full sun and well-draining soil. This is a must for our area! Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies!
Ferns, Various, Sword, Leatherleaf Most ferns like partial to deep shade in moist, well-draining soil and are drought tolerant once established. They may die back in the late fall and return in the spring. Ferns are a beautiful addition to any shade garden and are grown for their beautiful foliage!
Ficus (Ficus sp.) The Ficus or Weeping Fig is one of the most popular houseplants. Though it is related to the edible fig it does not bear fruit. It does, however, make a beautiful display for an indoor plant. A bushy tree that might grow to 50’ in its native Malaysia, ficus can easily be kept to a height of 6’. It likes being outdoors in the summer but should be brought inside and placed out of drafty areas in the winter.
Firebush, Hummingbird Bush or Texas Firecracker (Hammelia Patens) Firebush is native to Mexico and is one of our finest summer bloomers. It may freeze to the ground in winter but re-sprouts each spring. It typically makes a 3’-6’ mound of reddish-orange flowers from early summer until first frost. It likes full sun or partial shade in well draining soil. The butterflies and hummingbirds love it!
Firebush, Hummingbird Bush or Texas Firecracker, Dwarf (Hammelia Patens ‘compacta’) This is the same plant as above except it is dwarf, only growing 24”-36” tall.
Firespike, Red, Pink (Odontonema strictum) A showy shrub with fairly large dark green leaves. From late summer to late fall it has 9”-12” panicles of brilliant red or pink tubular flowers. It is popular with hummingbirds and butterflies. Likes morning sun and afternoon shade in moist, well-draining soil. May freeze to the ground in winter but is root hardy and will reappear in the spring.
Fountain Plant, Coral (Russelia) A 2’-3’ ‘fountain’ of very fine foliage with flower stems shooting out the center of the plant covered with tubular orange-red flowers. It blooms in cycles spring, summer and fall. Blooms best in full sun but keep mulched and watered through the summer. Attracts hummingbirds.
Four O’Clocks (Mirabilis multiflora) An easy-care, drought resistant plant for full sun. Four O’Clock blooms open in late afternoon and has a heavenly fragrance. It has beautiful small bright fuchsia pink trumpet-shaped flowers. It is a good nectar plant for large hawk moths.
Ginger, Butterfly (Hedychium coronaarium) This plant is the most popular genus of gingers and is grown for it beautiful large, fragrant, white butterfly-shaped blossoms. It grows to 6’ in moist, well-draining soil in partial to full sun. It does freeze back most winters but returns in early spring.
Ginger, Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) The Cardamom ginger is grown here for its beautiful and fragrant foliage, it does not bloom for us. It likes filter shade and wet feet. With proper watering it will grow 8’-10’ tall. It is a very hardy ginger and in mild winters is evergreen.
Ginger, Giant Plume (Curcuma elata) Sometimes called Hidden Ginger because it puts on beautiful “torches” of hot pink blooms in mid-spring just as its leaf spikes are popping up. The beautiful giant banana tree-like leaves soon hides it blooms. It grows 4’-8’ tall. Likes morning sun and afternoon shade. A beautiful addition to any land-scape. Although root hardy it does freeze back in winter and returns in mid to late April. Likes well-draining soil.
Ginger, Shell (Alpinia zerumbet) This species is very common as a foliage plant in the South. It may bloom for us during its second of growth with panicles of large pink blooms with red and yellow throats. It likes part sun to part shade, unlike most gingers, in moist, well-draining soil. It does freeze back in winter but returns as soon as the soil begins to warm, usually mid April.
Gynura (Gynura bicolor) This tropical plant is native to Indonesia and is grown for its pretty foliage. Its leaves are gray-purple above and rich purple underneath. It likes light shade in moist, well-draining soil.
Ivy (Hedera Helix “Gold Child”) This hardy evergreen can take part shade to shade. It can climb up a wall or be used as a groundcover. Its pretty variegated leaves are a great addition in the landscape.
Hibiscus, Assorted (Malvaceae) There are more than 200 species of Hibiscus and they are grown for their showy flowers borne from spring to fall. Hibiscus like full sun, well-draining soil and regular watering. Being heavy bloomers they should be fed monthly during their bloom season with hibiscus plant food. Hummingbirds and butterflies love them!
Hibiscus, Texas Star Red (Hibiscus coccineus) A native hibiscus with a beautiful deep red ‘Texas Star’ bloom. Will grow 6’-8’ tall in full sun to part shade. It likes moist, well-draining soil and reseeds itself. Butterflies love it!
Hoya, Shooting Star (Hoya multiflora) This is an easy-to-grow Hoya with thick glossy green foliage on an upright spreading plant. It has ½” white blooms in large clusters with waxy petals. It will get 24” high x 16” wide and likes good indirect light. This is best grown as a container plant and is hardy outside to 55 degrees.
Indigofera (Indigofera tinctoria) A 2’ tall deciduous mounding shrub with a multitude of graceful arching stems almost always covered with 6”-8” clusters of pink wisteria-like flowers spring to fall. It likes sun to part shade in moist well-draining soil.
Jacaranda (Jacaaranda mimosifolia) A small, 15’-18’, fast growing tree that is deciduous in winter. Has beautiful blue to lavender blue flowers that attracts bees and butterflies. It is a tropical/tender plant that must be protected in winter. Probably best in a container for us but worth the effort. Likes well-draining soil.
Jacob’s Ladder, Red Bird Plant or Devil’s Backbone (Pedilanthus) This leafy shrub is known by its zigzag stem. It changes direction every inch or so, first left and then to the right and grows 3’-4’ tall. It requires bright light, with 2-3 hours of direct sunlight every day. It should be planted in extra course sand or perlite for drainage and watered sparingly. It does best in a small pot; you can change pots to just one size larger when roots become extremely crowded.
Jasmine, Night Blooming (Cestrum nocturnum) This Jasmine is best known for its fragrant white flowers, which bloom in the evening from summer to frost, and its white berries. It likes sun to partial shade in fertile, well-draining soil. It is a host butterfly plant.
Jatropha (Gassypfolia) This Jatropha is a stunning plant with tropical flare that would be an excellent addition to a large mixed container or placed in the garden with other heat-loving perennials. It has tri-lobed leaves that sprout a glossy, burgundy-red and age to medium green. It loves the heat and has tremendous vigor. It blooms often with small copper colored flowers that are followed by 3 chambered seed pods. It will freeze in the winter but readily returns from seed it has dropped.
Jatropha (Jatropha podagrica) 3’-4’ tall shrub with small clusters of brilliant scarlet to coral-red flowers all summer long. May freeze back in winter but if well mulched will usually return. It likes well-draining soil in full sun and the butterflies love it!
Katie Ruellia, Pink (Ruellia brittoniana “Katie”) This Ruellia is an outstanding textured perennial groundcover. It grows 8”-10” tall in a mounding shape with attractive pink flowers in heavy cycles spring to frost. It likes sun to part shade and tolerates any conditions.
Kalanchoe (blossfeldiana) Kalanchoes can be used as ground cover, in planters and in rock gardens. It has showy clusters of tiny flowers that bloom from spring to fall. You can pot them and bring inside for the winter or protect them in the ground.
Lantana, Spreading Sunset (Lantana sp.) A fairly new, beautiful, tough, long blooming lantana with 2’x3’ mounding growth habit. It has glossy, dark green foliage and is covered with gold, yellow and red flower clusters in heavy bloom cycles spring through fall. Drought tolerant once established. It likes sun to light shade in moist, well-draining soil and the butterflies love it!
Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus africanus) This plant has large strap-like leaves and deep blue flowers on 2’-3’ stems. It flowers freely in its second year and eventually grows into a thick clump. It prefers well-draining soil in sun to part sun. Beautiful addition to the landscape.
Liriope (Liriope musscari) Liriope is a perennial known for its evergreen, grass-like leaves, blue flower spikes and bluish black berries that follow. It is ideal as an attractive small-area ground cover and can be used for edging, on slopes and to accent garden areas. It grows 12’-18’ tall with large arching leaves. Clumpforming, it is an elegant ground cover. If at winter’s end it looks shaggy, it can be mowed or cut back and it will quickly regrow.
Mexican Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia) Small bushy shrub covered with small purple or white flowers from early summer into late fall. In our area it is mostly evergreen. It may freeze back with really cold weather but pops right back out in spring. It is root hardy, likes full sun and well-draining soil. This is another good one for butterflies!
Mother-in-laws-tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’) Mother-in-laws-tongue is actually a tough, fibrous stalk without leaves.These plants will survive in a wide range of conditions. They like part sun to shade and are very drought tolerant. This is an excellent addition to the home, office or cactus garden.
Morning Glory Bush (Ipomoea fistulosa Mart. Ex Choisy) This plant is covered with medium-size light lavender/pink blooms all summer. Plants can get 6’-8’ tall with multiple trunks. When hard frosts kill plants, the tops should be removed and the plant will sprout again in the spring form its hardy root. It blooms best in direct sun in moist, well-draining soil. It can be cut back monthly to encourage branching and increase blooming surface. Cutting back in July will reduce plant height and encourage a spectacular fall bloom.
Mussaenda, yellow (Luteola) This plant is also known as the white flag bush as it puts up a creamy white bract with golden yellow flowers all summer long. It likes full sun and regular watering in well-draining soil.
Naranjilla (Solanum quitoense) This unusual plant is native to the Andes Mountains and its bright orange fruit is most commonly used to make drinks. It is easily container grown and makes a medium size shrub to small tree. It has many large thorns growing out of its stems, branches and leaves. The fruit is about the size of a large cherry tomato and is covered with fuzzy hairs that rub off when ripe. The fruit is green inside and has excellent flavor. It does like regular watering.
Oleander (Neruim) Tall erect to spreading evergreen shrub with lance-shaped leaves and beautiful clusters of flowers. Mature height is 6’-20’ tall and 3’-10’ wide. Oleanders like moist, well-draining soil in full sun, however, they are drought tolerant once established. This entire plant is toxic.
Penta Red (Penta lanceolata) The Penta is an evergreen perennial that grows to 4’. It blooms spring, summer and fall in full sun and moist, well-draining soil. Hummingbirds and butterflies love it!
Perilla Magilla This is a showy coleus-like plant with foliage in hot pink, green and deep plum shades. It makes a striking statement in garden beds and in large mixed containers. It loves the heat and is great combined with flowering annuals. Grows to 36” tall and wide. Its leaves display a bold pink hue in full sun. In the shade, green and plum shades predominate.
Peruvian Pavonia (Pavonia hastate) An outstanding, sun loving, drought tolerant, evergreen/perennial. Blooms constantly spring to fall and has 2,” pale pink flowers with a red eye. Averages 2’-3’ mound. It has attractive dark glossy green foliage and attracts butterflies!
Plectranthus, Purple (Plectranthus sp.) The Plectranthus is grown for it pretty foliage and showy flowers. It prefers morning sun and afternoon shade in a moist, well-draining soil. Attracts butterflies!
Plumbago, Blue, White (Plumbago auriculata) This plant is an evergreen shrub with wine-like stems that form a rounded mound to about 5’ tall by 6’-8’ wide. If desired, Plumbago can be grown like a vine and allowed to scramble over supports. It blooms all summer long and prefers morning sun and good drainage. It requires little watering once established. It can withstand some frosts and even if killed to the ground, it will recover quickly. Butterflies and hummers both like the Plumbago!
Plumeria, various colors (Frangipani) Plumerias can be grown in containers or in the ground. They make beautiful potted plants for the patio. In the ground they are beautiful small trees. When temperatures dip into the 40s they may be stored in their container or carefully lifted out of the ground and stored over winter in the garage. As soon as temperatures rise outdoors they can be replanted. Attracts butterflies!
Pony Tail Palm (Nolina recurvata) The Pony Tail Palm is really not a palm at all. It is a member of the lily family and is native to the Mexican desert. It does well in bright light on the patio or in a north window inside. It should be dry between watering and likes a sandy-mix soil.
Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherima hybrid) A subtropical, fragrant, multistemmed shrub or small tree topped with large panicles of bright orange-red blooms with yellow margins during the hot summer months. Depending on the winters, it averages 4’-6’ tall and has been root hardy to 20 degrees. The stems are covered with attractive feathery compound foliage. Drought tolerant once established. Must have good drainage and full sun. Hummingbirds love it!
Sago Palm, Giant or King (Cycas revoluta) The Sago Palm is a native of the far East and has been a choice container and landscape plant for centuries. It is one of the easiest plants to grow, indoor or out, by beginner of expert. It likes full sun or bright interior light and should be treated like a cactus when watering; in a container, allow the soil to become almost dry, in the landscape, water when dry. It grows very slow and is very long lived.
Schefflera, green, variegated Schefflera like to grow in bright light but not direct sun. The soilsurface should be dry between waterings and the plant should be fed with a balanced fertilizer every other week from March to October. They are grown for their beautiful foliage and the ‘umbrella’-like shape of the plant.
Shrimp Plant, White (Justicia betonica ‘White Pearl’) A striking new shrimp plant! Throughout late spring, summer and fall it produces tall, elegant, upright 12” tall spires of white bracts with intricate green venation and tiny lavender flowers. This 3’-4’ mounding perennial is almost always covered with these elegant spires until the first freeze. Root hardy, sun or light shade in moist, well-draining soil. Responds well to pruning for a super full look and makes a beautiful cut flower. Hummingbirds love it!
Shrimp Plant, Red (Justica brandegeana) This Shrimp plant is the old fashioned that has plum-red bracts with bright red and cream flowers spikes that lengthen to 6”-7” and resemble large red shrimp. It likes full sun to part shade in moist, well-draining soil and the butterflies love it!
Shrimp Plant, Yellow (Justicia brandegeana) This shrimp plant puts on beautiful bright yellow bracts followed by narrow tubular white flowers all summer. This one likes morning sun and afternoon shade in moist, well-draining soil. The butterflies love it!
Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) This is a tough, attractive and normally evergreen perennial that produces 18” stems of bright lavender-pink flowers in heavy bloom cycles spring, summer and fall. It slowly clumps out and can be divided at any for extra plants. Can grow almost anywhere in full sun or light shade and it tolerates occasional wet or drought.
Taiwanese Hibiscus (Thespisea populnea ‘Portia Tree’) This Hibiscus makes a large shrub of small tree to 8’ with glossy green, heart-shaped leaves. It has yellow blooms with a burgundy throat. It puts on a small edible fruit in the fall and has nice a fall color in its foliage. It is hardy to 22 degrees and should be mulched well in winter. It likes full sun to part shade in moist, well-draining soil.
Tunera, Yellow (Turnera alternifolia) A small 24” plant that grows in full sun or part shade with good drainage. The yellow blooms appear throughout the warm summer through fall until first freeze. Normally root hardy. Can be propagated by seed or cuttings.
Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus va. Drummondii) Turk’s Cap is a large, widely branched shrub-like perennial. It is a unique native; tough, drought tolerant, long blooming plant with coarse textured foliage and bright red 1” turban-like flowers. It has red berry-type fruit in the fall and is great in naturalistic settings. In full sun or part shade it grows 3’-5’ tall and is long-lived. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Umbrella Plant or Papyrus (Cyperus alternifolius) This palm has 24”-72” stems with thin blades arranged like an umbrella on the end. It does well planted in a large container in sun to partial shade and may spread 12”-48”. It prefers to sit in 1”-6” of water so it does well as a patio plant or along the edge of ponds.
Verbena, Peach & Appleblossom (Vervain) Verbenas are excellent for containers and garden planting, with a continuing show of vibrant color. Likes moist, well-draining soil in sun or partial shade. Grows 6”-12” tall and up to 24” wide. Feed every 2 weeks for good blooms. The butterflies love it!
Wandering Jew Tradescantia pallida) The Wandering Jew is an evergreen perennial with elongated leaves and small three -petaled pink flowers. The leaves are most often purple or green. It thrives in sun or light shade and grows to 1’ tall. It can be used as ground cover or in hanging pots.
Weigela, variegated Weigela florida ‘varigata’) Gold edged and glossy green centers make this popular flowering shrub really stand out in the landscape! It is covered with 1 inch pink funnel-shaped blooms, that fade to white, in the spring and it re-blooms throughout the summer, though not as heavily. It is an excellent shrub for borders, screens or specimens. Grows to 8’ tall x 6’ wide in moist, well-draining soil. It is a real hummingbird magnet!
Fruit Trees
Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) Loquats are small trees or large shrubs that grow about 20’ tall in 8-10 years. It bears 6”-8” clusters of small, fragrant, creamy white flowers in late fall and early winter and produce tartly sweet aromatic 11/2” golden-yellow to orange fruit in mid to late spring. They will grow in direct sun or partial shade in almost any moist soil.
Mexican Thornless Lime (Lime ‘Mexican Thornless’) This small thornless lime tree is known as the ‘bartender’s lime’. It s mature fruit is small, very juicy and green to yellow-green ripening in the fall. This lime is very tender and is best grown in a container so it can be moved inside in the winter.
Meyer Lemon (Citrus “Improved Meyer”) Meyer Lemon is the only cold hardy lemon that can survive down to the low 20s. It produces extremely fragrant white flowers and delicious good size lemons in the fall. Grows 6’-15’ tall depending on whether it is grown in a container or in the ground. Full sun or part shade. Moist but well-drained beds. A must in any butterfly garden, especially as a host plant for Swallowtail butterflies!
Naranjilla, lulo (Solanum quitoense) A medium sized shrub or small tree 6-10 ft., with many large thorns growing out from stems, branches and leaves. It produces bright orange fruit the size of a large cherry tomato. Fruits are covered with numerous fuzzy hairs that rub off when ripe. The fruit is green inside and an excellent flavor. It is eaten fresh but most commonly used to make drinks. This plant likes frequent watering and can stand brief temperature drops below freezing. It is easily container grown and likes sun.
Herbs
Oregano, Cuban, varigated Cuban Oregano is an excellent, easy to grow variety with round, fleshy leaves bordered with cream markings and a sweet aroma. For a tasty grilled steak, rub the meat with a clove of garlic cut in half, and brush on a little oil with a branch of oregano. Tie several smaller branches together to make a brush for basting the meat while grilling. Oregano likes full sun and moist, well-draining soil.
Rosemary (Rosemarinusofficinalis ‘Prostrata’) Rosemary is one of the best-loved herbs. It is used in the soup pot, in tomato sauce; tie together a bunch and use as a brush on the barbeque and in beef dishes. It grows to 2’ in a cascading, mounding pattern and has small blue flowers spring and fall. It is a rewarding plant to grow as it is relatively free of any problems. It likes moist, well-draining soil in full sun.
Lilies
Cannas, variegated, Red, Orange - Crinums, Pink - Iris, including Yellow Walking Iris, African, Cementary White, La. Purple/Blue, Yellow Flag - Montbretia “Crocasmia”, Scarlet
Lilies are grown from bulbs and usually planted in late fall. They are pretty much care-free and most have beautiful blooms. Lilies will grow in just about any condition from sun to partial shade. Most lilies multiply quickly and should be separated every other year. Carefully dig and separate the bulbs to share with your family and friends. These are wonderful ‘pass-a-long plants’.
Salvia/Sage
Coral Nymph salvia (Salvia coccinea ‘Coral Nymph’) This is a native salvia that grows upright 18’-24” tall with beautiful coral and white flower spikes 6”-8” in height. It blooms in heavy cycles spring to fall. It likes sun or shade in moist, well-draining soil and responds well to pruning. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
Salvia, Lady in Red Sage (Salvia coccinea ‘Lady in Red’) This is a native salvia that grows upright 18’-24” tall with beautiful bright red flower spikes 6”-8” in height. It blooms in heavy cycles spring to fall. It likes sun or shade in moist, well-draining soil and responds well to pruning. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
Salvia, Snow Nymph Sage (Salvia coccinea alba) This is a native salvia that grows upright 18’-24” tall with bright white flower spikes 6”-8” in height. It blooms in heavy cycles spring to fall. It likes sun or shade in moist, well-draining soil and responds well to pruning. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
Trees
African Bauhania, Red Orchid (Buhinia galpinii) A root hardy bauhinia that gives a stunning display of 3” red-orange orchid-like flowers from late spring into fall. Readily forms a 5’x5’ shrub. Treat it as a shrubby perennial because it normally freezes back each winter then starts breaking dormancy in April and by late May is at least 3’x3’ and starting to bloom. It blooms best in full sun. The butterflies and hummingbirds love it!
Bauhania, Purple Orchid (Bauhania Purpurea) This small, usually multi-trunk tree is partially to wholly deciduous. It has light green, broadly lobed leaves that generally drop in mid-winter. It puts on a beautiful show of light pink to orchid purple blooms January to March. It likes moist, well-draining soil in full sun.
Bald Cypress Tree (Taxodium distichum) This deciduous, moderate growing tree can reach 50’-100’ tall and 20’-30’ wide. Its small leaves are sage green in summer and russet to soft brown to orangish brown in full. It likes full sun and may produce cypress knees when planted in or near water. It grows well in a variety of soils (wet, dry, compacted) and is drought tolerant once established. Birds eat its seed.
Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora) This tree is a dense, broad-leafed evergreen, that is fast growing and can reach 50’-150’ tall. It has small white to pale yellow flowers in spring followed by dark blue, round, pea-sized berries that birds eat. Grows well in most soil types and likes full sun.
Cassia Tree (Cassia Splendens) Commonly called Golden Senna, this semi-evergreen small tree is covered with huge golden-rod colored clusters of single flowers fall through winter. Beautiful bean clusters of seed pods follow. It likes full sun in moist, well-draining soil.
Chaste or Vitex, Montrose Purple (Vitex agnus-castus ‘Montrose Purple’) A Texas native that is an open, spreading, deciduous tree with small, tubular, fragrant purple flowers in long upright panicles. Can grow 6’-25’ tall and wide in full sun. Is drought tolerant once established and attracts butterflies.
Fern Leaf Vitex (negundo “Heterophylla”) This fast growing Vitex which is also known as Chastetree, can be grown as a large, deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub or a small 10’-15’ tall x 15’-25’ wide tree. It has beautiful, fragrant lavender blooms in late spring. It likes moist, well-draining soil and attracts bees and butterflies!
Fireman’s Cap (Erythrina cristi-galli) This deciduous tree is a stunning root hardy tropical that can reach 20’ tall. It blooms large 18”-24” panicles of red fireman’s cap-shaped flowers many times through the summer. It likes full sun and can take wet or dry conditions. The hummingbirds love it!
Golden Rain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) This is a medium-sized, open branched, deciduous tree. In early fall it has long panicles of fragrant yellow blossoms that are followed by attractive, papery, lantern-like pink seed pods. It likes full sun and usually grows to 30’x35’.
Mimosa Tree, White (Albizia julibrissin ‘alba’) This fast-growing, deciduous tree has a low branching, open, spreading habit and delicate, lacy, almost fern-like foliage. Fragrant, silky, white puffy pompom blooms, appear in abundance from late April to early July creating a spectacular sight. Although rather short-lived (10 to 20 years), Mimosa is popular for use as a terrace or patio tree for its light, dappled shade and tropical effect. Its deciduous nature allows the warming sun to penetrate during the winter.
Purple Leaf Vitex (Arabian Lilac) This deciduous small tree or large shrub is a great new plant for our area. It has clusters of small purple flowers in late summer and fall and distinctive dusty grayish-purple foliage. It grows 6’-8’ tall and 6’-8’ wide and likes full sun to partial shade in moist, well-draining soil. The butterflies will love it!
Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora) The Mountain Laurel is a gorgeous native evergreen small tree or large shrub that blooms large wisteria-type clusters of very fragrant purple flowers in spring. It can eventually reach 18’ tall. It likes full sun and good drainage.
Tung Oil Tree (Aleurites fordii) This is a small deciduous Asian tree that grows to 25’. It has large leaves and attractive white flowers. It likes full sun and moist, well-draining soil. All parts of this tree are poisonous, especially the seed.
Tupelo Tree (Nyssa biflora) This deciduous tree also known as Swamp Black Gum or Swamp Tupelo, grows 60’-100’ tall, with a slender trunk gradually tapering upward from an enlarged base. It has greenish flowers in late spring and ½” plum like fruit in the fall that birds eat. It prefers a wetlands-like growing site.
Weeping Willow Tree (Salix babylonica) Weeping Willows are deciduous trees used for shade as well as ornamental purposes. They like full sun and grow to about 50’. It is a rapid grower and is recommended for use on large properties.
Texas Mountain Laurel Tree (sophora secundiflora) This is a large evergreen shrub or small tree which may eventually grow to a height of 25’. Growth is painfully slow until the plant becomes established. It blooms in the spring with large clusters of very fragrant violet flowers resembling those of the wisteria. It likes well draining soil and average water. It is known to be hardy to 10F. Butterflies love this one!
Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) This palm reaches a height of 25’-40’ and is cold hardy down to 5 degrees F. when established. It is very popular in Texas and makes an excellent addition to the landscape. It is slow growing and prefers moderate to full sun. It is one of the hardiest palms and has a solitary canopy of 15 to 25 leaves at one time.
Vines
Blue Pea Vine (Clitoria ternatea) This vine has beautiful brilliant blue flowers with a yellow throat, during the summer. It is a rapid grower, reaching 10’-15’. It prefers partial shade in moist, well-draining soil and is drought tolerant once established. Attracts butterflies!
Bow Tie Vine (Dalechampia diosscoreifolia) Also known as Costa Rican Butterfly Vine this evergreen vine blooms summer through fall with tiny pale yellow flowers surrounded by 2 purple bracts. It grows 15’-20’. Plant it in full sun or part shade in moist, well-draining soil. Poisonous.
Bleeding Heart Vine, Red Wine, White/red (Clerodendron thomsoniae) Twining climber. Has heart shaped leaves with panicles of white “hearts” with a drop of red at the bottom of each flower or may be solid red in color. Blooms all summer in moist, well-draining soil in partial shade.
Blue Potato Vine (Solanum seaforthianum) This is an attractive, shrubby climber with blue-white blossoms. It is semi-evergreen with heaviest blooming in spring and a fast grower with stems 20’-25’ long. It likes full sun in moist, well-draining soil.
Cape Honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis) A beautiful, rich, dark green shrub that is covered almost all summer with brightorange trumpet-shaped flowers. It is evergreen in mild winters and root hardy in cold winters. Can also be trained as a climber easily to 10’. Likes full sun to part shade in well-draining soil and average height is 3’-6’. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies!
Corkscrew or Snail Vine (Vigna Caracalla) This evergreen vine has beautiful, violet/lavender, fragrant, snail-like blooms from mid summer through early fall. It likes full sun in moist, well-draining soil and is sttractive to bees, butterflies and birds!
Hall’s Honeysuckle (Lonicera “Halls”) Honeysuckles are easy to grow, vigorous, heat-tolerant and nearly indestructible. The flashy and fragrant flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies all summer long. Hall’s fragrant flowers are white fading to yellow. It prefers full sun to partial sun and will tolerate light afternoon shade. Once established it needs only moderate watering and well-draining soil. Can grow to 30’.
Mercer Blue Thunbergia (Thunbergia battiscombei) This eye-catching herbaceous perennial vine with its 5”-7” heart shaped leaves produces 15” racemes constantly covered with 2” velvety royal purple trumpet-shaped flowers with deep yellow throats. Use as a 2’x3’ perennial or as a short 3’x4’ climber in sun or light shade. It is easy to grow, virtually pest free, heat resilient and a non-stop bloomer spring to fall. Root hardy. Likes moist, well-drained soil. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies!
Mexican Flame Vine (Senecio Confusus) A beautiful vine with clusters of bright orange daisy-like blooms and beautiful shiny green foliage. Blooms spring through early summer and again in the fall. It is root hardy if mulched well in winter. Likes full sun and well-draining soil. Butterflies love it!
Pink Orchid Vine (Bauhinia yunnanensis) For those of you familiar with orchid trees, this, is an actual vine. Its spectacular! It is tough, fast growing and cold hardy, actually semi-evergreen in mild winters. This beautiful and unusual vine has wonderful butterfly-shaped leaves and is covered with terminal racemes of 2” orchid-like flowers in late spring, summer and into fall. It is drought tolerant once established and prefers full sun in well-draining soil.
Sweet Potato Vine “Blackie” (Ipomoea batatas) “Blackie” has excellent dark purple-black foliage, which is a great contrast plant for any garden. This ornamental Sweet Potato can be used as a groundcover, growing only 6” tall it is a vigorous grower, trailing 24”-36”. It also works great in hanging baskets or as potted plants. This annual likes full to part sun in well-draining soil.
Sweet Potato Vine “Margarite” (Impomoea batatas) Margarite has beautiful bright chartreuse foliage that makes a great contrast in large containers and in a sunny border. It is a vigorous vining plant that loves the heat. It is not winter hardy but can be used as an annual ground cover.
Sweet Potato Vine “Pink Frost” (Impomoea batatas) Pink Frost has gorgeous tri-colored foliage, silvery green leaves streaked with white and pink. It is a rapid grower, putting out runners 18”-24” long. It is hardy to 25 degrees and likes full sun to part shade in moist, well-draining soil.
Wisteria, Evergreen (Milletia reticulata) This gorgeous woody, training evergreen vine has leathery green leaves and racemes of neon purplish-red flowers in spring and summer. Does not sucker and invade like typical wisterias. Likes sun or part shade in moist, well-draining soil.