Low maintenance is the most obvious benefit of using native plants in your landscape. These plants are used to our temperature fluctuations, our extreme heat and humidity and our occasional freak "Blue Northers". They are more heat and drought tolerant and are able to survive on rainfall (after they are established) without supplemental watering. Native plants generally are more resistant to insects, fungi and diseases, and if planted in reasonably fertile soil, need no fertilizer. In other words, native plants save you time and money. All this and they are pretty too!
Because native plant lists often include naturalized or adapted plants, the term "native" is often ambiguous and confusing. But adapted plants will work for you too. Some plants that were brought by the first settlers became acclimatized quickly and started to grow without cultivation. Adapted plants (plants from other parts of the country, or world even) that have similar soil and climate needs often are considered native because they feel right at home and grow well here.
The most important thing to remember before purchasing a plant is that Texas is a very big place and just because a plant claims to be native to Texas does not automatically make it a candidate for our area. A plant that grows happily and carefree in El Paso may be unable to tolerate our spring downpours and summer humidity. On the other hand, a plant that thrives in Savannah, Georgia or Charleston, South Carolina may feel right at home in the Galveston-Houston area because of our similar climates. Make sure you understand the plant's cultural needs and whether or not you can meet those needs before you purchase. There are several nurseries in our area that specialize in native plants and there are many publications to guide you in selection. Take the tune to learn before you buy.
Though most homeowners can not afford to tear out their existing yards and "go native", they can stop and think before reaching for the same old mums or begonias they've used every year. Just like an investment portfolio, it's good to diversify and try a few new things. With a little forethought, a few native plants can even be incorporated into an existing formal landscape. And if you are ready to pull out some existing exotics (those plants that are not native) consider digging up the biggest water guzzlers and replacing them with a few native shrubs, vines, or flowers.
Books on Texas native and adapted plants that you may want to consider for reference are:
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Houston Garden Book, John Kriegel & the editors of Houston Home & Garden magazine |
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The Southern Heirloom Garden, William C. Welch & Greg Grant |
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The Texas Flowerscaper, Kathy Huber |
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Native Texas Plants, Sally Wasowski |