New and Under-utilized plant varieties for the Houston area
Ficus tikoua Sandi Leaf Fig Ivy This is not your normal fig ivy! Evergreen groundcover from Asia for almost any exposure, but appreciates a little shade at some point in the day. Stays short and tight where it gets sun, but will reach up to 12 tall in the shade.
Indigofera kirilowii, Pink Indigo Bush Native to China, Korea, Japan. Deciduous shrub with fernlike leaves and light pink flowers from mid-spring-fall. Can grow to 4' tall, but is best cut back every winter and maintained under 2'. Makes a beautiful tall ground cover under trees.
Gomphocarpus physocarpus If you enjoy flower arranging, you are going to love Gomphocarpus physocarpus; and if you have a good sense of humor, you may also enjoy its common name, Hairy balls. It s a large plant, over 6 feet tall, and in late summer, when covered in 2-inch, golden green, hairy seedpods, it is certainly a conversation piece. The cut branches last for weeks and add an unusual touch to any bouquet. It may be hard to find at the nursery, but it s easy to grow from seed. Thompson & Morgan is a good source.
Autumn Sunburst Encore Azalea Azalea x 'Roblet' PPIP Autumn Sunburst One of the newest Encore Azaleas, Sunburst is a bright highlight in the garden, growing compactly and blooming profusely in spring, summer and fall. Its unique blooms are coral pink with white ruffled edges and stand out again the compact dark green foliage. Absolutely Stunning in full bloom!
Autumn Lily Encore Azalea Azalea x Roblex PPIP Autumn Lily Robust and upright with deep green foliage, Autumn Lily produces white blooms with occasional purple stripes. Its strong growth and profuse blooms make Autumn Lily perfect for mass and foundation plantings. One of the most cold-hardy Encore Azalea varieties.
Autumn Jewel Encore Azalea Azalea x Robleu PPIP Autumn Jewel Autumn Jewel provides landscape color year-round with its pink blooms in spring, summer, and fall, and its attractive purple winter foliage. Autumn Jewel is one of the most cold-hardy Encore Azaleas, hardy to USDA zone 6A. Bloom/Features: Pink, single form blooms measure 2" across Dimensions: 4' Tall x 4' USDA Zones: Hardy in USDA zones 6a-9
Spiraea Little Bonnie Dwarf Spiraea Little Bonnie Spiraea x bumalda 'BL0601' Little Bonnie A great dwarf spiraea for the deep South, its blue-green foliage does not Bloom/Features: lavender-pink blooms Dimensions: 2-3' H x 3' W USDA Zones: Hardy to -20 Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
Nandina Obsession This is an improved variety of Gulfstream nandina. Most nandinas turn red in the winter, but with Obsession, the new growth is bright red all summer! Grows to 4 tall in sun or shade.
Hydrangea Endless Summer Hydrangea Endless Summer The Original Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmer' PP#15298 Mophead hydrangea, repeat blooming, deep dark green foliage 3-4 Tall Bloom/Features: Pink or blue depending on soil acidity
Hydrangea Twist & Shout Hydrangea Endless Summer Twist-n-Shout Hydrangea macrophylla 'PHIIM' (PPAF) Lacecap hydrangea, repeat blooming, sturdy red stems with glossy deep-green leaves, leaves turn a stunning red-burgundy in fall. Bloom/Features: Pink or periwinkle blue, depending on soil acidity Dimensions: 3-5' H USDA Zones: USDA Zones 4-9 Exposure: Partial shade
Tecoma stans Mayan Gold Dwarf Yellow Bells Mayan Gold is the dwarf version of Gold Star Esperanza, can be maintained as low as 3 tall. Ideal for containers and smaller gardens, this drought tolerant shrub will bloom spring fall.
New Tecoma Varieties Tecoma Solar Flare Tecoma Bells of Fire
Loropetalum Emerald Snow Loropetalum chinense 'Shang-White' PPAF Loropetalum Emerald Snow Covered with pure white blooms in spring, and sporadically through summer and fall; dense, green foliage with lime green new growth. Layered growth habit requires little pruning. Bloom/Features: White string in clusters Dimensions: 4' H x 4' W USDA Zones: USDA Zones 7
Loropetalum Purple Pixie Loropetalum Purple Pixie Weeping Loropetalum chinense 'Peack' PP#18441 Grows 1-2 ft tall; vibrant pink blooms; deep purple foliage; dwarf, cascading form perfect for groundcover or containers. Bloom/Features: Magenta ribbons Dimensions: 1-2' H x 4-5' W USDA Zones: USDA Zones 6 Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Ternstroemia gymnanthera LeAnn - Cleyera Cleyera LeAnn Cleyera japonica 'Contherann' PP#11737 Beautiful maroon new foliage; neat, uniform growth; evergreen leaves turn maroon in fall; excellent medium size hedge or screen. Bloom/Features: New foliage is maroon Dimensions: 10-12' H x 6-7' W USDA Zones: USDA Zones 7 Exposure: Full sun to part shade Soil: Well-drained sand to clay soil
Podocarpus Pringles Dwarf Japanese Yew Pringles Japanese Yew is the miniature version of the Japanese yew commonly used in our area. It grows slowly to 3 tall and wide, but can be maintained smaller. It makes a great small foundation shrub in sun or shade.
Xylosma congestum Shiny Xylosma Need a shrub, formal hedge, or small multi-trunked tree and all you can think of is ligustrum? Try xylosma! Can be maintained as low as 3 or left to grow into a beautiful 15 small tree. New growth is copper colored and matures to a shiny bright green. Drought tolerant. This versatile plant should be used more in Texas.
Cordia boissieri- Texas Olive Native to South Texas and Northern Mexico. Evergreen small tree for sun to partial sun. Grows 10 15 tall and wide. Showy, yellow-throated white flowers spring fall. Texas olive looks very lush, but is extremely drought-tolerant. Great substitute for crepe myrtle where a blooming tree is needed!
Mimosa strigillosa Sunshine Mimosa Native to the Gulf Coast region of the U.S. Mat-forming, perennial groundcover for sunny areas. Drought-tolerant and tolerates foot traffic and mowing which allows sunshine mimosa to be used as a lawn substitute in areas with little to no irrigation. Bright pink spherical blooms spring-fall. Children love it since the leaves quickly fold up when touched!
Sabal minor Dwarf Palmetto Native to the Southeast U.S. Extremely cold-hardy, usually trunkless palm to 6. Use this stunning accent plant in native or tropical landscapes. Grows almost anywhere from sun to shade and from dry areas to swamps! Dwarf palmetto is a great native substitute (or companion plant) for giant elephant ears or philodendron selloum.
Crinum asiaticum Giant Crinum Lily This large accent plant, 6 tall, will grow in sun or shade and is tolerant of wet or dry soil. A wonderful plant for the beach due to it s high salt tolerance. Evergreen in warm winters, but returns quickly if frozen back. Great bold accent for containers!
Dyckia Varieties Dyckias are small, terrestrial bromeliads native to arid and or high altitudes of South America, so they are drought tolerant and hardy. Many different colors, leaf shapes, and bloom colors are available through specialty growers. Grow in sun or dry shade. Multiplies to make colonies of spiny rosettes topped with orange or yellow flowers in Spring.
Dyckia Varieties
Dyckia Varieties
Phyla nodiflora - Frogfruit Native to The Gulf Coast and South America. This evergreen, native groundcover blooms from spring-fall in sun or part sun. Frogfruit is tolerant of drought and wet soil. It tolerates foot traffic and mowing, so this works well between stepping stones. Stays under 6 tall, but can be mowed shorter.
Mahonia Soft Caress Mahonia eurybracteata 'Soft Caress' PP#20183 Few plants offer the texture that Soft Caress provides the shade garden. In early winter, bright-yellow flowers stand atop the slender, bamboo-like foliage like fingers of light. Perfect for an Asian garden or as a specimen. Bloom/Features: Bright yellow flowers Dimensions: 3' H x 3.5' W USDA Zones: USDA Zones 7 Exposure: Shade to part shade
Cornus Empress of China Dogwood Dogwood Empress of China Cornus angustata 'Elsbry' PP14537 An evergreen Chinese Dogwood with a graceful, yet vigorous habit and loads of flowers. Each branch holds up to 150 white blooms that eventually transform into translucent strawberry-like fruit. Bloom/Features: Creamy white blooms in early summer Dimensions: 15-18'H x 13-15'W USDA Zones: Hardy to USDA Zones 6-9 Exposure: Shade to part sun
Zamia integrifolia - Coontie Native to Florida, Cuba, West Indies. Coontie is the only cycad native to the continental U.S. and makes a great substitution for sago palms or ferns. Grows in sun or shade, is drought tolerant, and prefers good drainage.
Ilex Scarlet s Peak Ilex hybrid 'Scarlet's Peak' PP#20581 This unique holly grows tall and slim to an average 20 ft. tall by 3 ft. wide. Brilliant red berries in winter contrast brightly against the evergreen leaves. Bloom/Features: Brilliant red berries in winter and contrasting evergreen leaves Dimensions: 20' H x 3' W USDA Zones: USDA Zones 7 Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Scutellaria suffrutescens Pink Texas Skullcap Pink Texas skullcap is actually a Texas native. Usually under 12 tall, this low-growing perennial blooms much of the year and loves the sun and our heat, but doesn t like too much water. Looks great growing among boulders and native grasses.
Hibiscus coccineus Texas Star Hibiscus Texas Star Hibiscus is a native of the Southeast U.S. This root hardy perennial emerges every spring with finely divided palmate leaves. From late spring through late summer, the tall stems will be topped with large red or white hibiscus flowers. Very good in moist soils; although, it will tolerate short periods of drought.
Justicia spicigera Mexican Honeysuckle Native to Mexico and South Texas. This Drought tolerant shrub blooms on and off almost all year. Can me maintained at 3-4 tall. Evergreen most years, but may freeze back below 22 degrees.
Podocarpus elongatus Icee Blue Icee Blue Podocarpus is an introduction from Monrovia and is originally native to South Africa. Similar in growth to the more common Podocarpus maki, but Icee Blue is slower growing and covered with a powdery blue coating which makes it a great container plant. It appreciates some shade in our hot afternoons. Plant it with red and chartreuse leaved plants to really make it stand out!
Jatropha integerrima Jatropha is one of the showiest tropicals we can grow in Houston! Can grow into a small tree in warm, protected areas, but is usually a root-hardy perennial shrub. Bright red flowers which attract butterflies and hummingbirds are produced spring-frost.
Punica - Angel Red Pomegranate Angel Red Pomegranate is a recent introduction from Monrovia. Angel Red blooms heavily all spring and is followed by delicious, seedless fruit! Grows to 10 tall and wide. Cold hardiness, heat tolerant, and drought tolerant makes pomegranate the perfect fruit tree for Texas.
Tripsacum dactyloides Fakahatchee Grass Fakahatchee Grass is native to the entire eastern U.S. and is extremely easy to grow. Will be evergreen in most winters. Great for poorly-drained areas or places which flood periodically. Grows 4-5 tall. Dwarf Fakahatchee grass is finer in texture and grows 2-3 tall.
Muhlenbergia lindheimeri Lindheimer s Muhly This grass is native from Central Texas to Northern Mexico. It s a large bluish-gray grass with fall flower spikes reaching 5 tall. Tolerant of drought, but will survive occasional flooding.
Malvaviscus arboreus drummondii Turk s Cap Turk s cap is native from the Southeastern U.S. down to Columbia. It is tolerant of all light and moisture levels and blooms much of the year, so this plant is a winner! Red is the most common color, but it can sometimes be found in pink or white.
Lantana Lucky Pot of Gold Larger leaves and neater, compact growth habit make Lucky Pot of Gold a better lantana for most applications than New Gold. Lucky Pot of Gold grows 12-16 tall and wide and blooms spring frost. It is a perennial, but with such a long bloom period, many landscapers use it as an annual.
Mazus is native to the Himalayas. It is an evergreen, perennial groundcover for sun part sun and blooms from spring early summer. This low-maintainence plant does need regular irrigation and even tolerates wet soils. Flower color is light lavender-blue or white. Mazus reptans
Gomphrena Strawberry Fields & QIS Carmine Gomphrenas are underused by the Texas Landscaper. These 2 varieties grow 24-26, bloom all summer in the full sun, and are drought and disease resistant. A great companion plant for adding colorful height with vinca, lantanas, angelonia, and portulaca!
Euphorbia Diamond Frost Diamond Frost euphorbia is a 12-16 tall tropical perennial sometimes treated as an annual. Looks like baby s breath and is a great companion plant to almost anything! Generally available in a 4 ½ pot.
Torenia Wishbone Flower Torenia is one of the easiest flowers to grow and blooms from spring to fall. Tolerates deep shade to almost full sun and is available in a wide range of colors. May be the perfect substitute for impatiens in the shade. Upright and trailing varieties are available.
Discovery Bermudagrass Discovery Bermudagrass may be the perfect grass for people who hate to mow. It grows horizontally instead of vertically, so need 75% less mowing!!! It s also drought tolerant, doesn t produce seed heads, and naturally dark green. Sounds like the perfect lawn!
Bignonia capreolata Cross Vine Cross vine is native to the Southeastern U.S. While the native form has a yellow bloom, there are newer cultivars with blooms in the orange to red range with Tangerine Beauty being the most common. Cross vine is one of the few vines for our area that will bloom in shade. It is a heavy bloomer in earlymid spring with scattered blooms through fall.
Tangerine Beauty Cross Vine
Antigonon leptopus Coral Vine Coral vine is a colorful, perennial vine native to Mexico. It emerges from the ground in mid-spring and quickly climbs over anything within reach. It blooms from early summer to frost, which normally freezes it to the ground. It s tuberous roots allow it to be extremely drought tolerant. This is one of the best plants to help feed our honeybees!
Parthenocissus Hacienda Creeper Hacienda creeper is native to Mexico and is closely related to our native Virginia creeper. It differs by having much smaller leaves, is evergreen in most winters, and has reddish new growth. We ve noticed it dropping leaves when temps dip into the low 20 s. Hacienda creeper is selfclinging, so it needs no support. It will grow in sun or shade and looks good in any style of landscape. A great substitute for fig ivy!
Ilex Micron Dwarf Yaupon Need a tough, tiny, evergreen shrub? Micron holly is a recent introduction from Greenleaf Nurseries. It differs by being much more compact and having tiny leaves, half the size as regular dwarf yaupon. Mature, untrimmed height is only 20 to 30 inches!
Viburnum obovatum Whorled Class Walter s Viburnum Whorled Class Walter s viburnum is a dwarf form of our native Walter s viburnum. It will grow 4-5 tall and wide, but can be maintained smaller. We ve found it to be evergreen here in Houston, but may lose some leaves in a severe winter. It s white flowers are produced heavily in the spring and sporadically the rest of the season.
Lonicera Peaches & Cream Honeysuckle Peaches & Cream is a new humidity tolerant hybrid honeysuckle. Instead of growing as a vine, like most honeysuckles we know, this one performs best as a shrub. Likes full sun and grows 5 tall and wide.
Calliandra californica Baja Red Fairy Duster Baja red fairy duster is native to the deserts of Baja Mexico, but thrives here in our humidity and irrigation. It is evergreen most winters, but may defoliate in a severe winter below 20 degrees. Red blooms are produced spring fall on 3-4 shrubs. Works well in irrigated or xeriscape gardens.
Baby Gem is a dwarf form of Winter Gem boxwood, so it not only stays compact, it keeps it s green color all winter! The Houston area has been plagued with boxwood diseases over the last few years. Baby Gem has proven to be the most disease resistant to these diseases. Baby Gem Boxwood
Caesalpinia pulcherrima Pride of Barbados Pride of Barbados is native to The West Indies, but is cultivated around the world due to it s intense beauty. Evergreen in warm areas, but is best kept compact by cutting back to just above the ground before growth emerges in spring. Blooms all summer and is extremely tolerant of hot, dry, sunny conditions.
Bambusa textilis gracilis Graceful Weaver s Bamboo This cold-hardy bamboo was not damaged during the severe freezes a few years back! This upright, slender grower will grow to 25 tall and retain leaves to the ground unless trimmed making it ideal for residential screening.
Liquidambar styraciflua - Sweetgum Sweetgum is native to the Southeastern U.S. and is a popular shade tree in many parts of the country, but is often overlooked by Texas landscapers. Many cultivars are available including Happdell which is fruitless. Fastgrowing, tolerant of moist or dry soil, and beautiful star shaped leaves make this a great tree for Texas!
Slender Silhouette Sweetgum Slender Silhouette sweetgum grows 35 to 50 tall and only 4 wide! This is a great substitute for Italian cypress that doesn t like our humidity and heavy soils. Looks great in any landscape and works well in rows and formal gardens.
Mexican White Oak is a medium sized Oak that tends to be evergreen in most Houston winters. It is drought tolerant and resistant to the oak wilt disease that is sweeping much of Texas. Growth rate is much faster than live oaks especially when given extra irrigation. Quercus polymorpha Mexican White Oak
Quercus macrocarpa Burr Oak Burr Oak is a large, deciduous shade tree native to central North America. It is tolerant of alkaline soils, drought, and salty sea spray. Burr oak has large, uniquely lobed leaves and the largest acorns of any oak native to the U.S.
Quercus rhysophylla Loquat Oak Loquat Oak is a medium sized evergreen oak native to Northern Mexico. Reddish new growth and large, shiny leaves make this beautiful oak stand out in the landscape!
Quercus phellos Willow Oak Willow oak is a large, fast growing tree native to the Southeast U.S., usually found growing along streams and in floodplains. It is tolerant of both drought and wet soil. Does not do well in highly alkaline soil.