Flame Acanthus or Hummingbird Bush Hummingbird lovers take heed, Anisacanthus quadrifidus ‘Wrightii’ is a must for your landscape. Flames of red orange tubular flowers, about 1” long, bloom from August through October. Hummers and butterflies are guaranteed to come and partake of the late summer nectar. Being a tough Texas native, hummingbird bush does well…
Cheilanthes sinuata or Astrolepis sinuata Wavy Cloak fern does not fit the norm when it comes to what one perceives a fern to be. The fact that it makes its home in the Big Bend regions of west Texas and at the same time can be cultivated in the lovely gardens of north Texas is…
Coneflower Coneflowers appear to be rosy pink sombreros on parade in the perennial garden. The sturdy long lasting sweetly scented blooms are perched upon 2’ tall stems that emerge in summer from 6” tall clumps of foliage. The spiny orange, cone-like centers can be dried and used in flower arrangements and wreaths. Butterflies and hummingbirds…
Skeletonleaf Goldeneye V. stenoloba is native to the dry rocky Chihuahuan desert of Texas and New Mexico. In north Texas landscapes it can be used individually or in mass plantings as a tall groundcover. Skeletonleaf Goldeneye is a densely branched rounded sub-shrub with single golden daisy-like flowers on naked stems. Blooms usually appear from June…
Feather Top Grass Native to Africa, naturalized in Texas and southwestern U. S., Feather Top grass is noted for its spectacular feather-like flower plumes. Soft, creamy-white flowers can reach up to five inches long. The lovely plumes make great cut flowers, either fresh or dried. Leaves of light green form densely tufted clumps up to…
House Leeks or Hens and Chicks Sempervivums are the darlings of plant enthusiasts. Their many varieties of color, texture and shape are a collector’s delight. Colors range from red, burgundy, black, yellow, green, gray and combinations of these colors. Leaves can have long hair or short hair, can be glossy or dull. Bristly bloom stalks…
The Agave with Bite…”Ouch” Discovered in the mountains of northern Mexico, Agave gentryi “Jaws” makes a killer statement in the north Texas landscape. “Jaws” is characterized by its heavily serrated leaf edges and ferocious red, shark-like teeth. Also, noteworthy is its glossy bright green color accented with the imprints of surrounding leaves. The leaves will…
Calylophus hartweggii ‘Sun Drops’ ‘A Tough Texas Beauty,’ that’s what Calylophus hartweggii is. This native Texan shines like the hot Texas sun. Mounds of bright lemon yellow, primrose-type flowers bloom throughout the spring and then sporadically till fall. The lovely yellow flowers open in the evening and stay open through the next day, at which…
Anthericum saundersiae (Cholrophytum saundersiae) If you are looking to experiment, try our newest addition to the availability. It is a versatile South African native commonly referred to as the Weeping Lily. Arching stalks of wispy, whimsical, white blossoms flutter above its lush deep green grassy foliage. The delicate flowers and deep green foliage enliven a…
Texas Gold Columbine Imagine lovely golden birds with long spurs atop lacy light green foliage. You can make that dream a reality when you plant the lovely and delicate Texas Gold Columbine in your garden. This hardy perennial, which is native to Texas and New Mexico, is a must for our north Texas shade garden….
Spanish Lavender Lavender is native to areas around the Mediterranean. It thrives in dry rocky alkaline soils and days full of sunshine. Characterized by pungently fragrant gray foliage, the leaves of Spanish Lavender are narrow and un-toothed with downward curled margins. Aromatic lavender oil is extracted from the leaves and used to scent numerous products….
A cool season favorite for north Texas, Primula brightens dreary wintry days with cheerful umbrellas of color. The fairy primrose (Primula malacoides) has crinkly leaves and uneven edges resembling bright green tutus. Small flowers, of lilac, rose and white, about ¼” across, form a lacey globe of color that seem to dance above the…