Southeast Texas is known for its hot summers and little rainfall, two factors that make it difficult to maintain a lush garden. To create a garden that thrives during the hottest months of the year, you need to choose the right drought-tolerant flowering plants. Consider these three flowers for your summer garden:
Gold Star Esperanza (Tecoma stans 'Gold Star'), also known as Yellow Bells, is drought tolerant and thrives in the hot, humid conditions of Southeast Texas. It features beautiful golden yellow flowers that bloom continuously from spring through fall, providing a colorful sight throughout the growing season.
Esperanza's trumpet-shaped flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, creating a vibrant, dynamic ecosystem in your garden. This Texas superstar requires minimal watering once established, making it a convenient choice for busy gardeners.
Its compact growth habit makes it well suited to small gardens and patio containers. Reaching a height of 4 to 5 feet, this shrub can be used in a variety of garden settings. Whether planted as a border, in a flower bed, or as the focal point of a mixed planting scheme, it will add elegance and sophistication to any garden. Plus, Gold Star Esperanza is resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
Native to Mexico and Central America, the Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) is a popular plant for Texas gardens and landscapes. One of the main reasons the Mexican sunflower is so popular is because it can thrive in hot, dry environments with minimal watering.
A deep taproot system allows the plant to access water deep in the soil during drought. This root system also helps the plant survive high winds and other harsh environmental conditions. It also allows the plant to store water in its stems and leaves, allowing it to survive long periods of drought.
In most areas, Mexican sunflower is an annual, but it can be grown as a perennial in zones 9 through 11. This fast-growing plant can grow up to 8 feet tall in just a few months, making it perfect for adding privacy to your outdoor space.
Mexican sunflowers are not native to Texas and have a tendency to become invasive. Using them as cut flowers will help reduce seed production and keep them from becoming invasive. Butterflies and hummingbirds can't resist the large, showy flowers with vibrant orange, red, and yellow petals.
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a beautiful perennial popular in southeast Texas gardens. Its daisy-like blossoms, with striking purple petals and pointed orange-brown centers, stand out among other flowers.
These vibrant flowers typically bloom from early summer through fall, providing your garden with a burst of vibrant color for several months. Because of their long flowering period, Purple Coneflowers can be used in a variety of garden settings, from flower beds and containers to wildflower meadows.
This Texas superstar thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Once established, it can even tolerate drought. Coneflowers are pest and disease resistant, making them an ideal choice for beginners or those looking for something low maintenance.
Bees and butterflies are essential for pollinating plants and promoting biodiversity in your garden, so by planting Purple Coneflower you will contribute to the well-being of these important pollinators and create a thriving ecosystem in your garden.
Planting your garden with drought-tolerant flowering plants that are well suited to Crossroads' climate is essential to creating an environmentally sustainable and vibrant space. By planting one or more of these plants in your garden, you will help create a beautiful, sustainable ecosystem that will thrive for years to come.
Gardeners' Dirt is written by members of the Victoria County Master Gardener Association, the educational outreach organization for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Victoria County. Send your questions to the Advocate, PO Box 1518, Victoria, TX 77901 or vcmga@vicad.com, or comment on this column at VictoriaAdvocate.com.
