Creating a vibrant and thriving garden in Houston’s unique climate can be a rewarding challenge. The hot, humid summers and mild winters require perennials that are not only resilient but also capable of providing year-round beauty.
These flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators. They are mostly drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun but can also handle partial shade, making them versatile for various garden spots. Whether you’re looking to attract wildlife or simply add some colorful blooms to your garden, these perennials are sure to make your Houston garden a showstopper.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best perennials for Houston that will keep your garden looking stunning from early spring through summer long.
Best Perennials for Houston
1. Shasta Daisies
Growing Shasta Daisies in Houston is like adding a sprinkle of sunshine to your garden! These cheerful perennials are perfect for brightening up any space with their crisp white petals and sunny yellow centers.
Not only are Shasta Daisies a delight to the eyes, but they are also hardy and easy to grow, making them a favorite among Houston gardeners. If you’re ready to add a touch of charm to your garden, here’s everything you need to know about growing Shasta Daisies in Houston.
First things first, Shasta Daisies thrive in full sun. So, find a sunny spot in your garden where these beauties can soak up the rays. They are drought tolerant, which means they can handle the hot Houston summers without breaking a sweat. Plant them alongside other sun-loving perennials like the Hummingbird Bush and you’ll create a dazzling display that not only looks amazing but also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
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To keep your Shasta Daisies happy, plant them in well-drained soil and water them regularly, especially during dry spells. These plants are low-maintenance and will reward you with blooms that last all summer long. Pair them with purple flowers for a striking contrast or mix them into your existing Houston garden for a burst of color.
2. Hinckley’s Columbine
Not all varieties of Columbines are suited for the Texas heat, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Two of the best options for your Houston gardens are the hybrid ‘Texas Gold’ and the native species Aquilegia canadensis. These beauties can handle full sun to dappled shade depending on your growing zone and how intense your summers get. They thrive in well-draining soil that stays evenly moist but not boggy – just the kind of soil where Lantana thrives.
These perennials need that natural cycle of going dormant over the winter to burst into vigorous growth in the spring, so growing them indoors is a no-go. Instead, let them enjoy the outdoor life, soaking up the Texas heat in partial sun to keep them happy.
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Stick with varieties that can handle the Texas heat, such as the hybrid ‘Texas Gold’ and the native species Aquilegia canadensis. These are well-suited for Houston gardens and will give you the best results.
3. Blue Plumbagos
Meet Plumbago auriculata, the superstar of Southeast Texas gardens! Known for its soft-blue flowers, this versatile shrub can jazz up any landscape. Whether you’re looking for a mid-sized shrub to drape over the edge of a raised bed or just need a splash of blue in your garden, Blue Plumbago is your go-to plant. In really cold areas, give it a cozy layer of mulch to protect the roots in winter.
Once established, Plumbago is fairly drought-tolerant, although it might need a bit of extra water during prolonged dry spells. This shrub blooms seemingly year-round, bringing vibrant blue flowers to your garden from early spring to late summer.
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After a hard freeze or at the end of the blooming season, prune back any damaged or leggy growth to keep your Plumbago looking neat and tidy. Regular pruning encourages new growth and a fuller plant.
4. Creeping Phlox
Texas trailing phlox and creeping phlox are fantastic choices for adding vibrant color and year-long greenery to your garden. These plants thrive in specific conditions, and with the right care, they can become the stars of your garden. Let’s dive into some fun tips and tricks for growing these beautiful plants!
This versatile plant is perfect for filling in those tricky spots in your garden where other plants might struggle. With its clusters of purple and green flowers, creeping phlox will bring a pop of color to any container or ground cover. Plus, it’s an evergreen, so you’ll enjoy its lush foliage all year long.
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To keep your phlox plants healthy and blooming year-long, regular pruning and watering are essential. For Texas trailing phlox, cut the plants back halfway after they have flowered to encourage new growth and maintain their shape.
5. Rain Lilies
Rain lilies are the charming belles of the garden ball, bringing joy and surprise with their sudden blooming after a good rain. To keep your rain lilies looking fabulous, make sure they get regular watering, even during their dormancy. These natives love well-draining soil, so plant them in a spot where water doesn’t linger. If you notice puddles sticking around for 5–6 hours after a hard rain, it’s time to find a new home for your lilies.
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Rain lilies enjoy their home and don’t appreciate being disturbed unless absolutely necessary. Wait until your bed is overcrowded before moving or dividing the bulbs. The best time for this is just after their blooming extravaganza in the fall, right before they go dormant for the winter. Handling them at this time ensures they’re ready to rest and prepare for the next season’s show.
6. Rockroses
Roses are a beloved choice for Texas gardens, but they do need some special TLC to thrive in the Lone Star State’s unique climate.
Select rose varieties that can handle Texas’s warm, dry climate. Climbing roses and shrub roses are great choices for adding vertical beauty and lush blooms to your yard. These perennial beauties will stand strong through the season, adding color and fragrance to your garden.
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Rock roses, natives to the dry, rocky woods and banks of Texas, are surprisingly adaptable. They can grow in dry, lean soil but will grow taller and more robust in soil with good fertility. Aim for a soil pH between 6.6 and 7.8 for the best results.
7. Hamelia
Hamelia, also known as Firebush, is a fantastic addition to any Houston garden, bringing vibrant red flowers and attracting hummingbirds all summer long. One of the most delightful aspects of growing Hamelia is its ability to attract hummingbirds. The bright red flowers are a magnet for these tiny, vibrant birds, adding an extra layer of beauty and life to your garden. Planting Hamelia alongside white flowers can create a stunning contrast and enhance the visual appeal of your garden, making it a haven for both you and the local wildlife.
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It is quite drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering during the first growing season is essential to help it develop a strong root system. After that, occasional watering will suffice, especially during dry spells. The plant’s resilience makes it an excellent choice for gardeners who want stunning blooms without too much fuss.
8. Chrysanthemums
Growing Chrysanthemums in Houston can be a delightful and rewarding experience. These vibrant flowers, also known as mums, can add a splash of color to your garden. Plant your Chrysanthemums in early spring or late summer. Early planting allows the plants to establish roots before the peak summer heat, while late summer planting ensures a burst of fall color.
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Select Chrysanthemum varieties that are well-suited to warm climates. Look for heat-tolerant types, as they will be better equipped to handle Houston’s hot summers. Choose a sunny spot in your garden for planting Chrysanthemums. They thrive in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
9. Salvia
Salvias are the ultimate hot weather champions, thriving in full to mostly full sun to look and perform their best. As one of the most diverse and useful groups of plants for a Texas landscape, these sages – botanically known as Salvia – are a favorite among garden designers for creating long-lasting, colorful displays.
Most Salvias flourish when planted in a sheltered, sunny position with well-drained soil that retains some moisture. This makes them ideal for south-facing borders, gravel gardens, raised beds, coastal locations, and as part of exotic and subtropical planting schemes.
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Pruning is essential to keep your Salvia looking its best and encourage continuous blooming. Trim back spent flowers regularly to promote new blooms and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
Conclusion
Creating a vibrant garden in Houston’s unique climate can be both a rewarding and exciting adventure. From the cheerful Shasta Daisies to the fiery red blooms of Hamelia, these perennials will ensure your garden is bursting with color and life throughout the year. Not only will these plants add visual appeal to your garden, but they will also attract butterflies and hummingbirds, turning your yard into a lively haven for local wildlife.
With well-draining soil, regular watering, and plenty of sunshine, these perennials will thrive and keep your garden looking spectacular from early spring through late fall.
