Plants in Houston, TX.?

Question

Can you please help me. I want to know about green bushes and plants they grow fast and well in the hot humid Houston, TX weather. I would prefer low maint. plants that look nice. Thanks for all comments.

Answer 1

Hello..

Some you might want to consider:

for shrubs/hedges
Ligustrum and Boxwood...
those 2 are almost "universal" around Houston.

"Monkey Grass" usually does well too,and makes a attractive border/accent

Begonias--are nice bedded plants for color,,and the foliage is nice.
The flowers and the leaves come in a variety of colors.
Impatiens---are popular,,but they take regular watering.

Crepe Myrtle--they are very popular 'round Houston.
Seems the hotter/drier the weather,the better they do.
They grow fast and require pruning,,but it's a soft woody stem.
You can "train" them to be anything from a hedge or bush,,to a tall shade tree.
They flower most all summer.

Oleander ---is popular,,,They do very well.
I dont like them much,,and they're very toxic--though I've never heard of anyone hurt by them.

Hybiscus---is also popular,they do well in heat/drought with just a little watering.
Very showy blossoms in a variety of colors.
They can be trained as low bushes,,or small trees

It's hard to find a place around Houston WITHOUT at least a few of the above,,,they're the standards I 'spose.
They do well in the climate,,need minimal maintenance,,and they look nice.
They grow fast enough to give enjoyable results from planting time,,but not so fast to cause a lotta work controlling them

Hope that helps

** Teas Nursery has been in Houston "forever",the folks there really know their stuff.
They're located in Bellaire,just inside the loop---nice place to just Visit if you like that sorta thing.
You can contact them and they'll be happy to help you with ideas,etc
http://www.teasnursery.com/

WalMart and Home Depot often have best prices,,,but Help/Info there is sketchy

Answer 2

Try the following book:

Native Texas Plants; Landscaping Region by Region
by Sally and Andy Wasowski

You won't find a better book for the info you're looking for.

Answer 3

I have to add:

Ixora-shrub that has clusters of flowers that are either yellow, pink, red or orange.

Salvias, shrimp plants, butterfly bushes, cigar plants (cupheas) and turk's cap are also fast growers.

As far as annuals--now is the time for cool season annuals. For instance, pansies, snapdragons, petunias and dianthus. Dianthus takes part sun to full sun. All the others are for full sun.

Answer 4

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!