Best Plants and Flowers for landscaping in humid climtate, Houston TX?

Question

I want to redo the landscape of our new home, the previous owners didn't do much with it.

We want to do a border around the front of the house with big rocks as the border and plant some pretty plants and flowers, anything with color and some greens too. Also, what should we use inside the border? rocks, or just the soil as it is, or bark?? We don't have any big trees in our yard so it would be exposed to the hot sun most of the day. Also, Houston gets quite humid, so what plants/flowers would survive the heat and humidity the best? Any suggestions?? Thanks!

Answer 1

First of all plant a tree to get some shade going. You will aprreciate the energy savings. A shade tree or an ornamental tree that will cast some shade on the area. This will help cut down on watering also. While waiting for the shade plant sun loving drought resistant plants like vinca and knock out roses. Bark mulch is best because it enriches the soil as it breaks down.
Home Depot has a book called "Landscaping 1-2-3 for zones 7-10" that I have found very helpful. Houston is zone 8 or 9 depending on your location. Randy Lemmons book "Gulf coast Gardening" is great also.

Answer 2

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RE:
Best Plants and Flowers for landscaping in humid climtate, Houston TX?
I want to redo the landscape of our new home, the previous owners didn't do much with it.

We want to do a border around the front of the house with big rocks as the border and plant some pretty plants and flowers, anything with color and some greens too. Also, what should we use inside the...

Answer 3

Best Plants For Houston

Answer 4

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Answer 5

You live in zone 9. Don't use rocks. I have some and they were done right but, weeds still come up and a "B" to weed. Bark catches on fire....almost had a serious fire once from ciggy. Use a soil like Miracle Grow GARDEN soil (not potting) or the generic one like it (can't think of name right now, sorry-yellow bag). Get a bottle of Super Thrive and follow instructions for whatever you plant. I use it twice a year.
Plant:
Hibiscus
Bird of Paradise
Oleanders
Natal Palms
Segas palms (watch for that disease they can get)
Plumeria trees (might freeze)
Bougainvillea
Shefileria (sp)
Flowers:
Zinnias
Vinca (Periwinkle)
Verbena
Petunias
Purslane (sp) (Morning Star Creeper)
Mums
Moss rose
Vines:
Confederate Jasmine
Mandivilla
Red Runner (Love those)
Night Blooming Jasmine (kind of bushes rather than vine out)...nothing better
7 Sisters climbing rose
Trees:
China Berry Trees grow fast and are great for our Texas heat but, most of all are great climbing trees for kids and don't forget the China Berry fights, lol.
Go to a local nursery up there and pick out 6 packs of bedding flowers. Plant a little closer than they say.
In August NOTHING blooms except Vinca.
I hope ya'll try some of these.

Answer 6

I'm a Houston native. Roses do well there. You really should plant Texas Bluebonnets. Those will brighten up any flower garden. You should plant some Aloe Vera. They are good with burns. Just break off the end and rub the juice on the burn. Actually, most plants and flowers that need sun and moisture will work.

Answer 7

I can think of three ways to approach this huge project. 1. You could hire a landscape architect. 2. You could go to the nearest Home Depot or Lowe's and purchase one of their land scapeing "How to do Books" and in conjunction with that. 3. Take a trip to the local nursery, they will give you enormous help. They might even have you sketch out your property and planting areas. Be sure to show North on your sketch. Have Fun!!!

Answer 8

The Latin names are annoying; but below is a summary from a Harris County Master Gardeners list.
S = sun, SH = shade, FL = Flowering BF = Butterflies attracted, HB = Hummingbirds attracted
Annuals for Summer Color
Coleus spp. (new sun coleus varieties) - S/SH
Pelargonium species – Flowering Geraniums S/SH (plants can be overwintered)
Portulaca species – Moss Rose S , FL
Tagetes species – Marigolds S, FL
Zinnia hybrids – Zinnias S, FL, BF
Coreopsis hybrids – Coreopsis S, FL
Celosia hybrids – Celosia S, FL
Begonia hybrids - Fibrous Root Begonias SH, FL
Ground Covers
Polygonum capitatum - Magic Carpet S/SH, FO, FL
Trachelospermum asiaticum - Asian jasmine S/SH, FO
Orphiopogon (varioujs species and cultivars) - Monkey Grass S/SH FO
Loriope muscari (various cultivars) S/SH, FO, FL
Cryophytum crystalinum - Ice Plant S/SH, FO, FL
Viola herderace - Australian violet SH, FL
Perennials – Sun
Agapanthus species – Lily of the Nile S/SH, FL
Heterocallis species – Day Lilies S, FL
Tubaghia violaceae - Society Garlic S/SH, FL
Crinum species & hybrids S/SH, FL
Tunera species - Buttercup Bush S, FL, BF
Hibiscus species - Mallows or hardy Hibiscus (e.g. Texas Star – Hibiscus coccineus) S, FL
Cuphea ignea ‘David Varity’ - Dwarf Firecracker Shrub S/SH, FL, HB
Phlox species and cultivars, S/SH,. FL
Hamelia patens – Hummingbird Bush (for light shade also), S/SH, FL, HB
Leonotis leonurus – Lions tail, S/SH, FL, HB
Roses - (Earth Friendly per Texas A&M) S, FL
Rosa x ‘Belinda’s Dream’
Rosa x ‘Katy Road Pink’
Rosa x ‘Caldwell Pink’
Rosa x’Maria Gonzalez’
Rosa x ‘Red Cascade’
Rosa x ‘Knock Out’
Rosa x ‘The Fairy’
Rosa x ‘Climbing Pinkie’
Rosa x ‘Else Poulsen’
Rosa x ‘Marie Daly’
Rosa x ‘Mutabilis’
Rosa x ‘Perle d'Or’
Rosa x ‘Sea Foam’