The benefit of growing native plants in the yard and garden is that native plants don’t require as much water as non-native plants, and they are much more heat and drought tolerant as they are adapted to our environment here in Texas. The plants you place in and around your home have a direct impact on your water bill and on water consumption/conservation. Houston is in “Zone 9” when it comes to the Planting Hardiness Zone. Below will be listed the top 10 plants that Residents can plant in their gardens to make more heat tolerant and water smart gardens and yards. It’s important to note that native plants ≠ no maintenance, watering, or upkeep. Residents will find their plants will be much happier and healthier if they are rated for the right climate or endemic to the area.
Eastern Purple Coneflower
This beautiful purple flower is a Texas native that loves full or partial sun, thriving in the Texas Spring and Summer. Coneflowers also provide food and shelter for bees, butterflies, and birds. This is a garden must have this year.
Yaupon Holly
Yaupon Holly is a shrub native to the Houston area that is known for being evergreen and deer resistant. This is a popular plant for landscaping due to its low hedge. They are drought tolerant and have resistance to insects and diseases. It’s a tough and hardy plant that tolerates a range of soil conditions.
Black-eyed Susan
Although it is a short-lived perennial, Black-Eyed Susan’s are one of the toughest flowers that tolerate the Houston climate and range from beautiful yellows to oranges and reds. These flowers are full-sun loving and bloom in the late summer and early fall. They are considered draught resistant flowers and a great addition to any home garden
Texas Lantana
Texas Lantana is a gorgeous native perennial that requires full sun to partial shade. This plant blooms in wonderful oranges, reds, and yellows, attracting wildlife such as bees, birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies. These plants can bloom in the spring, summer, and fall and have a low water demand.
Gulf Coast Muhly
A tough native grass that grows in full to part sun. These grasses are often overlooked by gardeners when deciding on plants for their landscaping and beds, but they can create beautiful scenes in the garden and landscape. This grass is also a perennial. When in bloom, this grass has beautiful purple tufts that plume over the top of the grass creating a stunning effect!
Blackfoot Daisy
Blackfoot Daisies can survive the Texas heat, in full sun or partial shade with little water. They are dark green with white and yellow flowers, that grow low to the ground in a bushlike shape. They are a great addition to any garden, as they also attract bees and butterflies!
Texas Sage
The official sage of Texas, Texas Sage is a beautiful, full sun, drought tolerant bush with silver, greyish green leaves. It takes two years to fully mature then blooms into beautiful pink, purple, and lavender flowers. This plant prefers well drained soil and can also tolerate partial shade.
Lance-leaved coreopsis
A beautiful yellow flower that blooms in Spring, lance-leaved coreopsis prefers full sun and well drained soil. They grow approximately 2’ tall and can be aggressive self-seeders. It is deer resistant and attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects.
Esperanza
Esperanza is another Texas native summer perennial that tolerates high temperatures and draught conditions very well. They prefer full sun and grow 4-6 ft tall. They grow beautiful yellow trumpets that bloom in the summer. It’s best to plant these early spring after the threat of the last freeze.
Southern Maidenhair Fern
The Maidenhair fern, or Southern Maiden hair fern, is a beautiful delicate green shade-loving Texas native fern. This plant is great for shady spaces and indoors or potted plant gardens, often growing in moist forests in it’s native spaces. These plants enjoy moist, well drained soil and low light or bright indirect light.
