The Austin summer sun is blazing high in the sky. But in just one month, Central Texas will begin its annual cool-down. Are you prepared for the new growing season?
If you’re looking for some hardy, good-looking, native Texas shrubs to brighten your autumn landscape, here are some planting recommendations.
Crimson-eyed rosemallow
This plant blooms from the summer until well into the fall. At maturity, it stands 3 to 6 feet tall. It has several stems that grow from a single crown and large heart-shaped leaves that are grayish-green on one side and white and hairy on the other. Crimson-eyed rosemallows produce lovely cream-colored flowers that have a reddish band on the inside base.
American beautyberry
Also known as French mulberry, this deciduous shrub has a loose, arching pattern of growth which makes it good to use as a screen or under large trees in a landscape. It needs very little water and maintenance and produces purplish clusters of berries during the fall. Beautyberry shrubs grow best in partial shade and moist soil conditions.
Yaupon holly
Yaupon holly is an evergreen that can grow quite large – up to 8 to 15 feet in height, depending on which variety you choose. This shrub has inch-long narrow leaves and produces berries from the fall into the spring. It does well in a variety of soils and is even tolerant of salt. Landscapers typically use it as a hedge, screen or as background planting for deciduous shrubs and perennials.
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