Summer – which is now just one month away – is not considered a major planting season in Austin. And that’s because most people are trying to stay indoors to spare themselves the effects of all the sunshine central Texas typically gets.
But if you can brave the heat and accompanying humidity, you can use this time to plant some attractive, sun-hardy vegetation to beautify your landscape.
Here are just a few suggestions to get you started:
African broom fern and ming fern
Both plants are native to South Africa and are especially suited for planting in dry, shady areas. As they grow, they send up masses of tiny flattened, leaf-like stems (called cladodes). They add tremendous vitality to any landscape.
Mexican Ceratozamia latifolia and the Puerto Rican coontie
If you like cyads, these are two that do well in Texas. The former produces bronze, red or chocolate bronze-colored leaves that eventually turn green and the latter works best as a low-maintenance ground cover.
Curcuma scarlet fever, shampoo ginger and snake palm
These beautiful subtropicals add color and zest to dry shaded areas. With proper irrigation, they produce lush-looking foliage, even on the most blazing hot days.
Bamboo muhly and Chihuahuan lovegrass
Both of these plants can withstand full sun. The bamboo muhly is both drought-tolerant and deer resistant, while the summer-flowering Chihuahuan lovegrass bears feathery compound blooms and wispy foliage that make it a lovely addition to any landscape.
At South Austin Irrigation, we offer the best in irrigation system sales, service and repair. We’re also offer advice to help you beat the drought and make the most of your summer landscape and/or garden. Contact us today and experience the South Austin difference!
