While Texas is known for its high summer temperatures, industry professionals say the region’s climate also comes with an extended growing season.
Jennifer Hatalski, a Texas-certified nursery professional and vice president of marketing at Cornelius Nursery, said the extended season provides more planting windows and harvest cycles if residents choose plants suited to local conditions.
“With months of vibrant warmth and color, gardeners can plant earlier, grow longer and enjoy continuous successions of blooms and edibles,” Hatalski said. “Planning with Texas-specific weather in mind helps ensure strong roots and vibrant plants all season.”
With spring in full bloom and summer quickly approaching, here are six plants that don’t just survive but thrive in the Texas sun.
Cora XDR Vinca
Available in shades of pink, red, white and lavender, the flower is known for its disease resistance and heat tolerance as well as its “eye” at the center of the bloom.
Tip: Plant the flower in full sun with well-drained soil and water consistently at first to enjoy a long-lasting and low-maintenance bloom.
Bougainvillea
The heat-loving vine flourishes in the sun and requires minimal watering. Bougainvillea can be planted in containers, trained along trellises or grown across fences for a vibrant pop of color.
Tip: Prune the plant after heavy blooming periods to keep it looking full and healthy.
Mandevilla can tolerate partial shade, but thrives in full sunlight. (Courtesy Cornelius Nursery)
Mandevilla
The tropical vine can grow up to 10 feet tall at maturity and has large, trumpet-shaped blooms that attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds.
Tip: Mandevilla thrives in full sunlight and prefers evenly moist soil with regular watering.
Abelias
The versatile and low-maintenance shrub offers colorful foliage and blooms that last from spring to fall.
Tip: Abelia grows best in full sun to partial shade and needs to be watered consistently for at least six months before gradually reducing.
Drift Roses can be used in mass plantings or for colorful groundcover (Courtesy Cornelius Nursery)
Drift Roses
The sun-loving roses come in a variety of eye-catching colors and tend to be compact and low-growing. They typically need six to eight hours of daily sunlight.
Tip: Water thoroughly and frequently after planting to establish roots.
Oleander
The tough evergreen shrub grows best in full sun and produces colorful flowers in May, as well as additional blooms throughout the summer.
Tip: Water Oleander whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to keep it healthy and vibrant.