Driving along Texas byways, especially country roads, it’s not unusual to spot an overgrown patch of land with an almost falling down, weather-beaten house. But breaking through the brush bravely are flowering bushes, untrimmed shrubs and irises, in a hue of colors, telling a passerby, that long ago, a gardener tucked them into the soil on a warm fall day, and they are still providing beauty.
Bulbs
Flowering bulbs that grow well in Texas include varieties of bearded irises, daylilies, Spanish bluebells, gladiolas, amaryllis, daffodils, ranunculus, narcissi, grape hyacinths, anemones, cannas and calla lilies. Although bulbs can be transplanted, it’s best to locate them in well-drained garden spaces or containers where they can grow with appropriate sunlight/shade to a desirable height and multiply and be divided for many years. Each bulb should be spaced from its neighbor at least the width of the bulb and at a depth of two-three times the bulb’s height. Once each hole is dug, add bulb fertilizer according to package directions, top with enough soil to protect the bulb’s roots from being in direct contact with the fertilizer. Plant the bulb at the right height, root end down and pointed end up. Cover with soil to level the space, water and add about 1-inch of mulch. If mice, squirrels or gophers call the garden home, it’s best to cover the buried bulbs with staked down chicken wire. These animals tend to enjoy bulbs for a snack over the winter months. Deadhead the flowers, but when the flowers are finished for the season, don’t cut away the leaves until they turn yellow. The bulbs are busy storing food for the winter!
Non-flowering bulbs also grow well in North and Central Texas. Examples are elephant ears and caladiums. Since frost kills these tropical plants, in the fall, dig up the bulbs when the leaves begin to turn yellow or die. Discard the leaves and stems, dry the bulbs well, wrap them in peat moss and store them in a warm, dry place over the winter. Replant them when spring frosts are over.
Shrubs and Bushes
When investing in any new plant, it’s a good idea to amend the soil that will be used, and select plants that grow well in the region. This is especially true when investing in shrubs and bushes. Texas has several regions or zones. North Central Texas lies in Texas A&M Extension Agency’s Region III/B and USDA’s Zone 8. It is also important to note the full growth and spreading size when planning where to plant shrubs and bushes to avoid eventual overcrowding and/or the blocking of windows and doors. Shrubs generally grow taller than bushes but not as tall as trees, have thicker foliage and are usually kept trimmed. Bushes are left to grow in a natural state. The best time to plant balled-in-burlap or container grown shrubs, bushes and trees is fall — after the summer heat is over, and there’s time for them to take root before the first freeze. Wait until January-April to plant any bare root choices. Suggested small shrubs/bushes include dusty miller, honey mesquite and nandina. Medium-size shrubs/bushes include Engelman’s prickly pear, sweet mock orange and lantana, and large-sized choices include desert willow, Chinese photinia, Ashe juniper and Mexican elder. Instructions for planting are usually included with each plant.
These easy-to-care-for plants are wonderful additions, enhancing the colors and overall beauty in gardens for years to come. They’re a garden’s superstars and dependable mainstays, worth the investment of time and money.
Written by Virginia Riddle
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