Well, we’ve made it through yet another summer! Now that cooler weather is finally arriving, it is time to re-evaluate our landscapes and think of ways to get them ready to look beautiful for the spring of 2015 – which will be here before we know it.
Many plants perform much better in our heat if planted during the fall and winter months. Central Texas soil doesn’t freeze and all but the most sensitive perennials will grow roots throughout the winter, allowing them to break dormancy in the spring as established plants.
These older plants will be capable of surviving an early heat wave or dry period with much less care than ones that you plant in the spring.
Natives are an especially good choice to plant out in the landscape right now. They’re acclimatized to our weather, and even if it gets a little cooler than normal they should bounce right up in the spring ready to bloom.
Some of the great old stand-bys are the many Salvias, lantanas (except the newer hybrid versions which are not cold hardy), Texas verbenas, 4-nerve and other native daisies, flame acanthus and guara.
Fall planting is critical for spring bulbs and wildflowers. Wildflowers are typically seeded in October and allowed to germinate during the winter.
We need good winter rains and cooler temperatures for a strong spring wildflower season, especially bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes and other early blooming favorites. Plant after a good rain and lightly rake to make sure the seeds contact the soil.
It’s best to plant many of the spring blooming bulbs in October and November. Bearded iris, daffodils and annual tulips (not perennial here) are several types of bulbs you’ll see available to plant right now. Bearded irises, actually a rhizome, are amazing here and are found on old homesteads all over our state.
Make sure you amend the soil if it’s super heavy, adding compost and a little bone meal to promote blooms.
Also, keep an eye out for new amaryllis varieties. We don’t plant them in the ground until spring, but they will be available to buy during the holiday season and can be kept in the house until ready to plant. Apple blossom is one of my favorites and will naturalize here.
Lastly, make sure you also get a jump on early spring flowering shrubs. Many shrubs (roses included) take three seasons to really establish themselves, so any time you can buy this fall means strong growth and more flowers that much sooner. Antique roses including Chinas and hybrid musks are some of the healthiest and prettiest roses to grow here. The newer Knock Outs also make good flowering hedges and will bloom most of the year; just be prepared for lots of pruning to keep them in check.
Some other great shrubs to plant right now: dwarf nandina for winter foliage color; Texas mountain laurel for super fragrant purple blooms (small tree or large shrub); Chinese fringe flower with its pretty purple flowers and foliage; and glossy abelia, an easy to grow evergreen with dainty white flowers.
Happy gardening everyone!
If you have a question for Chris or Amanda, send it via email to [email protected]. Or mail a postcard to It’s About Thyme: 11726 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78748 www.itsaboutthyme.com
