by Amanda Moon
Well . . . we've made it through yet another summer! Now that
cooler weather is finally arriving, it is time to re-evaluate our land-
scapes and think of ways to get them ready to look beautiful for the
spring of 2018 – 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 estab-
lished 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 (see
photo above, popular with hummers!) and guara.
Fall planting is critical for spring bulbs and wildflowers. Wild-
flowers 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 paint-
brushes 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 win-
ter 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! ❦
