A harbinger is a sign of things to come. In our central Texas region,
we have plenty of these special plants that announce the news, through

their blossoms and blooms, that spring is just around the corner.

 

One of the first on the scene is Texas flowering quince (pictured

above).  This deciduous shrub is  a member of the rose family. It grows

low to the ground,  and produces stunning coral to red flowers just before

it puts on its foliage.

 

This quince is very drought tolerant, and can stand a wide range of soil

conditions, from sandy to clay loam. They flower from the end of January

through February.

 

We also  have native trees that announce spring along our central Texas

roadways. Most common are the Texas and Mexican redbuds. With

their deep purplish-red flowers and shiny, heart shaped leaves, they make

an attractive addition to any landscape.

 

Another native to look for along the roadside is Mexican plum. Its blooms

are snowy white and has dark  (almost black) contrasting trunks and

branches. They are beautiful plants, and fragrant too.

 

Soon we are going to start seeing those impressive grape-scented purple

flowers of the Texas mountain laurel. This is one of our region’s most

sought after landscape specimen or accent plants.

 

Finally, let's not forget the Mexican buckeye. Its pink flowers usually

appear just after the redbuds finish their blooming. This drought tolerant,

multi-trunk tree is a good addition to any  landscape.

                                                             Happy gardening everyone!