Understanding Hardiness
Many variables must be taken into account, not all zone 8 winters are the same. For example, temperatures that decline slowly in the fall are much easier on plants than a sudden deep freeze. Also, you have to remember, plants that are not in the best of health may not be able to take a severe winter. It is important to give plants enough water during the first growing season to establish their root system. Wind exposure can be a major stress factor for succulent plants, especially in winter, and can even cause death. Winds can dehydrate…
To help your Bougainvillea achieve its full color potential during season, follow these simple steps:
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Crape myrtles are one of our most popular blooming shrubs in North Texas! The “original” Indica crape myrtles are native to China and the first records of it being brought to the United States date back to the late 1700’s. These crape myrtles were pretty, usually left unpruned in any way, but were very prone to powdery mildew. In 1956, a second major variety of crape myrtle, the faurei, was introduced here from Japan – these almost pure white types had wonderful exfoliating bark and excellent disease resistance. The hybrids bred from careful crossing of these two types at the…
You can design your color bowl to be as dramatic or understated as you like. Choose the flowers and foliage plants that appeal to you and match the sun conditions that you have available.
Your Lighting Conditions
Once you’ve decided where you want your color bowl to be located, take note of how many hours of direct sunlight it gets, and at what time of day. Use “Sun” plants if the area gets sun all afternoon or 6 or more hours of full sun during the day. If your area has only morning sun or is deeply shaded, use…
You can design your color bowl or container garden to be as dramatic or understated as you like. By incorporating blooming annuals, ornamental grasses, specimen plants, perennials, herbs, or any of the myriad of interesting and beautiful plants available, you can achieve the effect of a vibrant garden on a smaller scale without the demands of a large garden.
Your Lighting Conditions
Decide where you want your container garden or color bowl to be located, and take note of how many hours of direct sunlight it gets, and at what time of day. Use “Sun”…
Options for Sunnier Locations
Pansies, Violas, and Panolas – Annuals; 6-8” tall x 6-8” wide
These are the best options for fall and winter color in North Texas because they thrive in cool weather and will bounce back after hard frosts to resume blooming. Pansies have relatively large faces and come in the widest range of colors. Violas, the predecessors to pansies, have smaller faces but a greater number of blooms per plant. Their other name, Johnny Jump-up, testifies to their ability to recover even more quickly than pansies from a hard frost. And panolas, a relatively new hybrid between…
FOR SPRING COLOR, BULBS MUST BE PLANTED IN THE FALL
Nothing is more satisfying than planting dormant brown bulbs in autumn and seeing them emerge in late winter or early spring with fresh green shoots and gorgeous fresh flowers. (more…)
