Texas Sage
$0.00
Full sun
-
3'-8'
Deer resistant
Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens), also known as Cenizo, Texas Ranger, or Silverleaf, is a hardy, drought-tolerant shrub prized for its silvery-gray foliage and vibrant blooms. Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, Texas Sage produces beautiful purple, lavender, or magenta flowers after periods of rain or humidity, often creating a stunning display in the late summer and fall. The blooms are tubular, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and contrast strikingly with the plant’s soft, silvery leaves.
This shrub typically grows 3 to 6 feet tall and wide, though it can reach up to 8 feet in ideal conditions. Texas Sage thrives in USDA zones 8-11 and prefers full sun, where it will produce the most prolific blooms and dense foliage. It is highly adaptable to various soil types, including rocky, sandy, or alkaline soils, as long as they are well-draining. Texas Sage is also highly heat- and drought-tolerant once established, making it perfect for xeriscaping and low-water landscapes.
Requiring minimal maintenance, Texas Sage can be lightly pruned to shape, especially in spring, but it generally maintains a neat, rounded form. It is resistant to pests and diseases, adding to its popularity as a low-maintenance choice for landscapes. Texas Sage is commonly used as a hedge, border, or specimen plant, adding both color and texture to desert, southwestern, or coastal garden designs. With its resilience, stunning flowers, and silvery foliage, Texas Sage is an iconic and attractive choice for hot, dry climates.
Dwarf Burford Holly
$0.00
Full sun
Partial sun
3'-8'
Not deer resistant
Dwarf Burford Holly (Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii Nana’) is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, dark green foliage, attractive red berries, and low-maintenance needs. A smaller version of the traditional Burford Holly, this dwarf variety is ideal for small spaces, foundation plantings, and low hedges. It produces glossy, oval-shaped leaves with a single spine at the tip, and in fall, female plants develop clusters of bright red berries that persist through winter, adding seasonal interest and providing food for birds.
Dwarf Burford Holly typically grows to about 3 to 5 feet in height and width, forming a rounded, bushy shape. Hardy in USDA zones 7-9, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil, though it is adaptable to a range of soil types. This shrub is relatively drought-tolerant once established and is also resistant to heat, humidity, and urban pollution, making it a durable choice for various landscape settings.
Low-maintenance and slow-growing, Dwarf Burford Holly requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and can be lightly trimmed after the berries appear if desired. Its resilience to pests and diseases, along with its compact size and attractive foliage, makes it an excellent choice for low hedges, borders, or as an accent plant. With its year-round greenery and seasonal berry display, Dwarf Burford Holly brings structure, color, and wildlife-friendly appeal to landscapes with minimal effort.
Azalea
$0.00
Partial sun
Full shade
4'-8'
Not deer resistant
Azalea (Rhododendron spp.) is a popular flowering shrub known for its stunning, trumpet-shaped blooms and lush foliage. Belonging to the Rhododendron genus, Azaleas bring vibrant color to landscapes in early spring, with some varieties blooming again in summer and fall. Available in a variety of colors including shades of pink, red, purple, white, and orange, Azaleas create a striking visual impact in gardens and are a favorite for foundation plantings, borders, and woodland gardens.
Azaleas range in size from compact, low-growing varieties (around 2-3 feet) to larger shrubs reaching up to 6-10 feet, depending on the species and cultivar. These shrubs thrive in partial shade to filtered sun, especially in hot climates, and prefer well-draining, acidic soil rich in organic matter. They are generally hardy in USDA zones 6-9, though some cold-tolerant varieties can grow in zone 5.
Azaleas are relatively low-maintenance but benefit from occasional pruning after their main bloom cycle to maintain shape and encourage denser growth. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells, as Azaleas have shallow roots that can dry out quickly. Mulching around the base helps retain soil moisture and maintain an acidic pH.
With their vibrant flowers, glossy green foliage, and adaptability, Azaleas are ideal for adding a splash of color and elegance to shaded gardens, foundation plantings, and naturalized areas. Their versatility and beauty make them a timeless choice for landscapes ranging from traditional to informal.
Gardenia
$0.00
Full sun
Partial sun
3'-8'
Not deer resistant
Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), also known as Cape Jasmine, is an evergreen shrub cherished for its exquisite, creamy white blooms and intoxicating fragrance. Native to Asia, Gardenia is popular for its large, waxy flowers that bloom from late spring through summer, filling gardens with a rich, sweet scent. The flowers stand out beautifully against the plant’s dark green, glossy leaves, creating a classic and elegant appearance.
Gardenia typically grows 3 to 8 feet tall and wide, though dwarf varieties are available for smaller spaces and container plantings. This plant thrives in partial shade to full sun, preferring morning sun with afternoon shade in hotter climates. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-11, though it can be grown in cooler zones as a container plant that is brought indoors for winter. Gardenias require well-draining, acidic soil rich in organic matter and benefit from regular watering, as they are not drought-tolerant.
To maintain its shape and encourage blooming, Gardenia may need light pruning after its flowering period. It can be sensitive to pests like aphids and spider mites, as well as soil pH, which should be kept slightly acidic to prevent yellowing leaves. Despite these care requirements, Gardenia’s stunning flowers, delightful fragrance, and glossy foliage make it a prized choice for hedges, borders, and accent plantings. Ideal for gardens with a touch of formality or as standalone statement plants, Gardenias bring timeless beauty and aromatic charm to any landscape.
