It takes a Texas-tough Plant to thrive in a North Texas garden without coddling. The Metroplex sits in the middle of the Blackland Prairie ecological area and sees some extreme temperatures, from the upper 20s in the winter to 100s in the summer. But Native Plants — the ones that evolved in the DFW area — do the best in these conditions, and put on quite a show, too. Here are some native plants that will thrive in your DFW yard.
Bluebonnets
Of course, bluebonnets are on the list. The Texas state flower put on a spectacular show across Texas in the spring. You’ll see Texans pull off the road to pose with their kids and their dogs in fields of violet blue. Not only are bluebonnets Instagram-worthy, but they’re also low maintenance in DFW. The state’s foremost expert on native plants, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, says you should plant seeds in October and November. Sit back until April, and enjoy the springtime show.
Engelmann daisy
The Engelmann daisy is a native Texas perennial, which means it comes back year after year. It produces sunny yellow flowers throughout most of the summer. These flowers like sunshine and are very drought-tolerant. They’ll thrive in spite of the water restrictions in the Metroplex. It grows to about 2-1/2 feet tall, and the butterflies and bees love it. It’s a gorgeous and useful addition to any North Texas garden.
Maximilian Sunflower
This tall, eye-catching Texas native loves heat and sun. True to its name, it produces bright yellow blooms which appear late in the summer. It’s also a perennial, so it will come back every season. It will attract the native birds and insects to your yard. Keep in mind, it grows tall and spreads aggressively. The Maximilian sunflower isn’t well-suited to small-space landscapes. Give it room to roam, and you won’t be disappointed.
White Honeysuckle
The white honeysuckle is a trailing vine or shrub with snowy blossoms, that lends an air of Southern charm to any yard or patio. It loves hot, rocky places, but prefers partial shade. You may have to nurture it a little bit if you plant it in full sun. The sweet-smelling flowers appear in the spring, and later on, the plant produces a reddish berry, which native birds will eat. The white honeysuckle is another plant better suited to a Texas-sized yard. It can grow anywhere from 4 to 9 feet tall.
Post Oak
The post oak is a very Texan tree. It’s resistant to drought and fire, grows in poor, dry soil, and produces the wood that’s used to smoke world-famous Texas barbecue. This native tree grows slowly and gets up to 50 feet tall. It provides plenty of shade for the living creatures in and below its branches. If you’ve got a large yard, and are looking for one of the quintessential trees of North Texas — the post oak is it. It will be a low-maintenance part of your yard.
These Texas native plants that thrive in DFW are always a good addition for gardeners in the Metroplex. With our hot summers, periods of drought and somewhat cold winters, flowers, grasses, and trees need to be able to take a beating and keep on thriving. Native plants are beautiful, easy to care for — and attract local insects and wildlife that need those plants to survive.
Want to learn more about landscaping in DFW? Check out our Dallas, TX lawn care page for the latest lawn maintenance tips and tricks, as well as professional help.
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