Summer is not the best time to plant. But if you really want to spruce up your landscape, consider these heat-loving standouts.
Summertime gardening in Texas, particularly in San Antonio, eventually comes with one major challenge — continuous and intense heat. High temperatures and ongoing drought can punish establishing plants that are not adapted to these conditions.
That’s why native species that are tolerant of high heat and long dry spells can be an ideal choice for local landscapes as they have evolved to withstand and even thrive in these sorts of climates.
For an alternative to big-box store annuals and perennials, explore native succulent and cacti species. These architectural plants are an ideal summer addition to your landscape since they’re experts in saving water. When water is available in the soil, whether it be after a rain event or irrigation, they can absorb that water and store it in their tissue for long periods, allowing them to survive in times of water scarcity.
There are multiple species of succulents and cacti that come to mind, but here are a few standouts to consider.
- Red yucca is a great “set it and forget it” choice, an extremely drought tolerant evergreen that does well in full sun. With attractive red/yellow blooms, this plant drives the local hummingbird community wild! When planting, make sure to give it enough space as it tends to grow wider once established (“Brakelights” is a compact selection for containers or mass plantings.)
- Green sotol is another evergreen that’s accustomed to high heat and dry conditions, forming a dense sphere of narrow, serrated leaves that are native to rocky Texas landscapes. Similarly to red yucca, allow it enough space to grow and spread out since its bloom stalks grow rather tall.
- If you’re looking for a focal point in your landscape, consider Spanish dagger, a tall and multi-trunked evergreen tree yucca with thick, pointy leaves that can withstand nearly anything that’s thrown at it. This species also requires plenty of space and makes an excellent addition to a xeriscape.
- A true Texas native, twistleaf yucca is a smaller variety that’s equally tolerant of intense summer heat. This Hill Country species shows narrow twisting blue/green leaves and requires very little to no maintenance. Due to its reduced size, it’ an ideal choice for smaller areas in your landscape if you want to fill those spaces.
- Texas prickly pear is the iconic native cactus of our area. Along with its outstanding heat and drought resistance, it provides edible pads and fruit if you’re feeling peckish. When planting one, make sure it has enough room to grow out, and while it may seem obvious, watch out for the thorns!
When it comes to implementing these plant varieties, it’s always important to not overwater and provide good drainage. The reason these species do so well in our area is because they’re accustomed to little water — a key factor of a water-saving landscape!
