Sun or shade. Evergreen, with blue or green leaves bearing sharp points. Yellow flowers appear briefly in early spring, followed by red berries. Stiff stems form a mounding shrub up to 5′ in height.
Agarita’s rugged prickly leaves are a signature of Texas thickets, canyons and woodlands. Though it’s frequently clear-cut during residential construction, it has been showcased in watersaver landscapes. Pair it with yucca and mountain laurel to lend instant Hill Country flavor. Agarita can be hard to locate at big box stores, but it can be obtained from specialty nurseries in the San Antonio and Austin areas.
Agarita requires excellent drainage in clay soils. No regular maintenance is required, and the prickly leaves tend to discourage it; prune only to remove deadwood.
A signature Texas native: deer-proof and drought proof.
