From the arid deserts of West Texas to the humid Gulf Coast and everything in between, the Lone Star State offers a variety of climates that challenge gardeners to find the right plants for their landscapes. The best Texas landscape plants must be able to handle intense heat, unpredictable weather, and periods of drought while still providing beauty and habitat for local wildlife. Whether you’re looking for hardy trees, drought-resistant flowers, or tough ground covers, this list highlights 20 of the best plants for Texas landscapes—plus 5 that simply won’t survive the extreme conditions.
1. Texas Lantana (Lantana urticoides)
In the heart of Texas, few plants wear the resilience badge as proudly as the Texas Lantana. This drought-resistant shrub bursts with brilliant orange and yellow blooms, drawing butterflies like a magnet.
Not only does it thrive in arid conditions, but it also laughs in the face of the sweltering Texas sun. Perfect for those who seek a low-maintenance garden with a flair for color, this lantana is as tough as it is beautiful. Plant it in a sunny spot and watch it become the dazzling centerpiece of your landscape.
2. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Few flowers radiate joy quite like the Black-eyed Susan. These golden-yellow wildflowers are summer’s way of smiling at your garden.
Blooming through the heat, they provide an essential source of nectar for pollinators, ensuring your garden buzzes with life. Hardy and undemanding, they thrive in the often unforgiving Texas landscapes. With their sunny disposition, Black-eyed Susans effortlessly brighten any space, making them a must-have for any Texas gardener looking to add cheerful color.
3. Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus)
Imagine a plant that loves the heat as much as your favorite beachgoer. Enter Turk’s Cap, a perennial with red, twisted flowers that are a beacon for hummingbirds.
This plant flourishes whether basking in the sun or lounging in the shade, making it versatile for various garden spots. It stands resilient against hot Texas summers, providing a splash of color and a haven for wildlife. Plant Turk’s Cap for a garden that dances with hummingbirds and thrives despite the heat.
4. Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha)
When summer starts to retreat, Mexican Bush Sage steps into the spotlight. Its velvety purple flowers offer a striking contrast against the fading greens of late summer.
Drought-resistant and easy-going, this sage demands little but delivers a lot, making it a favorite for Texas gardeners. Its blooms extend into fall, ensuring your garden remains vibrant and inviting. Add Mexican Bush Sage to your landscape for a low-maintenance touch of elegance that defies Texas’s toughest conditions.
5. Texas Bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis)
No Texas garden is complete without the iconic Bluebonnet. These vibrant blue petals paint fields each spring, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
They thrive in well-drained, sunny landscapes, making them a perfect fit for Texas’s climate. More than just a pretty face, Bluebonnets enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, making them as practical as they are beautiful. They’re a symbol of Texas pride and an essential addition to any landscape striving for that quintessential Lone Star State charm.
6. Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii)
Meet your garden’s new best friend: Autumn Sage. This hardy shrub with its small, trumpet-shaped red flowers blooms nearly year-round, defying the Texas drought with aplomb.
It’s a crowd-pleaser among pollinators, drawing in bees and butterflies like a garden party invite. With its persistent blooms and minimal water needs, it’s an easy addition to any landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice, Autumn Sage ensures your garden is always full of life.
7. Esperanza (Tecoma stans)
In the dance of sun-loving plants, Esperanza takes center stage. Its stunning bright yellow, trumpet-shaped blooms are a visual symphony in the Texas landscape.
This shrub thrives in heat with minimal water, making it a top choice for dry gardens. Beyond its beauty, Esperanza is robust and fuss-free, requiring little maintenance. If you’re dreaming of a vibrant, easy-care garden that withstands the rigors of Texas weather, let Esperanza be your go-to showstopper.
8. Rock Rose (Pavonia lasiopetala)
In the realm of garden survivors, Rock Rose stands out with its delicate pink flowers, proving that beauty can thrive in adversity.
This native plant is a butterfly’s delight, blooming throughout the hot summer months with grace. Its drought resistance makes it an ideal candidate for Texas landscapes, adding color without demanding constant care. Plant Rock Rose for a garden that’s both beautiful and resilient, a true testament to nature’s adaptability.
9. Flame Acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii)
Heat and drought are no match for the fiery spirit of Flame Acanthus. With its striking red tubular flowers, this shrub is a hummingbird’s haven.
Thriving in the intense Texas sun, it requires little water, making it a perfect choice for xeriscaping. Its vibrant blooms stand out, adding a splash of color to any garden. Whether you’re looking to attract wildlife or simply enjoy a no-fuss plant, Flame Acanthus is your fiery garden companion.
10. Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)
Even in the heart of winter, Yaupon Holly stands as a beacon of life. This resilient native holly boasts evergreen foliage and bright red berries, adding year-round interest.
It’s more than just a pretty face; the berries provide essential food for wildlife during lean months. Whether used as a hedge or a standalone feature, Yaupon Holly delivers beauty and ecological value. Its toughness and adaptability make it a staple for Texas landscapes seeking structure and color.
11. Gulf Muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris)
For a touch of ethereal beauty, Gulf Muhly is your go-to grass. Its feathery pink-purple plumes add a soft texture and vibrant color to Texas landscapes, making it a favorite among gardeners.
This ornamental grass thrives with minimal care, requiring little water and maintenance. It’s perfect for adding movement and a dream-like quality to gardens, particularly in the fall when it’s in full bloom. Gulf Muhly proves that even grasses can be stars in the garden show.
12. Buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides)
Looking for a lawn alternative that doesn’t demand constant pampering? Buffalograss is your answer. This hardy native grass requires little water or maintenance, making it a perfect choice for eco-conscious Texas yards.
It thrives in full sun and withstands drought, reducing the need for frequent watering. Buffalograss’s dense, green cover provides a soft, natural look that’s easy on the eyes and the environment. Switch to Buffalograss for a beautiful, sustainable lawn that practically takes care of itself.
13. Cedar Sedge (Carex planostachys)
In the dappled shade beneath live oaks, Cedar Sedge finds its perfect home. This drought-tolerant ground cover is a champion of shaded Texas landscapes.
It thrives in low-light conditions, offering lush greenery where other plants might struggle. With minimal water needs and a knack for thriving under native trees, Cedar Sedge is ideal for adding texture and coverage. It’s a practical choice for those looking to beautify the often challenging shady spots in their gardens.
14. Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’)
Add drama and movement to your garden with Purple Fountain Grass. Its arching burgundy plumes are a striking feature, providing contrast and texture to any landscape.
This ornamental grass thrives in Texas’s heat, requiring minimal care while offering maximum visual impact. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a dynamic element that sways with the breeze, adding elegance to garden compositions. Embrace Purple Fountain Grass for a landscape that’s both bold and beautiful.
15. Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora)
For a fast-spreading ground cover that supports local wildlife, look no further than Frogfruit. Its tiny white flowers provide nectar for pollinators, making it a favorite among bees and butterflies.
This low-water plant is a practical lawn alternative, thriving in sun-drenched areas without fuss. Its ability to spread quickly makes it ideal for covering large areas with ease. Frogfruit is a smart choice for gardeners looking to support biodiversity while maintaining a lush, green cover.
16. Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)
In the world of trees, Live Oak reigns supreme with its majestic presence. Known for its sprawling branches and long life, it provides much-needed shade and withstands extreme Texas weather.
Its resilience and grandeur make it a staple in parks and large gardens, offering shelter from the sun and a habitat for wildlife. Plant a Live Oak for a legacy of beauty and strength, creating a natural retreat right in your backyard.
17. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
When summer turns up the heat, Crape Myrtle steps forward with a burst of vibrant blooms. Its flowers in shades of pink, red, and purple defy the dry Texas landscapes.
This tree is a favorite for its long flowering season and minimal water needs, providing color when it’s needed most. Easy to care for and stunning in appearance, Crape Myrtle is an ideal choice for those looking to brighten their gardens throughout the hot months.
18. Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora)
Imagine a shrub that smells like grape soda and thrives without pampering. Enter Texas Mountain Laurel, with its stunning evergreen foliage and fragrant purple blooms.
This shrub thrives in dry Texas soils, offering beauty and scent without fuss. It’s perfect for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance plant that delivers high rewards. Plant Texas Mountain Laurel for a garden filled with aroma and elegance, tailored perfectly for the Texas climate.
19. Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)
In the dance of resilience and beauty, Desert Willow takes the stage with its delicate pink, orchid-like flowers. This small tree is a favorite among pollinators, thriving in the Texas sun with minimal water.
Its airy branches and elegant blooms make it a standout feature in any garden. Whether planted in a landscape or as a standalone feature, Desert Willow offers grace and grit, perfectly suited to the Texas climate.
20. Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana)
Early bloomers rejoice in the presence of Mexican Plum, a hardy tree that heralds spring with fragrant white flowers. Beyond its beauty, it offers edible plums, providing food for both wildlife and humans.
This tree is a resilient addition to Texas gardens, thriving with little care. Its blooms and fruit make it a valuable plant for those looking to combine aesthetics with practicality. Plant Mexican Plum for a garden that celebrates the changing seasons with style.
21. Japanese Maple – Too Fragile for Texas Heat
In a state where the sun reigns supreme, the delicate Japanese Maple often finds itself outmatched. This shade-loving tree struggles with Texas’ intense sun and unpredictable temperature swings.
While it offers exquisite beauty with its vibrant foliage, it requires careful placement and constant care to survive. For those willing to pamper it, the Japanese Maple can add elegance to a carefully curated garden. However, its sensitivity makes it a challenging choice for Texas landscapes.
22. Hydrangea – A Thirsty Plant for a Dry Climate
Imagine a plant that thirsts for attention and water—Hydrangea fits that bill. This beautiful flowering shrub requires constant moisture and shade, making it a poor fit for Texas landscapes.
While its large blooms are undeniably stunning, the effort to maintain them in Texas’s dry climate can be daunting. For gardeners determined to grow Hydrangeas, strategic placement and frequent watering are key.
23. Blue Spruce – A Mountain Tree in the Wrong Place
Picture a tree that thrives amidst snowy peaks. That’s the Blue Spruce, a stunning evergreen better suited to cold mountain climates than Texas’s heat.
In Texas, it struggles to adapt, quickly suffering under the blazing sun and humidity. While its blue-green needles are a sight to behold, maintaining a Blue Spruce in Texas requires dedication and climate compromises. This mountain tree often finds itself out of place in the Lone Star State.
24. Hostas – Too Sensitive for Texas Summers
In the shade gardens of cooler climates, Hostas are the stars. However, in Texas, they struggle against the scorching sun.
These popular perennials require excessive water and care to survive, making them labor-intensive in such a dry state. While their lush leaves are attractive, the constant battle for moisture makes them a challenging choice. For those determined to grow Hostas, providing ample shade and water is crucial. Otherwise, they’re best admired from afar.
25. English Ivy – A Garden Menace
On the surface, English Ivy seems like an appealing choice with its lush, green leaves. But beneath its beauty lies a garden menace.
In Texas landscapes, it quickly becomes invasive, smothering native plants and damaging structures. Its aggressive nature calls for vigilant control, making it a less desirable choice. For gardeners seeking harmony in their plantings, English Ivy’s tendency to dominate makes it a risky addition. Opt for native alternatives to preserve Texas’s natural beauty.