Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Wednesday - July 23, 2008
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Cacti and Succulents, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Texas natives to plant in July and August
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
My husband and I have a disaster of a lawn that we were planning to develop slowly, over time, with a sustainable design we contracted from a landscape designer. However, we are having to move out of the house urgently and rent it out, with little time to prepare the front yard to add curb appeal. We'd like to find some plants we can design with gravel, which we can actually plant in July or August. (I'm not convinced that even natives could survive a planting this time of year.) Any suggestions??ANSWER:
Well, you're right—this is not the ideal time to be planting something in Austin, given the heat and lack of rain. You, your property management agent or your tenant will need to water the newly planted plants for awhile to help them get established. Even the toughest plants cannot stand transplaning in mid-summer without some extra care. However, going with a sort of desert theme, here are a few options that should work and look good with your gravel.
Hesperaloe parviflora (redflower false yucca)
Manfreda maculosa (spice lily)
Chrysactinia mexicana (damianita)
Dasylirion texanum (Texas sotol)
More Cacti and Succulents Questions
Are agaves really native from Pacific Palisades CA
April 30, 2013 - I just replied re agave issues, and mistakenly asked the source of your information. I see that you clearly noted it, apologies.
I would note, however, that the Riverside area is very much a hot,...
view the full question and answer
How can I eradicate 20 acres of cactus?
April 28, 2010 - Cactus eradication. I have about 20 acres that are covered to the point that it is not safe to walk on the property. What can I do? Are there classes out there for eradication?
view the full question and answer
Can I save my century plant by cutting the flowering stalk in Austin, TX? Probably not.
April 28, 2010 - Our century plant is starting to sprout it's flower (four feet). If we cut it down can we save the plant? Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Transporting a plant on airplane from New York City
April 21, 2012 - Can I transport via airplane a jade plant from New York City to Colorado in my suitcase?
view the full question and answer
Central Texas plant to grow in cavity in cedar (Juniperus ashei)
February 27, 2010 - Is there a CenTX native that would be happy in a one-gallon cavity in a Cedar tree? I'd like to disguise an amputated limb. I'd consider a Bromeliad or Staghorn fern, but would prefer a native.
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
