Incorporating easy, low-maintenance groundcovers or low-lying perennials into your landscape can be a game-changer when it comes to conserving water and reducing upkeep. When they are native Texas plants, you also increase your shot at success! Whether you are looking to replacing some areas of traditional, water-guzzling turf, or just want some great options for additional landscape interest, the plants in this blog might fit the bill. Here, we’ll explore three excellent choices: damianita, silver ponyfoot, and wooly stemodia. Each of these plants offers unique advantages and requires minimal care, making them perfect for busy gardeners.
Damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana)
Growing and Plant Care:
Damianita is a Texas native, resilient, evergreen shrub that thrives in well-drained soils and full sun. It requires minimal watering once established and can survive on rainfall alone in most years (during extreme and prolonged drought periods it will benefit from extra watering). Pruning lightly after its blooming period helps maintain its compact shape and encourages more blooms. Plant in fall or spring.
Interesting Facts:
- Average Mature Growth: 12-15″ T x 18″ W
- Blooming: Damianita produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers from spring through fall, adding a splash of color to your garden.
- Pollinator Attractor: Its vibrant blooms attract bees and butterflies, which are crucial for pollination.
- Resistance: This plant is highly drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.
- Cold Hardiness: Damianita is hardy to USDA zones 7-10.
Silver Ponyfoot (Dichondra argentea)
Growing and Plant Care:
A gorgeous, Texas native, herbaceous perennial that trails and cascades in a tumble of silvery-gray foliage. In full sun, the silver hue takes on a metallic appearance. An evergreen perennial in mild winters that, in time, spreads out and forms a dense mat. Looks like a silvery waterfall when placed strategically to where it can tumble over rockwalls. (Bonus: Great in hanging baskets too.) Thrives in full sun or part shade. Best planted in springtime.
Interesting Facts:
Average Mature Growth: 3-4″ T x 2-5′ W
Blooming: Inconspicuous
Pollinator Attractor: No
Resistance: This plant is heat, disease, and pest resistant.
Cold Hardiness: 20-25° (sometimes treated as an annual in colder winters)
Wooly Stemodia (Stemodia lanata)
Growing and Plant Care:
Wooly stemodia is a native Texas plant that prospers in full sun and well-drained soils. It is exceptionally low-maintenance, needing very little water once established and no pruning. This plant likes to stretch out its legs and can cover a lot of ground. It also looks fantastic cascading over rock walls. Thrives in full sun. Plant in fall or spring.
Interesting Facts:
- Average Mature Growth: 4-6″ T x 2-3′ W
- Blooming: It features small, lavender-blue flowers throughout the growing season.
- Pollinator Attractor: The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies.
- Resistance: Wooly stemodia is notably drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.
- Cold Hardiness: It is hardy to USDA zones 8-11.
Benefits of Native Plants for Texas Gardeners
- Water Conservation: These plants are all drought-tolerant, significantly reducing the amount of water needed compared to traditional turf grasses.
- Low Maintenance: With minimal watering, pruning, and no need for fertilization, these plants are perfect for gardeners with busy schedules.
- Environmental Benefits: By using native and adapted plants, you promote local biodiversity and provide habitats for pollinators.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: These plants are generally resistant to common pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
By incorporating damianita, silver ponyfoot, and wooly stemodia into your landscape, you can create a beautiful, sustainable garden that thrives with minimal effort. These native plants not only support local wildlife but also offer a practical solution for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint while enjoying a vibrant, low-maintenance garden.
~The Happy Gardener, Lisa Mulroy
