Temperennials are herbaceous plants that are winter-hardy in warmer parts of the country but are generally not hardy in the north. Northern gardeners may grow them as annuals or houseplants, while southerners can overwinter them successfully outdoors (haha!). I.e. Perennials from more temperate climates.
Often these plants are a little slower (in 2024: a lot slower) to return after winter in Texas. Day length and soil temperature can play a major factor in their growth rate. This year, our natives were full-size and blooming their heads off before we even saw a sign of life from some of these plants. Especially if they were planted last year.
But watch out! As our ambient day temps climb and the night temps stay in the 70s and 80s, these plants GROW!
A.) Gopher Plant. Hot or cold, these are staff favorites!
B.) Blue Plumbago
Pride of Barbados. Possible our most requested plant. These are trees further south but will behave as a perennial in Central Texas when planted in a sunny landscape.
Another tree from South America, Duranta erecta, Golden Dewdrops, or Sky Flower. Closer to the equator they are 18-foot tall but here in Texas, like the Pride of Barbados, they will reach 6-8 feet every year! They're a perfect backdrop for shorter plants and the flowers are favored by the Giant Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly!
FIREBUSH! This South American native returns for use EVERY year. A hummingbird magnet during the summer months and into the fall to meet the southern migrations. Tough as nails once established.
Esperanza! Cultivars such as Bells of Fire (pictured above), Gold Star (canary yellow), and Sangria (two-toned red and yellow flowers) have returned reliably for us for years. South of Austin the 1/2-sized cultivars may be an option but they haven't returned for us on the north side, reliably.
All the way from Africa and a relative of the aquatic American Crinnum, these "Lilies" live infinitely dividing themselves from bulbs. The subspecies and hybrids can become an obsession for plant collectors. Some cultivars are more cold-hardy than others. Check out Scott Ogden's book Garden Bulbs for the South for a really good read!
Thryallis! Over the last 20 years, this tropical has proven itself time and time again!
Mystic Spires Salvia/Sage. This is the result of a re-cross of the popular 'Indigo Spires' only Mystic rarely falls apart at the end of the summer! If you are grow Indigo, you'll want to prune it back 25-50% in June to prevent it from splitting. There's no need to prune the Mystic Spires unless you want to deadhead for quicker flower regeneration.
Loved by Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. And landscapers across the south!
If you'd like to know what #10 is you'll need to send us a cashier's check for $100 made out to Nathan Unclebach's Plant Buying Habit.
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