Choosing Color for the Fall and Winter in Texas

Just about everyone can find success in their gardens in the spring, when plants are agreeable to growing and blooming. Texas landscapes are brilliant with color in the springtime, and the rest of the year we are stuck with various colors of green. This does not have to be the case! With some planning and plant smarts, you can have your landscaping looking colorful and appealing even during the more challenging times of year.

Some plants don’t put on their color show until late in the growing season. You might not realize that fall is a good time for plants because Texas temperatures are decreasing and rain is increasing. Here are some of the best choices for late season color in your Texas landscaping.

Calendulas

Similar in appearance to daisies, calendulas like cooler temperatures. They can even survive a dip into the mid-20s without having to be covered. Calendulas will provide autumn, winter and spring color in your garden, but may not be able to survive a hot Texas summer.

Alyssum

A fragrant plant with dainty flowers, alyssum will form an appealing border in your fall landscaping. Its tendency to creep along makes it useful along edges and in pathway gaps, and it can be easily cut back and fertilized to encourage more blooms. It thrives in the sun or partial shade, and is an annual that will often reseed. Alyssum is available in white, lavender, and rose colors.

Pansies

Bright color will embrace your landscaping if you plant pansies. Plant them in sunny spots with rich soil, and eliminate old flowers from the pansies each month and add fertilizer for new blooms.

Violas

Also known as Johnny-Jump-Ups, violas are a traditional favorite in Texas gardens. These small, delicate purple and yellow flowers can make a big impact. Violas are a beautiful choice for spilling from clay pots or planter boxes, or in groupings in your garden. They are tolerant of the occasional warm spells that can occur in Texas during the fall and winter months.

Petunias

The sweet smell of petunias will bring life to your landscaping with the dozens of varieties available in Texas. For the best blooms, plant them in at least a half-day’s sun in fertile soil that drains well. Fertilize them once or twice a month to keep them healthy and attractive.

Primroses

Available in a wide range of colors, primroses will bring delight to your garden. These plants thrive in damp, well-draining, enriched soil. Primroses prefer partial sun to bright shade, and will survive temperature drops into the 20s.

Snapdragon

Blooming in colors from deep red to rust to pale yellow, snapdragons flower in the fall, winter, and spring. Tall varieties are perfect for the backs of your flower beds, and dwarf varieties are great for borders. Plant snapdragons in the sun in well-draining, fertile soil.

Drummond phlox

A native plant to Texas, phlox is often seen in red but also available in other shades. Plant phlox in the fall to achieve color all the way through spring. Picking the flowers as they wilt promotes more blooms.

All of these plants are great options for your Texas garden during the fall and winter months. If you need more advice or would like to hand off the planting duties to the pros, call C4Landscape & Design to make your garden pop with a colorful design.