Some shrubs in Texas get large, unruly and difficult to control if left to grow naturally in the landscape. However, there are some shrubs suitable for planting that have a tame growth habit, attractive blooms and grow only to a specific height. These small shrubs are ideal for planting in a well-planned Texas landscape. Does this Spark an idea?
Bridal Wreath Spirea
Bridal wreath spirea (Spiraea cantoniensis) is adaptable in all parts of Texas and grows wild in some parts of East Texas. It is disease and drought tolerant and grows in partly shaded or sunny locations. White clusters of flowers appear in early spring along the canes or branches. If pruning is desired, cut the branches back as soon as the spring flowering period ends. Pruning in fall or winter decreases the amount of blooms the next spring. Bridal wreath spirea has an attractive natural shape between 3 and 5 feet tall.
Knock Out Rose
The Knock Out rose was introduced to the nursery trade in 2000 by the Conard-Pyle Co. It is hardy in all parts of Texas. The Knock Out rose bush has red, yellow or pink blooms with some double-blooming varieties now available. It is considered a highly disease resistant and drought tolerant rose bush. Knock Out roses grow to 4 feet tall and wide but can be pruned to the desired shape after each bloom period. They bloom continuously throughout the summer. In the southern half of Texas, they may bloom throughout the winter.
American Beautyberry
The American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) grows to 6 feet under ideal conditions but usually is seen growing to 4 feet tall and wide. The small white blooms appear in spring and are followed by purple or pink berries in late summer and fall. The American beautyberry has branching canes that can be pruned to the ground in the winter. However, pruning all the branches back by half every year will provide a dense, attractive shrub in the spring. The American beautyberry is drought tolerant but sheds its leaves under severe drought stress. Supplemental water applications keep the plant attractive throughout the growing season.
Texas Kidneywood
Texas kidneywood (Eysenhardtia texana) is a small flowering shrub that grows to 10 feet tall under ideal conditions but typically grows no larger than 6 feet in most Texas landscapes. It can be pruned to shape during the winter months, but the natural shape is attractive and not overwhelming. In fact, the feathery foliage is so fine you may not notice it until it blooms. The Texas kidneywood may have one or several main trunks. It produces fragrant white flower spikes after a summer rain.
Texas Sage
The Texas sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) has small, silvery-gray leaves and can grow to 8 feet tall under ideal conditions but rarely gets more than 6 feet tall and wide. It can be severely pruned in winter to shape and can be used as a dense hedge. The pink blooms appear sporadically but generally before or after a summer rain. The Texas sage is considered very drought tolerant and is planted in well-drained locations throughout the state of Texas.
Autumn Sage
Autumn sage (Salvia greggii) grows to only 3 feet tall and wide and blooms prolifically throughout the summer when planted in a well-drained, full-sun location. It grows all over Texas and is evergreen in the southern half of the state. It may die to the ground in a severe freeze but returns in the spring. Prune the autumn sage after each bloom period by as much as one-third to keep a dense growing habit. The flowers may be red, white, pink, blue or purple. depending on the variety.
Tags: feet tall, drought tolerant, feet tall wide, tall wide, American beautyberry, ideal conditions