By July, just as the fireworks soar in celebration of America’s birthday, summer temperatures also rise. And most years, drought follows.
Fortunately, early season rains have left our landscapes lush and colorful for our 4th of July festivities. Aside from pleasing the eyes, our green grass and healthy plants serve to protect us from wildfire. While fireworks are fun to watch, errant sparks can travel quite a distance to ignite fires, particularly when the vegetation is dry. For now, we can be grateful for this abundance.
Which plants are benefiting from last month’s moisture? The list is long and includes annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees. A few notable plants attracting attention with their colorful blooms include:
Periwinkle — Once prone to a devastating fungus, the annual plants commonly referred to as periwinkles are again a mainstay in Texas gardens. The ‘Cora Vinca’ is a widely sold variety that is resistant to disease. They’re also heat and humidity tolerant as well as deer resistant. Periwinkles are available in myriad colors ranging bold reds and purples to pastel pinks and white. Grow them in full sun to part shade. Although grown as annuals, the plants’ roots may survive mild winters, allowing them to sprout again in spring. The Vinca (Catharanthus roseus) ‘Cora Series’ are designated Texas Superstars® by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
Perennial Hibiscus — Three plants in the Hibiscus family have been named Texas Superstars®. ‘Moy Grande’ Hibiscus is a giant-flowering perennial. Its blooms can reach the size of dinner plates! Also called Texas Giant Hibiscus, this shrubby plant grows to 5 ft. tall and wide and produces pink-to-red blooms until fall. ‘Flare’ Rose Mallow Hibiscus is a low maintenance perennial with large, fuchsia-colored flowers. It grows 4 ft. tall and wide and blooms until frost. ‘Lord Baltimore’ Hibiscus is a cold-hardy shrubby perennial with stunning large red flowers. It grows to 5 ft. tall and wide. Grow these hibiscus plants in full sun.
Crape Myrtle — These popular tall shrubs/small trees can be grown as single or multi-trunk landscape plants. They are deciduous and sport colorful yellow leaves in fall. Mature trees have lovely textured and peeling bark. Crape myrtles are best known for their vibrant, long-lasting summer blooms. Although considered low-maintenance plants, crape myrtles need some care, such as the removal of sprouts that pop up around the trunk and occasional shaping and removal of dead branches. They are showiest in full sun. ‘Basham’s Party Pink’ Crape Myrtle is a Texas Superstar® selection.
Purple Coneflower — Cultivars of the native plant Echinacea purpurea are hardy, adaptable perennials that bring vibrant color and wildlife value to area gardens. Their striking, daisy-like flowers with bold purple petals and prominent cone-shaped centers lure bees, butterflies and other pollinators. These blooming beauties are easily cultivated from seed and thrive in full sun to partial shade. They are drought tolerant and deer resistant when established.
Datura — These large-growing annuals are showiest when temperatures soar. Also called moonflowers or devil’s trumpet, the plants are toxic if ingested in large quantities. Datura has a branching habit and produces large, upright white trumpet-shaped flowers. In fall, the plants produce spiky burrs that contain seeds. New plants are easily propagated from these seeds.
Other standout bloomers in July gardens include Turk’s cap, various salvias, vitex (Texas Lilac) and zinnias. This year, celebrate America’s birthday by holding your festivities in a color-filled garden!
Written and Photographed by LGMG Phyllis Webster
