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Live Oak  

Quercus virginiana

Beech Family (Fagacae) 

This tree is widely used in Texas landscapes for its classic shape, shade quality and green winter leaves. Live Oaks rarely grow over 40’ in height and have wide spreading branches. Live Oaks bloom in late April and early May, the blooms are light green and are not showy. The fruit that the Live Oak produces are acorns 1/4” to an 2” wide and long.  The acorns mature during the late summer and drop during the late fall. A Live Oak's most spectacular characteristic is its evergreen leaves throughout the year. The Live Oak does loose its leaves in the spring but usually the new leaves follow so closely, the leaf fall off is not perceived. Live Oaks, although slow growing, will be one of the most prized trees in any landscape. Live Oaks have a wide variety of genetic traits that are specific to a given tree. Leaf size, shape and growth habits will vary from tree to tree. Live Oaks are available as both single and multi-trunk trees.

Live Oaks are native from Florida to Texas to Mexico and are well adapted to our climate and soils. Once established, these trees require supplemental water only during dry times to survive. With regular feeding and watering the tree will grow 1’ per year and be a beautiful addition to the landscape.

Lives Oaks are relatively pest resistant, although they are susceptible to Spherical Scale insects. Spherical Scale appear as small BB sized hard shells on the branches of affected trees. When active, Spherical Scale will be juicy when squeezed. This is effectively treated with Dormant Oil in February. Live Oaks should only be pruned during the dormant season from November to February, this prevents the onset of Oak Wilt.  This virus enters the tree through open wounds. Insect Galls occur during summer but do no harm to the tree.

Newly planted Live Oaks should be watered deeply when the soil becomes dry at a 1” depth at the base of the tree. Watering frequency will vary greatly from year to year depending on heat and rainfall. Live Oaks should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Live Oaks that are kept too wet will suffer growth and vigor problems that can kill the tree. Fertilize Live Oaks with a humate based nitrogen fertilizer such as Greenbelt 44 in March, May and August. A micro-nutrient fertilizer such as Ionate can also be used to provide complete nutrition. Refer to label instruction or a landscape professional for application rates.

Red Oak

Quercus shumardii 

Beech Family (Fagacae)

The Red Oak is widely used in Texas landscapes for its stately appearance, shade quality and seasonal color. Red Oaks rarely grow over 60’ in height and have wide spreading branches. Red Oaks bloom in April, the blooms are light green and are not showy. The fruit that Red Oaks produce are acorns 1/2” to an 1” wide and long.  The acorns mature during fall and drop during winter. A Red Oak's most spectacular characteristic is fall color.  The color can range from yellow to orange to brilliant red. This coloring is genetically determined and varies from tree to tree. If a certain fall color is desired, trees should be selected right after the first frost when the Red Oak is in its glory. Red Oaks are available as both single and multi-trunk trees.

 Red Oaks are native from central Texas to Oklahoma and are well adapted to our climate and soils. Once established they require supplemental water only during dry times to survive. With regular feeding and watering the tree will grow 1’-2’ per year and be a beautiful addition to the landscape.

Reds Oaks are relatively pest resistant, although they are susceptible to Obscure Scale insects. Obscure Scale appears as small white flakes on the trunk and branches of affected tree. This is effectively treated with Dormant Oil in February. Newly planted trees are susceptible to sun scorch, wrapping tree wrap around the trunk helps prevent this problem. Red Oaks should only be pruned during the dormant season from November to February to prevent the onset of Oak Wilt.  This virus enters the tree through open wounds. Insect Galls occur during summer but do no harm to the tree.

 Newly planted Red Oaks should be watered deeply when the soil becomes dry at a 1” depth at the base of the tree. Watering frequency will vary greatly from year to year depending on heat and rainfall. Red Oaks should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Red Oaks that are kept too wet will suffer growth and vigor problems that can kill the tree. Fertilize Red Oaks with a humate based nitrogen fertilizer such as Greenbelt 44 in March, May and August. A micro-nutrient fertilizer such as Ionate can also be used to provide complete nutrition. Refer to label instruction or a landscape professional for application rates.

Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora

Magnoliaceae

This tree is considered a legend in the southern United States due to its large heavily textured leaves and most magnificent flowers. This evergreen tree is a spectacular tree in the correct environmentl. It is native to the southern United States and is well adapted to zones 7-9. The upright growth of the tree can extend from 60 to 75' tall and 35 to 50' wide. Growth of the tree is relatively slow while it is young and becomes moderate as the tree is established. The large dark green leaves are complimented by very large (8-12") fragrant, creamy white flowers which are in bloom from late spring into early summer.

The Southern Magnolia prefers deep and slightly alkaline soils. It will grow in full sun to mid-shade. It responds well to iron and nitrogen fertilizing on a periodic basis. There are no serious pest problems. Leaves may show windburn and scorch in late winter and early spring in northern environments. Pruning is not required except for interfering branches.

Cedar Elm

Ulmus crassifolia Nutt.

Elm Family (Ulmaceae)

The cedar elm is a oval-crowned, medium to large tree with a fine texture.  It grows to a height of 60-80 ft. with a 40-50 ft. spread.  It produces small, inconspicuous flowers in late September to early October, and a small winged fruit that matures in the fall.  The Cedar Elm’s most desirable characteristic is it’s adaptability.  This tree is propagated with seed that is collected in the fall and cold stored until it can be planted in the spring.  

This tree is hardy to zone 6 and is very tolerant.

Cedar Elm's have no serious disease or insect problems and is resistant to Dutch elm disease.

Cultivars: None Known

Purpleleaf Plum

Snowdrift Crabapple

Eastern Redbud  

Cercis canadensis

Legume Family (Leguminosae)

This small tree is widely adaptable, durable, and tough. This tree has two purposes: shade and beauty. This tree grows to a height of 10-25 ft. with a 15-20-ft spread. It is flat topped with widely spreading single to multiple - stemmed tree form.  The Eastern Redbud has purple red flowers in clusters along the stem before the leaves emerge in the early Spring. Flowers may also be white depending on its cultivar. It produces an oblong, flattened pod, 2-3 in long, with a reddish to brown color that persists all through winter. The plants most notable characteristics are it’s durability and its flowers.

This plant is adaptable to many soil conditions and is hardy to zone 4

This tree is susceptible to stem canker, leaf rollers, leaf miners and bores on old trees.  The best prevention of disease is to keep your tree healthy by fertilizing and feeding it.

Plants need to be planted in full sun, and during extreme drought needs to be watered.

Cultivars:

            ‘Forest pans’- Purple color that turns green with age.

Bradford Pear

Globe Willow

Rocky Mountain Juniper

Juniperus scopulorum

Cupressaceae

This plant is an upright shrub or a groundcover depending on cultivar. Upright forms may reach 30 ft. in height, with a narrow spread.  This plant produces inconspicuous flowers with a blue-green fruit that is raisin like and is 1/8 in. diameter. This plant's most noticeable characteristic is it’s foliage. This plant is propagated by grafting a cutting onto an oriental arborvitae rootstock.

This shrub is hardy all the way to zone 4 and is extremely tough.

Rocky Mountain Juniper is susceptible to bagworms, mites, juniper blight (in humid locations), and root rot in soggy soils. The best prevention is to fertilize your plant regularly and do not over water the plant.

When planting, pick a spot that receives full sun and has good drainage. This plant is very durable and should be able to handle most climates.

Cultivars:

            ‘Blue Heaven’-moderately compact, blue foliage, and pyramid form.

            ‘Gray Gleam’-more compact and bluish gray foliage.

            ‘Columnaris’- strict upright growth, up to 20 ft.

            ‘Pendula’-pyramid form with weeping new branches.

            ‘Tabletop Blue’-silver blue color with an oval growth habit.

Eldarica Pine

Flowering Quince

 Chaenomeles speciosa

 Rosaceae

The Flowering Quince has simple, alternate leaves that are 1 to 3 inches long.  The leaves are deep green with a glossy look to them. New growth often has a reddish purple color to it but it goes away quickly. The young stems are shiny, light brown rarely reaching more than 1/2 in. diameter. The plant will reach a height of 4 to 8 feet with a spread of 4 to 6 feet. The flowers are red, pink, or white, depending on the cultivar. The flowers have a diameter up to 2 inches. The fruit is apple like with a diameter between 1 and 2 1/2 inches with a green or yellowish color. This plant can be propagated with softwood or hardwood cuttings and seed.

This shrub is hardy to zone 4.   The Flowering Dogwood likes sun to part shade and can grow in a variety of conditions.

This shrub rarely has problems with pest, but can have a problem with San Jose scale.  Aphids sometimes attack the new growth and spider mites attack in hot and dry conditions. In rural locations, rabbits can be a problem.

This is a very durable shrub that can tolerate many soil conditions.  The only one it cannot tolerate is soil with high pH. These soils cause iron chlorosis. These plants respond vigorously to good soil and moisture conditions and fertilization.  It is a very showy shrub in the spring especially in the full sun.

Cultivars:

‘Snow’ white single flowers

‘Apple blossom’ single pink flowers

'Crimson beauty’ single red flowers

 ‘Coral beauty’ red-orange single flowers

Glossy Abelia

Abelia grandiflora (Andre.) Rehd.

(Caprifoliaceae) 

This shrub grows to height of 6-10 ft. with a 4-6 ft spread.  It is a moderate to rapid grower and has a graceful oval shape and white flowers.  After the petals fall off, 5 sepals remain on the plant for the rest of the season and into the winter looking like miniature dry flowers. A healthy plant blooms from May through August on new wood. This plant has no fruit.  It’s most noticeable characteristics are it’s foliage and flowers. It is usually propagated by semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings and is usually available in container grown stock.

This shrub is very adaptable and hardy to zone 6.

This plant has no pest or disease.

The Glossy Abelia responds to fertilizer and needs supplemental watering during drought periods.  It can grow in full sun to partial shade.

Cultivars:

                ‘Edward Goucher’- 3 to 4 ft. tall, pink flowers

                ‘Prostrata’- 2 ft. tall, white flowers

                ‘Sherwood’- 3ft. tall, smaller flowers and leaves

Japanese Barberry

Berberis thunbergii

Berberidaceae

This deciduous arching shrub grows well in zone 6 and is 5 to 6 feet tall.  It has bright green elliptic leaves about 1 inch long.  Its flowers are small, hanging, cup-shaped and are white tinged pink with red calyx. They bloom in early to mid spring. In autumn this shrub has an oblong fruit that is bright red and glossy.

The Japanese Barberry has no other serious problems.

Japanese Boxwood

Buxus microphylla Sieb. and Zucc.

Buxaceae

The Japanese Boxwood is a compact, oval shrub with a fine texture. It grows to a height of 3-4 ft. with a 1 1/2 to 2 ft. spread. This shrub produces flowers but are not showy. The fruit is a 3 pointed capsule but is rather inconspicuous.  This plant is most known for it’s durability.  It is propagated by seeds or cuttings.

This plant is hardy to zone 5 and can tolerate a wide range of conditions.

The Japanese Boxwood occasionally gets mites and in sandy soils is susceptible to nematodes. This plant is also sensitive to dog urine on lower leaves.

When planting this shrub, be sure no to pile the mulch up against the base of the plant. Mulching has a tendency to cause stem rot.

Cultivars: 

        ‘Compacta’-very small, compact form reaching 12-24 in. tall after several years of growth.

        ‘Japonica’-may get 6 ft. tall with leaves up to 1 1/2 in. long.

         ‘Kingsville Dwarf’-very low growth rarely reaching 12 inches.   Good edging plant.

         ‘Koreana’-grows to 2 ft. and is the hardiest.

Snowball Viburnum

Viburnum opulus 'sterile' 

Caprifoliaceae

This vigorous, deciduous, bushy shrub is fully hardy from zones 4-8. It originated from Europe and Northern and Western Asia, and has a spreading, upright growth. The height can reach from 12-15' tall and is equally wide. The bark of the shrub is a gray to gray-green color. Leaves are light to dark green, 2-5" long with a orange tinge in late summer to autumn. They are five lobed and resemble maple leaves. The flowers are globular snowball-like cluster of florets. This variety is unique in the fact that it is one of the non-fruiting Viburnums.

This shrub can tolerate a range of soils from alkaline to acidity, dry to waterlogged. The Snowball Viburnum grows best in full sun but can tolerate medium shade. It can be left unpruned to form a woody shrub but can be pruned to ground each year to keep from becoming woody. 

It has no serious disease or pest problems however, it usually outgrows the area it was planted in.

Indian Hawthorn

Raphiolepis indica Lindl.

(Rosaceae)

This plant is an irregular, spreading to semi-upright shrub. It grows to a height of 5-7 ft. with a 4-6 ft. spread. Indian Hawthorn produce white to pinkish flowers, and a bluish berry fruit in mid to late summer. The plant's most desirable characteristic is it’s foliage and flowers. This plant is propagated by semi-hardwood to hardwood cuttings of cultivars and seed.

This plant is hardy to zone 7b.

This shrub is susceptible to leaf spot in moist conditions.  The best preventative is to make sure the soil drains well before planting the plant.

Cultivars:

‘Fascination’-rose colored petals with a white center. compact.

‘Enchantress’-rose pink flowers in large clusters, blooming from late winter through late spring.

‘Snow White’-pure white flowers in early spring to early summer. Lighter green foliage.

‘Springtime’-bronzy green foliage, pink blooms in late winter to early spring. Vigorous grower.

Red Yucca

Hesperaloe parviflora (Torr.) Coult. 

Agavaceae

Red Yucca have an oval mass of leaves with an erect flower spike. It grows to a height of 2-4 ft. with a spread of 2-3 ft. This plant produces a 4-6 ft. flower spike that has blooms all the way up. The flowers have a funnel to egg shape appearance with a 1 in. diameter and 1 in. length. Fruit only develops in the Southwest. This plants most distinguishing characteristic is it’s foliage and flower spike.

The Red Yucca shrub is hardy to zone 7 and does great in dry locations.

This plant has no pest or disease. 

When planting, make sure the location drains well and is not shady. The plant does well in hot and dry locations so do not over water. 

Cultivar:

            ‘Kingfisher’-yellow flowered.

Spanish Broom

Spartium juniceum  

Leguminoseae

This broomlike deciduous flowering shrub is an attractive midsummer yellow-flowering shrub. It is hardy for zones 7-10. Its origin is of The Mediterranean area and southern Europe. This upright and almost leafless shrub arches with age. The foliage (stems) are dark green, long and reed-like that spread with age. The flowers are showy, very fragrant, golden-yellow small open racemes of pealike character. 

The Spanish Broom does best in full sun with well drained soils. It will tolerate most soils but does particularly well in alkaline soils. It is not easily transplanted. This shrub is good as a freestanding shrub or for a medium to large shrub border.

 Pampas Grass

Cortaderia selloana
(Graminae)

This is the true pampas grass of horticultural fame and is probably the most popular ornamental grass.  This evergreen grass forms a dense clump of sharp-edged grayish to greenish foliage. Its leaves, 1/2-1" wide, can grow into a clump 8-12' tall and as wide. The flowers are very showy panicles that grow 6-12" wide flowers and are held on sturdy stalks 1/2-1" in diameter. The plumes are silky at first, becoming fluffy with maturity. Flower color varies from silvery white to creamy white tones. The flowers bloom mostly from late July through August and are persistent and showy on the plant into early winter.  Pampas grass prefers fertile, well-drained soil with adequate moisture from zone 7. It will tolerate a wide range of conditions, but will be slower-growing in drier, poorer soils. Although it will tolerate wet soil for short periods of time, it does not like wet feet. Pampas Grass does best in full sun but will tolerate light shade especially in hot inland areas. In cold winter areas, pampas grass needs a winter protection of mulch and/or its dormant foliage. It needs to be cut back in the spring. Propagation by division is best and the most durable. 

There are no serious disease or pest problems but one problem is that it outgrows its designated area.

English Ivy

Hedra Helix L.

English Ivy grows 6-10 in. tall as a groundcover and 60-80 ft as a vine.  This plant produces small, greenish, rounded umbles but only with mature stems with mature leaves with old plants.  

English Ivy also produces small black fruit.  It’s most noticeable characteristic is its foliage.

This plant can handle full sun or shade and is hardy to zone 5

English Ivy is susceptible to leaf spot in humid locations with little air movement and spider mites in hot dry locations.

English Ivy can withstand many planting conditions but does not like swampy soil.  It only needs to during droughts.

Hedra canariensis - Algerian Ivy - hardy to zone 8b, 9, and 10.  Large leaves, 5-6 dia. and has 3 to 7 shallow lobes and is heart shaped at the base.  This plant grows best in Coastal areas.

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Last modified: February 01, 2008

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