Flowering shrubs are a great addition to any landscape, adding beauty, color, and seasonal interest to your garden. Not only do they add visual appeal, but they also provide a variety of practical benefits such as privacy and screening, wildlife habitat, and erosion control. When it comes to choosing the right flowering shrubs for your garden, there are a wide range of options available, each with its own unique characteristics. In this article we cover ten of our favorite flowering shrubs perfectly suited for the East Texas area.
Loropetalum
Loropetalum is a type of flowering shrub that is native to China and Japan. It is known for its vibrant, colorful foliage and blooms, which can range in color from pink to purple to red. In East Texas, it is a good choice for landscapes because it is drought-tolerant and can tolerate the hot and humid summers common in the region. Additionally, loropetalum is relatively low maintenance and can be used as a focal point or as a hedge. It is also a good choice for woodland gardens, as it can tolerate some shade.
To maintain a healthy loropetalum, the following care is recommended:
Sunlight: Loropetalum prefers partial shade to full sun, but can tolerate full sun if it is well-watered.
Watering: These shrubs should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. They are drought tolerant once established, but young plants may require more frequent watering.
Soil: Loropetalum prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay, you may want to amend it before planting.
Fertilizer: Loropetalum benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Pruning: Loropetalum can be pruned to shape or control size after blooming. They can be pruned hard if needed.
Pest and Disease: These shrubs are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but can be affected by spider mites, scale insects, and powdery mildew if they are stressed or not getting proper care. Regularly checking and treating as soon as you see any issues will keep them healthy.
Camellia
Camellia is a type of flowering evergreen shrub or small tree that is native to East Asia. It is known for its large, showy blooms that range in color from white to pink to red. They are popular for their elegant flowers and glossy green leaves. In East Texas, Camellia is a good choice for landscapes because it can tolerate the hot and humid summers common in the region, and it is also cold hardy. They are also shade tolerant, and can thrive in partial shade to full sun, although for best blooming, they prefer dappled to filtered sun. They are also relatively low maintenance once established.
To maintain a healthy camellia, the following care is recommended:
Sunlight: Camellias prefer partial shade to dappled sunlight, but can tolerate full sun if they are well-watered and protected from the hot afternoon sun.
Watering: These shrubs should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. They are drought-tolerant once established, but young plants may require more frequent watering.
Soil: Camellias prefer well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. If your soil is alkaline, you should amend it with peat moss or sulfur before planting.
Fertilizer: Camellias benefit from regular fertilization with an acidic fertilizer, such as one specifically formulated for camellias or rhododendrons. It's best to fertilize them in early spring.
Pruning: Camellias can be pruned to shape after blooming. They can be pruned hard if needed, but it's important to be mindful of the natural shape of the plant.
Pest and Disease: Camellias are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but can be affected by scale insects, aphids, and camellia petal blight if they are stressed or not getting proper care. Regularly checking and treating as soon as you see any issues will keep them healthy.
Gardenia
Gardenia is a type of flowering evergreen shrub or small tree that is native to Asia and Africa. It is known for its fragrant, white or cream-colored blooms and glossy green leaves. They are popular for their elegant flowers, and the sweet scent of their blooms.
In East Texas, Gardenia is a good choice for landscapes because it can tolerate the hot and humid summers common in the region, and it is also cold hardy. They are also shade tolerant, and can thrive in partial shade to full sun, although for best blooming, they prefer dappled to filtered sun.
However, Gardenias are known for being fussy plants and need proper care, especially for the pH of the soil and humidity level. They also require consistent moisture and regular fertilization, so keep that in mind before planting them.
To maintain a healthy gardenia, the following care is recommended:
Sunlight: Gardenias prefer partial shade to dappled sunlight, but can tolerate full sun if they are well-watered and protected from the hot afternoon sun.
Watering: Gardenias require consistent moisture, and should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. They are drought-sensitive, so be sure to keep the soil evenly moist.
Soil: Gardenias prefer well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 5.0 to 6.0. If your soil is alkaline, you should amend it with peat moss or sulfur before planting.
Fertilizer: Gardenias benefit from regular fertilization with an acidic fertilizer, such as one specifically formulated for gardenias or azaleas. It's best to fertilize them in early spring and throughout the growing season.
Pruning: Gardenias can be pruned to shape after blooming. They can be pruned hard if needed, but it's important to be mindful of the natural shape of the plant.
Pest and Disease: Gardenias are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but can be affected by spider mites, thrips, and root rot if they are stressed or not getting proper care. Regularly checking and treating as soon as you see any issues will keep them healthy.
Humidity: Gardenias prefer high humidity levels, so they should be misted regularly, especially during the summer months, or place a tray of water near the plant.
Lantana
Lantana is a type of perennial flowering shrub or small tree that is native to tropical regions of the Americas. It is known for its brightly colored, clusters of blooms that bloom in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, purple or white, which are attractive to pollinators. The leaves are typically green and fragrant. It is also known for its heat and drought tolerance, which makes it a good choice for East Texas landscapes. Lantanas are also known for being easy to grow, they don't require a lot of water and they are not picky about soil. They are also resistant to pests and diseases, which makes them great for low maintenance gardens.
To maintain a healthy lantana, the following care is recommended:
Sunlight: Lantanas prefer full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom well.
Watering: Lantanas are drought-tolerant and can survive with minimal water once established. However, they will bloom more profusely with regular watering. It's best to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Soil: Lantanas can grow in a wide range of soils, but prefer well-drained soil. They can tolerate sandy, clay, or loamy soils.
Fertilizer: Lantanas benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. It's best to fertilize them in early spring and throughout the growing season.
Pruning: Lantanas can be pruned to shape after blooming. They can be pruned hard if needed, but it's important to be mindful of the natural shape of the plant.
Pest and Disease: Lantanas are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but can be affected by spider mites, thrips, and leaf spot if they are stressed or not getting proper care. Regularly checking and treating as soon as you see any issues will keep them healthy.
Climate: Lantanas are heat and drought tolerant, which makes them a great choice for East Texas landscapes. They can survive in temperatures above 100F.
Viburnum
Viburnum is a large genus of shrubs and small trees that are native to the temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is known for its attractive, often fragrant flowers and colorful berries that come in shades of pink, red, purple, or blue. The leaves are typically green and glossy. Many species of viburnum are also known for their fall foliage color.
Viburnum is a good choice for East Texas landscapes because it is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, is drought tolerant once established, and can tolerate the hot and humid summers common in the region.
To maintain a healthy viburnum, the following care is recommended:
Sunlight: Viburnums prefer full sun to partial shade, but will tolerate a wide range of light conditions. Some species may need more shade in hot climates.
Watering: Viburnums are drought-tolerant once established, but will benefit from regular watering during dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Soil: Viburnums can grow in a variety of soils, but prefer well-drained soil. They can tolerate sandy, clay, or loamy soils.
Fertilizer: Viburnums benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. It's best to fertilize them in early spring and throughout the growing season.
Pruning: Viburnums can be pruned to shape after blooming. Some species can be pruned hard if needed, but be mindful of the natural shape of the plant.
Pest and Disease: Viburnums are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but can be affected by powdery mildew, leaf spot, and viburnum beetle. Regularly checking and treating any issues as soon as they appear will keep them healthy.
Indian Hawthorn
An Indian hawthorn is a small, evergreen shrub that is native to East Asia. It is a popular choice for landscaping in East Texas because it is well suited to the region's warm climate and is relatively low maintenance. The Indian hawthorn is drought-tolerant and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, making it a versatile plant for landscaping. It produces small, white or pink flowers in the spring, followed by small, dark berries in the fall. The leaves are glossy and dark green, providing a nice contrast to the brightly colored flowers. Indian hawthorn is also deer resistant.
To care for an Indian hawthorn and keep it healthy, the following steps should be taken:
Planting: Indian hawthorn prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. When planting, be sure to dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
Watering: Indian hawthorn is relatively drought-tolerant, but it is important to keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season. After that, it can be watered less frequently.
Fertilizing: Indian hawthorn does not require a lot of fertilizer, but it can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring.
Pruning: Indian hawthorn can be pruned to shape it and to remove any damaged or diseased branches. Prune it in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears.
Pest control: Indian hawthorn is relatively pest-free, but it can be susceptible to scale insects and spider mites. Regularly inspecting the plant and treating any infestations promptly can help prevent problems.
Mulch: Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This will help keep the soil moist and suppress weeds.
Abelia
Abelia is a genus of about 15-30 species of deciduous, semi-evergreen, or evergreen shrubs in the honeysuckle family, native to eastern Asia and Mexico. They are known for their attractive foliage, small fragrant flowers, and fall color. Abelia is a good choice for landscaping in East Texas because it is well suited to the region's warm climate and is relatively low maintenance. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types and is drought-tolerant once established. Abelia is also relatively pest-free and deer resistant. It is a great option for gardeners looking for an easy-care shrub that provides year-round color and interest.
To care for an Abelia and keep it healthy, the following steps should be taken:
Planting: Abelia prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. When planting, be sure to dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
Watering: Abelia is relatively drought-tolerant once established, but it is important to keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season. After that, it can be watered less frequently.
Fertilizing: Abelia does not require a lot of fertilizer, but it can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring.
Pruning: Abelia can be pruned to shape it and to remove any damaged or diseased branches. Prune it in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears.
Pest control: Abelia is relatively pest-free, but it can be susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Regularly inspecting the plant and treating any infestations promptly can help prevent problems.
Mulch: Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This will help keep the soil moist and suppress weeds.
Winter protection: Abelia varieties that are semi-evergreen or deciduous may need some protection from harsh winter weather. Covering them with burlap or frost blanket can help to protect them.
Beautyberry
Beautyberry is a deciduous shrub that is native to the southeastern United States. It is known for its beautiful clusters of brightly colored berries that appear in the fall, usually in shades of pink, purple or white. It is also known for its attractive foliage and small, lilac-colored flowers that appear in the summer. Beautyberry is a good choice for landscaping in East Texas because it is well suited to the region's warm climate and is relatively low maintenance. It is drought-tolerant once established, and it can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It can also handle partial shade, making it ideal for locations with less than full sun.
To care for a Beautyberry and keep it healthy, the following steps should be taken:
Planting: Beautyberry prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. When planting, be sure to dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
Watering: Beautyberry is relatively drought-tolerant once established, but it is important to keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season. After that, it can be watered less frequently.
Fertilizing: Beautyberry does not require a lot of fertilizer, but it can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring.
Pruning: Beautyberry can be pruned to shape it and to remove any damaged or diseased branches. Prune it in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears.
Pest control: Beautyberry is relatively pest-free, but it can be susceptible to scale insects and spider mites. Regularly inspecting the plant and treating any infestations promptly can help prevent problems.
Mulch: Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This will help keep the soil moist and suppress weeds.
Winter protection: Beautyberry may need some protection from harsh winter weather, particularly if you live in a colder area. Covering it with burlap or frost blanket can help to protect it.
Berries: Beautyberry produces clusters of brightly colored berries in the fall, usually in shades of pink, purple or white. These berries are often used in dried floral arrangements and can also be used to make jelly or wine.
Crepe Myrtle
A crepe myrtle is a deciduous or semi-evergreen tree or shrub that is native to Asia. It is known for its beautiful flowers that bloom in the summer and fall, in shades of pink, red, lavender, or white. The tree also has attractive bark that exfoliates revealing different colors. They are also known for their long-lasting foliage, which can be green, red, or purple.
Crepe myrtles are a good choice for landscaping in East Texas because they are well suited to the region's warm climate and are relatively low maintenance. They are drought-tolerant once established, and they can tolerate a wide range of soil types. They can also handle full sun and partial shade, making them ideal for locations with varying levels of sunlight.
To care for a Crepe Myrtle and keep it healthy, the following steps should be taken:
Planting: Crepe myrtle prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. When planting, be sure to dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
Watering: Crepe myrtle is relatively drought-tolerant once established, but it is important to keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season. After that, it can be watered less frequently.
Fertilizing: Crepe myrtle does not require a lot of fertilizer, but it can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring.
Pruning: Crepe myrtle can be pruned to shape it and to remove any damaged or diseased branches. Prune it in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears.
Pest control: Crepe myrtle is relatively pest-free, but it can be susceptible to scale insects and spider mites. Regularly inspecting the plant and treating any infestations promptly can help prevent problems.
Mulch: Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This will help keep the soil moist and suppress weeds.
Winter protection: Crepe myrtle may need some protection from harsh winter weather, particularly if you live in a colder area. Covering it with burlap or frost blanket can help to protect it.
Flowers: Crepe myrtle produces clusters of brightly colored flowers in the summer and fall, usually in shades of pink, red, lavender, or white. These flowers are highly attractive to butterflies, bees and other pollinators.
Bark: Crepe myrtle has attractive exfoliating bark that reveals different colors. This bark can add interest to the landscape throughout the year.
Butterfly Bush
A butterfly bush is a deciduous shrub that is known for its long spikes of brightly colored flowers, which bloom in late summer and early fall. The flowers, which are available in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white, are highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators.
Butterfly bushes are a good choice for landscaping in East Texas because they are well suited to the region's warm climate and are relatively low maintenance. They are drought-tolerant once established, and they can tolerate a wide range of soil types. They can also handle full sun and partial shade, making them ideal for locations with varying levels of sunlight.
To care for a healthy butterfly bush, the following steps should be taken:
Planting: Butterfly bushes prefer well-drained soil and full sun. When planting, be sure to dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. If planting multiple shrubs, space them 3-5 feet apart.
Watering: Butterfly bushes are relatively drought-tolerant once established, but it is important to keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season. After that, it can be watered less frequently.
Fertilizing: Butterfly bushes do not require a lot of fertilizer, but it can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring.
Pruning: Butterfly bushes can be pruned to shape them and to remove any damaged or diseased branches. Prune them in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears.
Pest control: Butterfly bushes are relatively pest-free, but they can be susceptible to spider mites, whiteflies, and thrips. Regularly inspecting the plant and treating any infestations promptly can help prevent problems.
Mulch: Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This will help keep the soil moist and suppress weeds.
Winter protection: Butterfly bushes may need some protection from harsh winter weather, particularly if you live in a colder area. Covering them with burlap or frost blanket can help to protect them.
Flowers: Butterfly bushes produces clusters of brightly colored flowers in the summer and fall, usually in shades of pink, purple, blue, or white. These flowers are highly attractive to butterflies, bees and other pollinators.
Deadheading: Deadheading the spent flowers will encourage a longer blooming period and a neater appearance.
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