Care Guides

How to Grow Lantana in East Texas

Lantana Hot Blooded Red

Overview Lantana is a tough-as-nails perennial that thrives in heat, drought, and full sun. Its colorful flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and pollinators throughout the growing season. Light Requirements Lantana requires full sun. Six to eight hours of direct sunlight ensures dense growth and prolific blooming. Soil & Planting Lantana is adaptable to poor soil, but prefers well-draining ground. Sandy or loamy soil is ideal. Avoid overly rich soil that promotes…
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How to Grow Lavender in East Texas

Lavender

Overview Lavender can be grown in East Texas with careful attention to drainage, airflow, and sunlight. While our humidity poses a challenge, choosing the right variety and planting technique makes success possible. Light Requirements Lavender needs full sun with a minimum 6 hours daily. Morning to mid-afternoon light is ideal. Avoid planting lavender in shade or overly humid areas. Soil & Planting Lavender must have well-draining, slightly alkaline soil. Amend…
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How to Grow Marigolds in East Texas

Marigold, Salvia

Overview Marigolds are one of the easiest and most rewarding annuals for East Texas gardeners. With their vibrant blooms and classic appeal, marigolds make a cheerful addition to flowerbeds, and container arrangements. These tough, sun-loving plants thrive in our hot climate and bloom from spring until frost. Light Requirements Marigolds thrive in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct light daily. More sun encourages stronger stems and a…
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How to Grow Mexican Heather in East Texas

Mexican Heather, Mexican False Lavender, Cuphea hyssopifolia

Overview Mexican Heather, aka Mexican False Lavender, or (Cuphea hyssopifolia) is a low-growing, evergreen perennial with delicate, lavender-like flowers and fine, airy foliage. Though not a true lavender, this plant offers year-round texture and color in the East Texas landscape. It makes an excellent ground cover or border plant and is highly attractive to pollinators. Light Requirements Cuphea hyssopifolia prefers full sun to partial shade. It performs best with morning…
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How to Grow Caladiums in East Texas

Caladium Frieda Hemple

Overview: Caladiums are grown primarily for their vibrant, heart-shaped leaves in shades of red, pink, green, and white. These tropical plants are well-suited to East Texas gardens if given proper care, especially in shaded areas where many flowering plants struggle. Though most gardeners grow them as annuals, they are tuberous perennials that can be saved and replanted yearly. Light Requirements Caladiums thrive in partial to full shade, making them ideal…
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How to Grow Plumbago in East Texas

Blue Plumbago

Overview Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata), sometimes called skyflower, is a heat-tolerant perennial shrub known for its powder-blue blooms. Native to South Africa, it thrives in the warm, sunny climate of East Texas and is ideal for adding soft color and structure to garden beds, borders, and containers. Its sprawling habit makes it excellent for covering bare spots or trailing over edges. Light Requirements Plumbago thrives in full sun, although it will…
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Caring for Potted Succulents in East Texas

Overview Succulents are excellent container plants, thriving in the hot and sometimes unpredictable Texas climate. With proper care, they can flourish indoors or outdoors year-round. Sunlight & Placement Soil & Pot Selection Watering Fertilizing Maintenance & Common Issues With the right care, your potted succulents will thrive in East Texas, bringing low-maintenance beauty to your home or garden!

Growing Pepper Plants in East Texas

Overview Pepper plants thrive in the warm climate of East Texas, producing abundant fruit with the right care. Whether you are growing sweet bell peppers or spicy varieties, follow these steps for a healthy harvest. Sunlight & Location Soil & Planting Watering Fertilizing Pruning & Maintenance Pest & Disease Prevention Harvesting

Growing Roses in East Texas

Overview Roses are a classic garden favorite, and with the right care, they thrive in the warm climate of East Texas. Here is how to keep your roses healthy and blooming all season long. Sunlight & Location Soil & Planting Watering Pruning & Maintenance Fertilizing Pest & Disease Prevention