Go big or go home. That is how we do things in Texas, and that includes the upkeep of our landscapes. But maintaining a landscape can be hard when dealing with the heat and drought we face in the McKinney area. Especially when dealing with imposed water restrictions. With water being such a precious commodity, many residents and businesses have opted for low-maintenance landscapes that require less watering and are less prone to heat stress. Let’s face it. Certain trees, plants, and vegetation will never work here in the lone star state. But there are still plenty of ways to have a beautiful landscape. Your friends at Lawns-4-U have put together a list of five drought-resistant plants that are easy to grow and aesthetically appealing.
Five Drought Resistant Plants for Your Mckinney Area Lawn
Desert Willow Tree
This unique plant has a distinct silhouette much like that of a willow tree. Ironically, however, despite its thick growth, slender leaves, and graceful appearance, it is not in the willow family at all. It is part of the trumpet creeper family, which has many showy-flowered species found mainly in the tropics. The desert willow is a small, delicate tree that usually doesn’t grow above 30 feet tall and 25 feet wide, making it the perfect plant for even the smallest of yards. It contains many trunks and produces fragrant flowers that grow in clusters on the branch tips and blossom from spring to fall. These colorful flowers come in vibrant shades of pink, violet, and white. Not only does it provide summer shade, but this sweet-smelling, effervescent tree is also a favorite among North Texas pollinators.
Weeping Bottlebrush
With bright red flowers that resemble the bristles of a bottle brush, this fast-growing tree will add an unexpected splash of color to your landscape. It is not only drought-resistant but highly resistant to diseases and pests. Its cylindrical bushy red blooms appear mainly in the spring and summer and produce small fruits that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The weeping bottlebrush is extremely low maintenance and can grow between 15 and 30 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide. You will want to plant this delightful ornamental in full sun with well-drained soil. Too much moisture can cause canker or root rots. With proper pruning and trimming, you’ll have a vivacious plant for years to come.
Fountain Grass
One of the prettiest plants to grow on your landscape, fountain grass is a dependable, versatile ornamental that produces clumps of narrow, green leaves. It is a mound-forming plant, and its leaves cascade downward in a fountain-like appearance. It makes a great backdrop amongst other vegetation and is often used along borders or to frame other landscape features. It produces small tan, pink or purple flowers during late summer through fall. During the fall and throughout the winter, it maintains its beauty with striking foliage displays. It’s easy to care for and is highly adaptable to our hot, sometimes dry, yet sometimes muggy climate. Fountain grass does well in any soil but prefers well-drained soil. If you are looking for something unique, easy to maintain with a splash of charisma, this plant is for you.
Agave
Native to Texas, agave plants grow specifically in warmer, dryer regions such as here in the lone star state. It is well-known for its use in the making of tequila. With a rough texture similar to that of a snake plant, its leaves end in pointy tips. It has sharp thorns and prickly edges, making it a nuisance around small children and curious pets. Agape plants come in various sizes, including the octopus agave known for its octopus shape and succulent green leaves that bend back to the ground.
When an agave plant is near the end of its life cycle, a tall flower stalk grows out of its center. The flowers are bell-shaped and white, yellow and green. The plant dies once the flowers produce berries; however, you can avoid this by cutting off the stalk. Plant this ornamental in full sun, and enhance your landscape with this aesthetically appealing ornamental for years to come.
Trailing Rosemary
Just like its name says, trailing rosemary adds the perfect element to any landscape by trailing over rock beds and fences with its pine fragranced foliage. It features slender, needle-like greyish leaves and produces small, sweet-smelling light blue and white flowers in late spring and early summer. It requires six to eight hours of sunlight a day and does not like to be overwatered, making it the perfect drought-resistant plant. It pairs well with other succulents and, in addition to making an excellent ground cover, looks amazing used indoors or inside containers.
Protect These and All Your Lawn Ornaments With a Tree and Shrub Care Program From the Professionals at Lawns-4-U
Don’t leave your beloved lawn ornaments in the hands of just anyone. Protect them with a tree and shrub care program such as the one offered by Lawns-4-U. As the premier lawn and tree care company in northern Texas, we understand the needs of trees and shrubs here in our region. Our comprehensive eight-step tree and shrub care program was developed specifically to promote the healthy growth of and protect your trees and shrubs from the threat of disease, insects, and heat and drought stress. We can also help you decide what plants are best to grow on your distinct landscape.
Learn more about our tree and shrub care program by contacting us now. Give us a call at 972-859-0658 or reach out to us online via our online contact form.
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