Mazus Reptans is a mat forming, perennial groundcover. It produces rosettes of lance shaped, toothed leaves. From spring to mid-summer, it bears 2-5 flowered racemes of snapdragon-like, purple-blue flowers, with lower lips spotted with yellow and red. This groundcover spreads quickly but not aggressively through rooting stems. Mazus Reptans is great to use between stepping stones, as it does well with foot traffic, or to cover a large area of bare soil.
This hardy magnolia is a member of the “Little Girl” group of hybrid magnolias that was developed in the mid-fifties. It can be considered either a shrub or small tree that bears impressive deep purple/red flowers with 7-9 petals that resemble a tulip. Ann Magnolia blooms in early spring and may re-bloom during the summer. The leaves are dark green and are somewhat leathery in appearance. Ann Magnolia is a great plant to brighten up any landscape or to be used as a border shrub.
Mexican Flame Vine is a fast growing, heat loving plant that features attractive evergreen foliage. The small clusters of brilliant orange, daisy-like blooms contrast well with the dark green leaves. Although the blooms peak in spring and summer, the vine often produces blooms throughout the year. Mexican Flame Vine is great for adding color to an unsightly fence or to crawl up a trellis. The scientific name, senecio confusus, translates to “confused old man” referring to its growth habit when not supported. Without something to crawl up on this vine will grow this way and that in a confusion of stems that pile up over time and eventually it looks like a sprawling shrub.
The Compact Texas Sage is a slow grower with a dense growth habit that helps keep this variety "compact". It is an evergreen with silvery /gray foliage and is Hardy in Zones 8-10. It grows best in full sun, but will tolerate partial sun. This is a fairly low maintenance plant with moderate water needs. The Compact Texas Sage is considered drought tolerant and good drainage is a must for this plant. It thrives in alkaline soil in a hot dry climate. It produces a purple/pink bloom in the summertime. They will grow to 3-5 feet tall. Highly desirable as deer resistant and wind tolerant. Creekside Nursery currently has these available in a 3 gallon size.
Flame Acanthus gets its name from the vibrant red/orange flower blooms that appear from mid-summer until frost. It is a deciduous small shrub that is hardy in Zone 8, and root hardy in Zone 7. It will grow to be 3 to 4 feet wide with a height up to 5 feet. This Texas native is adaptable to sunny, well drained places throughout the state. It is drought tolerant, very high heat tolerant, as well as attractive to butterflies. The Flame Acanthus thrives in both full sun and in partial shade and does well in a xeric landscape.