Some favorites from the horticulture department …

False Indigo, Baptisia australis: Native to Texas’ blackland prairies, this should thrive in our soil. Host plant for Silver Spotted Skipper, Hoary Edge Skipper and the Wild Indigo Duskywing.

Buddliea X weyeriana ‘Honeycomb': This particular species is new to Texas Discovery Gardens. Sporting a yellow, globe shaped bloom, this is different from the form and color we normally associate with Buddliea.

Cedar sage, Salvia roemeriana: A native Salvia that just loves the shade! We don’t have many options when it comes to shady areas, but this one will love it under your trees. Perennial and evergreen.

False Nettle, Boehmeria cylindrical: A Texas native perennial host plant that you will not find in your nursery. Looks like Stinging Nettle but lacks the irritating hairs. Host plant for the Red Admiral, Question Mark and Eastern Comma butterflies.

Passiflora X ‘Incense’: A hybrid Passiflora that sports a beautiful purple flower, this perennial vine hosts both the Gulf and Variegated Fritillary butterflies.

Horseherb, Calyptocarpus vialis: A native groundcover that is THE answer for anyone with too much shade to grow turfgrass. This little plant tolerates deep shade to full sun and can stand mowing and foot-traffic. Drought tolerant and can also handle ‘wet feet.'

Salvia leucantha ‘Santa Barbara’: This dwarf variety of S. leucantha is an equal to its taller cousin as a nectar source but gets only 2 -3 feet tall versus 4 – 5 for the regular leucantha.

White mistflower, Eupatorium wrightii: A native understory shrub that rivals anything that produces nectar. Tremendous bloomer in late-summer/ early fall with very fragrant inflorescence that migrating Monarchs find irresistible.

Thanks,

Randy Johnson,

Director of Horticulture