Heat Tolerant Plants in Texas

Flowers

• The Cuphea hyssopifolia "Mexican Heather" plant can tolerate hot, humid weather. The plant grows well in the state of Texas, especially the central regions of the state. An evergreen sub-shrub, it attains a height of approximately 24 inches. The plant produces pink, lavender or purple flowers throughout most of the year. It grows best with moist soil but will survive periods of drought. The Texas native Pavonia lasiopetala "Rock Rose" produces a profusion of pink flowers from summer to fall. It tolerates the heat and drought of the region well. The plant grows approximately 15 inches in height and prefers a location in full or partial sun. It grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture Zones 8 and 9, so will thrive in the central and southern regions of the state. (ref 3, 4, 5 and 6)

Shrubs

• Cleyera japonica "Japanese Cleyera" grows to a height of 12 feet and a width of 10 feet. An evergreen, it grows best in full or partial sun. The shrubs foliage appears a reddish color when first emerging but turns a glossy green. It produces highly fragrant white blossoms. Plant in northern or central Texas for best results. The shrub thrives in USDA zones 6 to 8. Lantana urticoides "Lantana" grows well in central and southern Texas. The shrub has hardiness to USDA zone 8. During the winter months, the shrub's branches die back, except in southern Texas. The flower clusters appear red, white, and yellow from midsummer to fall. It grows to a height of up to 6 feet with a similar width. The hardy shrub can withstand periods of drought well. (ref 4 and resource 1 and 2)

Ground Covers

• A native of Mexico, the Setcreasea pallida "Purple Heart" makes a creeping ground cover. It tolerates heat and drought well. It grows in full sun or partial shade. In full sunlight, the plant displays a deeper purple leaf coloration. In USDA zone 7 and below, in northern Texas, the ground cover only grows as an annual. The Stachys byzantia "Lambs Ear" plant forms a low-growing dense ground cover mat. The leaves boast a white, furry covering which gives it a silver appearance. Numerous cultivars exist that vary in size. It grows well in the northern areas of the state but in the central and southern regions, within USDA zones 8 and above, it should be treated as a cool season annual. (ref 4, resource 3 and 4)

Trees

• The Photinia serrulata "Chinese photinia" produces 8 inch clusters of white flowers. It grows well as a shrub or small tree to a height of approximately 10 feet. Plant in full sunlight for best growth. The tree tolerates dry soil well. The tree grows in USDA zone 7 to 11. It does not tolerate the winter months in the panhandle of Texas. The Chilopsis linearis "Desert Willow" tree tolerates heat and drought well. It grows to a height of up to 25 feet. It produces a profuse amount of pink or purple flowers. The tree requires very little maintenance. It grows well in USDA zones 7 to 9, but will not tolerate the winters of the panhandle region. (ref 4 and resource 5 and 6)