Best Time to Plant Shrubs in San Antonio is in the Fall

Call It Texas Fall

As we approach the heart of the meteorological fall season that kicks off on Sep 1, San Antonio is experiencing typical Texas fall weather with temperatures hovering in the low 90s. This is the ideal time for gardening enthusiasts to sink their shovels into the soil and plant shrubs. The season gives your plants adequate time to develop strong roots for the coming spring and summer.

Fall Suitable Drought and Heat Resistant Shrubs

From shielding your fence line to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your garden, there are plenty of native shrubs to choose from. These plants are not only heat and drought resilient but also freeze tolerant, and deer resistant. This means your plants will survive the harshest of weather conditions and the peskiest of deer invasions.

Texas Sage

When asked about a suitable shrub for covering a fence line, Texas Sage is the top suggestion. The fast-growing plant yields stunning blooms after a good rain. This plant is revered for its resilience and hardiness.

Esperanza

The Esperanza is another dynamic native. Every winter, you can cut it down to the roots, and it will shoot up by summer, providing continuous blossoms even when the heat is dialed up to triple digits.

Desert Willow

While some debate whether it’s a shrub or a tree, there’s no denying that the Desert Willow is a garden showstopper. Resilient enough to bloom through the heat, it continually adds beauty to your landscape.

There are also a couple of non-native plants that thrive in the San Antonio landscaping scene and are included in the Texas Superstars category. Although not technically native to Texas, these plants have proven their worth in Texan soil.

Pride of Barbados

Drought and heat resistance personified, the Pride of Barbados is a sturdy plant that guarantees blooms in the summer when everything else around turns brown. It is a surefire way to keep your garden colorful and vibrant.

Texas Lilac or Vitex

Whether you call it a shrub or a tree, the Texas Lilac or the Vitex, is an undeniable crowd pleaser. Attracting a variety of pollinators, it gives your garden a bustling and lively vibe. Observing butterflies flock to it could easily become your new hobby!

Tips for Planting

When planting, make sure to dig a hole as deep as your plant’s container and twice as wide. Mix in some compost for soil nourishment and water regularly for at least the first two months. Your diligent care will be rewarded with a flourishing garden.

About The Author

Sarah Acosta is a weekend Good Morning San Antonio anchor and a general assignments reporter. A native to South Texas, she joined the news team in April 2018. Among her qualities is a dedication to transmit useful information to the community.