Houston is widely known as a city where warmth persists almost year-round. Frequent rains combined with the hot sun create a humid, subtropical climate. Read more on houstoname.
However, in some parts of the city (mainly in downtown Houston), winter temperatures can drop.
Given the weather conditions and local climate, a question arises about what plants thrive here. What do Houstonians plant in their gardens? Which plants are best suited to Houston’s environment?
The Importance of Location
Houston generally has clay soil. Frequent rains keep the soil quite moist, but during droughts, it’s wise to have watering methods in place, whether manual or automatic.
As mentioned, weather conditions vary depending on the area of the city. Houston has warmer areas (often the city’s outskirts) and cooler zones (closer to the city center).
In the warmer parts, it stays hot nearly nine months of the year, with cooling only in winter. In cooler areas, temperatures start to drop noticeably in mid-autumn.
All of these factors should be considered before embarking on gardening or plant cultivation. By analyzing weather, soil conditions, and other factors, you can choose plants that will thrive in your garden.
Popular Plants That Grow in Houston
Tuscan Blue Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
In Houston, it’s rare to find an avid gardener growing everything that could potentially thrive. Most Houstonians plant trees, shrubs, flowers, or attractive plants to beautify their spaces with fragrant, green landscaping.
Sometimes you’ll see greens or berries. Spinach and broccoli grow well in Houston, and fruit trees like pears, bananas, apricots, cherries, kiwis, and currants also thrive.
One of the most popular flowers among Houstonians is the gardenia (Gardenia Veitchii). This plant blooms from spring to mid-autumn, with beautiful white flowers that emit a delightful fragrance. Its leaves remain green for a long time, bringing charm to any yard.
Star Jasmine also produces white, aromatic flowers, but unlike gardenias, it prefers to climb fences or railings. While gardenias are compact shrubs, jasmine can grow up to six feet long.
Tuscan Blue Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) not only beautifies your garden or windowsill but also serves as a flavorful herb for cooking. It’s hardy and tolerates a variety of weather conditions. Rosemary flowers can be blue or white.
Another Houston favorite is English ivy. Available in various colors and sizes, it can add beauty to your yard and provide shade, perfect for privacy or a relaxing, cool space. However, ivy is more demanding in terms of water needs.
American Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) is well-suited for Houston’s environment and often features in wedding bouquets. Its lovely purple and lavender hues add elegance to any bouquet or home decor.
Texas Lantana (Lantana Horrida) is a quintessential summer plant that can survive drought, needing little water. It blooms with bright yellow or orange flowers, enhancing the summer vibe.
For houseplants, Houstonians often choose the Split-Leaf Philodendron (Monstera deliciosa). While somewhat finicky to care for, many still plant it outdoors.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) is both beautiful and incredibly useful. It’s popular in many places, including Houston, as it doesn’t require much maintenance. Aloe has numerous antibacterial properties, and its gel is frequently used in beauty routines.