If you really want to add a burst of “flower power color” to your landscape beds in Austin, Texas and the surrounding Hill Country, I have the solution for you. There are really 2 seasons in our central Texas area for planting flowers. The seasons flow together so spring and summer are as one for planting purposes, due to the fact spring is short. Fall and winter are the similar because fall is short.

My 20 years of experience shows that the following are some of the best choices to have two big blooming seasons. Two color change outs should be adequate and this plan will keep your landscape budget in good shape.

I have noted (*) the plants that the deer will most likely not eat. Remember that all plants are food to an animal, so when they are hungry they will eat anything.

Fall/Winter – *snapdragons, pansies, cyclamen, dianthus, Stock, Calendula, alyssum, *Mums (fall only), also bulbs including paper whites, and *Daffodils. These can be planted in early October when cool temperatures arrive and live until the heat returns in April.

Spring/Summer – petunias, geraniums, verbena, *lantana, *periwinkles (plant after the rainy season ends as they must be dry or they will get a fungus and die), ice plant, portulaca, moss rose, Impatiens and caladiums (shade only) These can be planted in early April when warm temperatures arrive and flourish until the cool weather returns in October.

Good luck and remember to plant early when these are first available at your nursery so you will have maximum blooming time!!

Brent D. Wiltshire

Owner & Senior Designer

Perfect Lawns and Landworks of Austin