20 Best Flowers to Plant in Dallas, Texas

When it comes to planting flowers in Dallas, Texas, it’s important to choose varieties that can withstand the extreme climate and challenging soils. Thankfully, the Dallas Arboretum plant trials program has tested numerous plants and identified the top performers for this region. Whether you’re looking for annuals or perennials, there are plenty of options that will thrive in the Dallas Texas climate.

Key Takeaways:

• Choose flowers that have been tested and proven to thrive in the Dallas area.
• Consider the extreme climate and troublesome soils of Dallas, Texas when selecting flowers.
• Pansies, violas, and dianthus are great cool-season annuals for Dallas Texas.
• Ageratum, angelonia, and begonia are excellent warm-season annuals for the region.
• Camellias, azaleas, and nandina are popular perennials that do well in Dallas Texas gardens.

Annuals – Cool Season

When it comes to annual flowers that thrive in the cool season in Dallas, Texas, there are several standout performers. These annuals not only withstand the extreme climate but also add vibrant colors and beauty to any garden.

Pansies

Pansies from the ‘Nature’ and ‘Matrix’ series are highly recommended for their compact plants and abundant flowers. These cool-season annuals are known for their resilience and ability to bloom in the face of unpredictable weather. Whether you plant them in garden beds or containers, pansies are sure to bring joy to your outdoor space.

Violas

If you’re looking for cool-season annuals with smaller but numerous blooms, the ‘Gem’ and ‘Jewel’ series of violas are an excellent choice. These delicate flowers offer a charming burst of color and work well as fillers or accents in your garden.

Dianthus ‘Amazon’ Series

For a splash of vibrant hues in your garden, consider planting the Dianthus ‘Amazon’ series. These cool-season annuals boast colorful flower stalks that can reach up to 2-1/2 feet tall. With their striking presence and long-lasting blooms, they are sure to be a focal point in your garden.

Snapdragons

To maximize growth and flowering, it’s best to plant snapdragons from the ‘Liberty’ and ‘Sonnet’ series in the fall. These cool-season annuals thrive in the Dallas climate and can add vertical interest to your garden with their tall stems and captivating flowers.

Columbines

If you have shade areas in your garden, consider planting the ‘Songbird’ and ‘Swan’ series of columbines. These cool-season annuals perform exceptionally well when planted in the fall and offer a touch of elegance with their delicate, nodding blooms.

Annual	Series	Key Features
Pansies	‘Nature’ and ‘Matrix’	Compact plants, abundant flowers
Violas	‘Gem’ and ‘Jewel’	Smaller, numerous blooms
Dianthus	‘Amazon’ series	Colorful flower stalks, tall presence
Snapdragons	‘Liberty’ and ‘Sonnet’	Tall stems, captivating flowers
Columbines	‘Songbird’ and ‘Swan’	Elegant, nodding blooms

These cool-season annuals are not only beautiful but also hardy enough to withstand the challenging conditions of Dallas, Texas. Incorporating these flowers into your garden will ensure a vibrant and captivating display throughout the cooler months.

Annuals – Warm Season

When it comes to warm season annuals for Dallas, Texas, there are several stunning options that can add vibrant colors and beauty to your garden throughout the summer. These annuals are specifically chosen for their ability to withstand the hot Texas climate and provide continuous blooms.

Ageratum ‘Artist’ series is a standout choice for its heat tolerance and long blooming period, from April to November. This annual plant is known for its fluffy clusters of blue, lavender, or white flowers, making it a perfect addition for adding pops of cool colors to your garden.

Angelonia ‘Angelmist White Cloud‘ is another excellent warm season annual. It boasts upright stems filled with delicate white flowers that resemble a cloud. This variety is especially heat tolerant and can maintain its beauty even during the scorching Texas summers.

Pentas ‘Graffiti’ series is a versatile warm season annual that thrives in both sun and shade. It produces large clusters of flowers in vibrant colors, such as pink, red, and lavender. This makes it an ideal choice for adding a burst of color to any part of your garden.

Best Annuals for Dallas Texas

Annuals – Warm Season	Description
Ageratum ‘Artist’ series	A heat-tolerant annual with fluffy clusters of blue, lavender, or white flowers. Blooms from April to November.
Angelonia ‘Angelmist White Cloud’	A heat-tolerant annual with upright stems filled with delicate white flowers. Thrives in the Texas summer heat.
Pentas ‘Graffiti’ series	A versatile annual that thrives in both sun and shade. Produces large clusters of flowers in various vibrant colors.

In addition to the mentioned varieties, there are other warm season annuals for Dallas, Texas, such as Begonia ‘Babywing Pink’, Celosia ‘Fresh Look’, Torenia ‘Catalina’ series, and Zinnia ‘Profusion’ series. These annuals offer a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, allowing you to create a stunning and diverse garden.

By selecting the best warm-season annuals for your Dallas, Texas garden, you can create a colorful and vibrant oasis even in the midst of the summer heat. These annuals will not only survive the extreme climate but also thrive, providing you with a garden full of beauty and joy.

Annuals – Foliage

When it comes to adding visual interest and texture to your Dallas, Texas garden, foliage plants are an excellent choice. These annuals not only provide a backdrop for other flowering plants but also offer their own vibrant colors and unique leaf shapes.

Ctenanthe lubbesiana ‘Tropical Dragon’ is a fast-growing plant with shiny foliage splashed with bright lemon yellow. Its large leaves create a tropical feel in the garden and provide a striking contrast to other plants. This plant is perfect for adding a touch of exotic beauty to your landscape.

Coleus ‘Aurora’ series ‘Black Cherry’ & ‘Peach’ offers a wide range of colorful foliage options for both sun and shade areas. With their stunning variegated leaves in shades of black cherry and peach, these coleus varieties are sure to create a beautiful display in your garden.

Duranta ‘Gold Eagle’ is another foliage plant that adds a pop of color to your garden. Its glossy green leaves are centered with bright lemon yellow, creating a striking contrast. This plant is a great choice for filling in empty spaces and adding a touch of elegance to your landscape.

Foliage Plants for Dallas Texas Gardens

Plant	Description
Ctenanthe lubbesiana ‘Tropical Dragon’	Fast-growing plant with shiny foliage splashed with bright lemon yellow
Coleus ‘Aurora’ series ‘Black Cherry’ & ‘Peach’	Colorful foliage options for both sun and shade areas
Duranta ‘Gold Eagle’	Glossy green leaves centered with bright lemon yellow

Pepper ‘Black Pearl’ is a foliage plant that adds a touch of drama to your garden. Its deep purple-black leaves and glossy black pearl-like peppers create a stunning visual display. This plant is perfect for adding an edgy and contemporary look to your landscape.

These foliage plants serve as excellent filler plants, adding depth and dimension to your Dallas, Texas garden. Whether you choose the tropical vibes of Ctenanthe lubbesiana ‘Tropical Dragon‘, the vibrant colors of Coleus ‘Aurora’ series ‘Black Cherry’ & ‘Peach’, the elegant contrast of Duranta ‘Gold Eagle’, or the dramatic appeal of Pepper ‘Black Pearl’, these annuals are sure to enhance the visual appeal of your garden.

Perennials

Best Perennials for Dallas Texas Gardens

When it comes to creating a vibrant and long-lasting garden in Dallas, Texas, perennials are a must-have. These hardy plants come back year after year, providing beautiful blooms and foliage without the need for replanting. Here are some of the best perennials for Dallas Texas gardens:

Perennial	Description	Growth Requirements
Chinese Wild Ginger	A shade-loving perennial with lush foliage and unique flowers	Partial to full shade; well-drained soil
Begonia semperflorens ‘Kayleen’	A winter-hardy variety with vibrant blooms	Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil
Dianella tasmanica	An evergreen perennial with variegated foliage	Partial shade; acidic soil

Why Choose Perennials

Perennials offer several advantages for Dallas Texas gardens. Firstly, they are a cost-effective option as they do not need to be replanted each year. This makes them a great long-term investment for gardeners. Additionally, perennials provide a sense of continuity and stability to the garden, as they come back year after year, creating a familiar and comforting environment.

Furthermore, perennials are well-adapted to the climate of Dallas, Texas. They have developed mechanisms to survive the hot summers, erratic winters, and troublesome soils that are common in the area. This resilience makes them low-maintenance options that require minimal care and attention.

Gardening Tips for Perennials in Dallas Texas

To ensure the success of your perennial garden in Dallas, Texas, here are some essential tips:

• Choose perennials that are well-suited to the climate and soil conditions of the area.
• Provide adequate watering, especially during hot and dry periods.
• Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
• Regularly deadhead or prune your perennials to promote healthy growth and beautiful blooms.
• Consider companion planting with other perennials, annuals, or shrubs to create a diverse and visually appealing garden.

With the right selection and care, perennials can transform your Dallas Texas garden into a blooming and lush oasis that will delight you year after year.

Abelia: A Beautiful and Versatile Flowering Shrub for Dallas Texas Gardens

When it comes to selecting the best shrubs for Dallas, Texas gardens, Abelia is a top choice. This flowering shrub is not only stunning but also highly adaptable to the extreme climate and soil conditions found in the area. With its clusters of fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers in various colors, Abelia adds a touch of elegance and beauty to any garden.

Abelia is a versatile shrub that can be used in multiple ways in your garden. It can be planted as a focal point, adding height and visual interest to the landscape. Additionally, Abelia can be trimmed and shaped into a hedge, providing privacy and structure to your outdoor space. Its glossy green foliage remains evergreen in mild winters, ensuring year-round beauty.

The Benefits of Abelia:

Benefits	Description
Fragrant Flowers	Abelia produces clusters of fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers in various colors, ranging from white to pink and lavender.
Adaptability	Abelia is highly adaptable to the extreme climate and soil conditions in Dallas, making it a reliable and resilient choice for gardens.
Attracts Pollinators	The vibrant flowers of Abelia attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, adding life and movement to your garden.
Low Maintenance	Abelia is a low-maintenance shrub that requires minimal care once established. It is drought-tolerant and can withstand hot summers.

Whether you’re looking to enhance the aesthetics of your garden or create a natural barrier, Abelia is an excellent choice. Its stunning flowers, adaptability, and low maintenance requirements make it a valuable addition to any Dallas, Texas garden. Plant Abelia and enjoy the beauty and elegance it brings to your outdoor space.

Althea (Hibiscus syriacus)

Althea, also known as Hibiscus syriacus, is a beautiful flowering shrub that thrives in Dallas, Texas gardens. With its showy flowers and low-maintenance nature, it’s no wonder that Althea is a popular choice among gardeners in the area. The vibrant blooms of Althea come in a variety of colors, including shades of pink, white, and purple, adding a splash of color to any landscape.

One of the standout features of Althea is its ability to tolerate the extreme climate of Dallas, Texas. It can withstand the hot summers and occasional frost in the winter, making it a reliable and resilient option for gardeners in the region. Althea is also known for its long blooming period, providing months of eye-catching flowers throughout the growing season.

Another advantage of Althea is its versatility in garden design. It can be used as a focal point in a garden bed or as a hedge to create privacy and structure. Its lush foliage and beautiful flowers make it a stunning addition to any landscape. Whether you’re looking to add color to your garden or create a natural barrier, Althea is a fantastic choice for Dallas, Texas gardens.

Althea (Hibiscus syriacus) Table

Common Name	Scientific Name	Plant Type	Blooming Season	Color
Althea	Hibiscus syriacus	Shrub	Summer to Fall	Pink, White, Purple

With its stunning flowers, resilience, and versatility, Althea is a must-have shrub for Dallas, Texas gardens. Its ability to thrive in the extreme climate and its low-maintenance nature make it a popular choice among both seasoned and novice gardeners. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color to your landscape or create a natural screen, consider planting Althea in your Dallas, Texas garden.

Azalea

When it comes to choosing flowering plants for Dallas, Texas gardens, azaleas are an excellent choice. These vibrant and beautiful plants thrive in shady areas, making them perfect for adding color to any garden. Azaleas are known for their abundant blooms, which come in a variety of colors including pink, red, purple, and white. They are a popular choice among gardeners due to their hardiness and ability to adapt to the local climate and soil conditions.

One of the advantages of planting azaleas in Dallas is that they are well-suited for shade. Many gardens in the area have areas with limited sunlight, and azaleas can thrive in these conditions. They also require well-drained soil, so ensure that the soil is loose and drains well. Azaleas also need regular watering, especially during dry spells, to keep them healthy and vibrant.

Varieties of Azaleas

There are several popular varieties of azaleas that are suitable for Dallas, Texas gardens. Some notable options include:

Variety	Color	Bloom Time	Size
Girard’s Hot Shot	Red	Spring	Compact
Formosa	Purple	Spring	Tall
Kurume	Pink	Spring	Medium

These varieties offer a range of colors and sizes, allowing you to choose the perfect azalea for your garden. Whether you prefer a compact plant or a taller shrub, there is an azalea variety that will suit your needs.

Overall, azaleas are a beautiful and reliable choice for Dallas, Texas gardens. With their stunning blooms and adaptability to shade, they are sure to add a touch of elegance to any outdoor space.

Camellia

Camellias are a popular choice for gardens in Dallas, Texas, thanks to their evergreen nature, beautiful flowers, and adaptability to the local climate. These shrubs thrive in both full shade and filtered sunlight, making them versatile additions to any landscape. With their glossy, dark green foliage, camellias provide year-round visual interest even when not in bloom.

One of the standout features of camellias is their vibrant and colorful flowers, which bloom in winter and early spring. These flowers come in a variety of shades, including pinks, whites, and reds, and add a cheerful touch to the garden during the cooler months. Camellias prefer acidic soil and should be watered regularly to ensure healthy growth.

Camellia Varieties for Dallas Gardens

Variety	Flower Color	Bloom Time	Size
Camellia japonica ‘Debutante’	Pink	Winter to early spring	Medium
Camellia sasanqua ‘Yuletide’	Red	Early winter	Medium
Camellia sinensis	White	Spring	Large

When choosing camellias for your Dallas garden, consider these popular varieties. ‘Debutante’ is a medium-sized camellia with pink flowers that bloom from winter to early spring. ‘Yuletide’ is another medium-sized camellia known for its vibrant red flowers that appear in early winter. If you prefer white blooms, consider the Camellia sinensis, which blooms in spring and can grow to a larger size. With proper care, these camellia varieties will thrive and bring beauty to your Dallas garden.

Overall, camellias are a fantastic choice for Dallas, Texas gardens. Their evergreen foliage, vibrant blooms, and adaptability to the climate make them a popular and visually appealing addition to any landscape. Whether you plant them as focal points or use them to add color and interest to shaded areas, camellias are sure to enhance the beauty of your garden throughout the year.

Nandina

Nandina, also known as heavenly bamboo, is an evergreen plant that adds beauty to Dallas Texas gardens year-round. With its delicate, lacy foliage and vibrant red berries, it provides visual interest and texture to any landscape. Nandina is a drought-tolerant plant, making it a perfect choice for Dallas Texas gardens where water conservation is important.

One of the main benefits of nandina is its evergreen nature. Even during the harsh winter months, when other plants may lose their leaves, nandina maintains its green foliage, creating a lush backdrop for the garden. Its compact growth habit and graceful arching branches make it suitable for various garden styles, from formal to informal.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, nandina is relatively low-maintenance. It can thrive in a wide range of soil types and light conditions, although it prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun. Regular watering is necessary during the establishment period, but once established, nandina is quite drought-tolerant. This makes it an excellent choice for Dallas Texas gardens, where hot and dry conditions are common.

Benefits of Nandina for Dallas Gardens

Nandina offers several benefits for Dallas Texas gardens:

Benefit	Description
Evergreen Foliage	Nandina retains its lush, green foliage all year round, providing visual interest in every season.
Drought-Tolerant	Once established, nandina is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for water-wise landscapes.
Low-Maintenance	Nandina requires minimal care and can adapt to various soil types and light conditions.
Texture and Interest	With its delicate foliage and vibrant red berries, nandina adds texture and visual interest to the garden.

For Dallas Texas gardens that desire year-round beauty and low-maintenance plants, nandina is an excellent choice. Whether used as a border, hedge, or focal point, its graceful form and vibrant colors will enhance any landscape.

Oak Leaf Hydrangea

The Oak Leaf Hydrangea is a beautiful flowering shrub that thrives in Dallas, Texas gardens. With its large, cone-shaped flower clusters and distinctive oak-like leaves, it adds texture and interest to any landscape. The Oak Leaf Hydrangea is particularly well-suited to shady areas, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to fill darker corners of the garden with vibrant blooms.

This flowering shrub is known for its hardiness and ability to withstand the extreme climate of Dallas, Texas. It can tolerate both heat and cold, making it a resilient addition to any garden. The Oak Leaf Hydrangea also offers a long blooming season, with flowers appearing in late spring and lasting through the summer. Its blooms can range in color from white to pink to deep burgundy, adding a touch of elegance to any outdoor space.

Comparison of Flowering Shrubs for Dallas

Shrub	Blooming Season	Tolerance to Heat	Tolerance to Cold	Preferred Lighting
Oak Leaf Hydrangea	Late spring to summer	High	High	Shade to part sun
Althea (Hibiscus syriacus)	Summer to fall	High	High	Full sun
Azalea	Spring	Medium	Medium	Shade to part sun

As shown in the comparison table above, the Oak Leaf Hydrangea offers a unique combination of characteristics that make it an ideal choice for Dallas, Texas gardens. Its ability to tolerate both heat and cold, along with its preference for shade to part sun, sets it apart from other flowering shrubs such as Althea and Azalea. Additionally, its long blooming season adds a continuous burst of color and beauty to the outdoor space.

For those looking to enhance their gardens with a stunning flowering shrub that can withstand the challenging climate of Dallas, Texas, the Oak Leaf Hydrangea is a top choice. Its striking appearance, adaptability, and ability to thrive in shaded areas make it a valuable addition to any landscape.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a versatile herb that thrives in the gardens of Dallas, Texas. Known for its aromatic fragrance, rosemary is not only a culinary delight but also a beautiful addition to any garden. Its needle-like leaves and small, blue flowers make it an attractive and fragrant plant. It can be grown as a shrub or used as a groundcover, depending on your preference and garden space. Rosemary is a hardy herb that can withstand the extreme climate and soil conditions of Dallas, making it an ideal choice for local gardeners.

In addition to its ornamental value, rosemary is also a culinary herb with a wide range of uses. Its strong, aromatic flavor pairs well with a variety of dishes including roasted meats, vegetables, and even desserts. You can harvest rosemary leaves throughout the year to add a fresh and fragrant touch to your meals. This herb is also known for its medicinal properties and is often used in herbal remedies for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

When planting rosemary in your Dallas garden, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Rosemary thrives in full sun and requires minimal watering once established. It is a drought-tolerant plant that can withstand the hot summers of Dallas, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. Prune rosemary regularly to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. With proper care, your rosemary plant will reward you with its beauty, fragrance, and culinary delights.

Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens)

Welcome to the thirteenth section of our article on the best flowers to plant in Dallas, Texas. In this section, we will explore Texas Sage, also known as Leucophyllum frutescens. This popular flowering shrub is well-suited for Dallas gardens due to its drought-tolerant nature and ability to thrive in the extreme climate of the region.

Texas Sage is characterized by its silver-gray foliage and vibrant purple flowers. The shrub blooms throughout the summer and fall, adding a pop of color to the landscape. Its ability to withstand dry conditions makes it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens in Dallas.

Benefits of Texas Sage

There are several benefits to planting Texas Sage in your Dallas garden. Firstly, its drought-tolerant nature means that it requires minimal watering once established, making it a low-maintenance option. Additionally, its silver-gray foliage adds visual interest to the garden even when not in bloom. Finally, Texas Sage attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to a healthy ecosystem in your garden.

Planting and Care

When planting Texas Sage, choose a well-drained location that receives full sun. This shrub can tolerate a variety of soil types, including rocky or sandy soils. Once established, it requires little to no supplemental watering, making it an ideal choice for water-wise gardening. Prune Texas Sage in late winter or early spring to maintain its desired shape and promote optimal growth.

Common Name	Latin Name	Watering Needs	Sun Requirements
Texas Sage	Leucophyllum frutescens	Drought-tolerant	Full sun

Table: Basic information on Texas Sage

That concludes our section on Texas Sage, an excellent choice for Dallas gardens. Stay tuned for the remaining sections in our article, where we will continue to explore more flowers that thrive in the Dallas, Texas climate.

Vinca (Periwinkle)

Vinca, also known as periwinkle, is a versatile groundcover plant that is well-suited for gardens in Dallas, Texas. Its low-maintenance nature and ability to thrive in various conditions make it a popular choice among gardeners. Vinca is known for its vibrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white, which add a splash of color to any landscape. This plant is not only visually appealing but also drought-tolerant, making it perfect for the hot and dry climate of Dallas.

One of the main advantages of Vinca is its groundcovering ability. It forms a dense mat of foliage that helps suppress weeds and reduce soil erosion, making it an excellent choice for areas that need groundcover. Vinca’s trailing stems also make it suitable for hanging baskets or cascading over walls and containers. Whether used as a border plant, filler, or mass planting, Vinca adds beauty and texture to any garden.

Benefits of Vinca:

Benefits	Description
Drought-tolerant	Vinca can survive in dry conditions and requires less water compared to other plants.
Low-maintenance	Vinca is easy to care for and requires minimal pruning and fertilization.
Long blooming period	Vinca produces continuous blooms from spring to fall, adding color throughout the growing season.
Attracts pollinators	The vibrant flowers of Vinca attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden.

To ensure the success of Vinca in your Dallas garden, plant it in well-drained soil and provide it with full sun to partial shade. While Vinca is relatively drought-tolerant, regular watering during dry periods will help maintain its health and vigor. Avoid overwatering, as Vinca prefers slightly drier conditions. With its ability to withstand heat and its low-maintenance nature, Vinca is an excellent choice for Dallas gardens.

Conclusion

After conducting extensive plant trials in the challenging climate of Dallas, Texas, I can confidently say that the 20 flowers mentioned in this article are your best bets for a thriving garden. These flowers have proven their ability to withstand the scorching hot summers, unpredictable winters, and difficult soils of the Dallas area.

Whether you prefer the beauty of annuals or the long-lasting blooms of perennials, there are options for every gardener in Dallas. From the vibrant colors of pansies and snapdragons to the heat-tolerant ageratum and pentas, these flowers will bring life and color to your garden throughout the year.

Don’t forget about the importance of foliage plants, such as the eye-catching Ctenanthe lubbesiana and the vibrant Coleus ‘Aurora’ series, which provide a stunning backdrop to any garden. And for those who appreciate shrubs, the Abelia, Hibiscus syriacus, and Texas Sage are excellent choices, adding beauty and texture to your landscape.

Remember, successful gardening in Dallas requires attention to watering and care. Provide adequate irrigation to combat the intense heat, and make sure to follow the specific care instructions for each flower. With a little TLC, your garden will flourish and become a source of pride and joy in the Dallas community. Happy gardening!