Xeriscape plants

Xeriscape, both the term and the principles, were developed in Denver around 1981. The program began to encourage plantings that required less water. Xeriscape established seven principles: planning and design, soil improvement, minimize turf, appropriate plants in water-use zones, efficient irrigation, use of mulch and appropriate maintenance.

Xeriscape took off in fits and starts; embraced wholeheartedly in some areas, revised in others, and occasionally dismissed. The scathing term, Zeroscape, summed up the attitude of many in its earlier days.

Water conservation is now an even more urgent consideration with drought such as Texas experienced last year illuminating how delicate the water balance truly remains. Most cities throughout the greater Southwest encourage residents to embrace the principles of Xeriscape through incentives, education, and in some areas rebates.

While each principle has a role in lowering water use, plant selection is a critical part of a successful low-water use planting. There are numerous reliable, hardy, attractive species that meet these criteria with more available all the time. Below are seven stars that can be the start of any xeriscape garden.

1. Trees provide shade for people, shelter for birds, as well as establish the style of a garden. One excellent choice is honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), a deciduous Texas native. Up to 30 feet and as wide at maturity, honey mesquite thrives in virtually all well-drained soils.
 

2. Texas persimmon (Diopsyros texana) is a multi-trunked evergreen up to 15 to 25 feet tall. The smooth, mottled bark make this durable and water thrifty tree a fine choice to provide shade for a small garden or as an accent in a larger one.
 

3. Evergreen shrubs hide unfortunate views, define boundaries and attract wildlife. To keep water use low, plant agarita (Berberis trifoliolata) with its sharp, holly-like, deep green to pearly grey leaves. This 6- to 10-foot tall shrub has abundant yellow flowers and tasty orange-red fruit.
 

4. Evergreen sumac (Rhus virens) with glossy, deep green leaves forms a background for more colorful plants. Three to 12 feet tall, this Texas native has prominent heads of white flowers in the summer.

5. Perennials can be sneaky water users, but flame anisacanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus) and Mexican oregano (Poliomintha maderensis) carry color far into the season with minimal watering. Flame anisacanthus sprawls to 4 feet with bright, orange flowers from spring to fall. Mexican oregano is up to 4 feet tall and as wide with a crisp, herbal aroma. Sprays of purple flowers fade to white and are highly attractive to hummingbirds.
 

6. Succulents are the emblem of low water use. Agave lophantha, particularly the smaller selections, offer exciting contrast and grace. This sleek agave grows in any soil and thrives in sun or shade.

7. Texas beargrass (Nolina texana) is an admirable substitute for perennial grasses. Up to 4 feet wide, it is unrivaled for drought and heat tolerance.

With these species as a beginning, any garden, private or commercial, can achieve the objectives of Xeriscape and still look stunning.
 

Mary Irish is a freelance writer, book author and speaker in Castroville, Texas. She’s the former director of horticulture at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.