Bullet proof plants. That sounds like a western movie, doesn’t it? The Permian Basin Master Gardeners plant sale will be showcasing many plants that fall into this category.
We experience four seasons of weather in one day. Drought conditions, winds, cold in the morning, hot in the afternoon. Then there is poor soil and, on top of that, our water. We aren’t trying to discourage you from gardening but we can help you pick plants that will grow here.
There are plants that are available that will adapt to our West Texas growing conditions. Desert willow (preferred Bubba) is a fast growing deciduous tree. Maverick mesquite will grow 25’ tall and is thornless, and the Texas Mountain Laurel is a small tree (15’) or can also be grown as a large shrub.
Mexican Flame Bush is a deciduous shrub that attracts hummingbirds with its reddish orange blooms. Pink Fairy Duster is a small bush with dense foliage whereas Damianita is a 2’ x 2’ evergreen with yellow blooms and is easy to care for.
Other bullet proof plants to expect are Arizona Rosewood, Texas Sage, Blackfoot Daisy, Gopher Plant, Winter Jasmine and Angelita Daisy, just to mention a few that we include on our “bullet proof list”.
The plant sale will be held on April 13 at the Ector County Coliseum from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We will be on hand to provide advice on soil preparation, drip irrigation, mulching and planting the right plant at the right place so you can achieve a low maintenance, low water landscape with color. Remember nothing is maintenance free but spring is just around the corner and planning is your best tool.
For more gardening information, call the AgriLife office at 498-4071 in Odessa or at 686-4700 in Midland.
