Perennials for Clay Soil in West Texas

by Evelyn
(San Angelo, Texas USA)

Doug - I printed your list of perennials for clay soil. Are all or some of those perennials suited for the climate in West Texas?

I have planted irises, english ivy, cannons, lantanias, and I am losing more than ones that are staying alive.

What can I plant in this red clay soil in dry West Texas?

Thank you.

Evelyn

Doug says - he's taken a long time to get back to you with this "answer". The real answer is that you're going to have to go to the plant list section. Not only download the plants for clay soils - but download the lists for hot,dry conditions (xeriscaping). Compare the two lists to find plants on both lists.

This gives you the basic options. But don't get too enthusiastic yet.

The problem as I'm learning about Southern gardening is that one size doesn't fit all. What works in West Texas isn't going to work in Florida - there's likely as many regional variation within the same USDA heat zone in Southern climates that there is in the north. It isn't just about the heat - it's about the interactions between the soil and heat and plant specificity (major differences between variety successes) for that region. What works in Atlanta is going to die in Savannah.

So the bottom line on my answer (much delayed I'm afraid) is that you're going to have to work a multi-stage effort to find your garden plants (if you want to move beyond what's available in your local big box store).

Do the searches above - check out and find plants on the appropriate lists that show up on all the lists. Those are your building blocks.

Now, go and find the individual varieties that promise extra heat tolerance. Those are the ones that are suitable candidates. And even those may not work for you.

But that's the process I'd use if I lived in West Texas.

The other thing I'd do is go to the forums (link on top of page) and ask some questions there. We do have a few Southern gardeners and if you post your query there - I can draw it to the attention of our entire list - you may indeed get some specific recommendations for plants for clay in West Texas.

Again, sorry to be so long getting back to you

Keep me up to date on what works for you! I'm learning as much about Southern gardening as I can. :-)