The south Texas climate includes zones 8 through 11. These are at the highest end of the USDA hardiness zone scale, meaning this is one of the warmest climates in the nation. The average annual minimum temperature in this area ranges from about 15 degrees Fahrenheit to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and hotter. The area is also very humid, which means that heat-tolerant ground covers that enjoy moist growing media may do well here. Does this Spark an idea?
Prostrate Rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis, or prostrate rosemary, is an evergreen ground cover hardy in zones 8, 9, and 10, all of south Texas except for southernmost tip, which is zone 11. The plant grows quickly and has a creeping habit. Its leaves are dark green in color and 2 inches long. The leaves contain fragrant oil used for cooking. It has a piny flavor and smell. Its blossoms are blue and appear in the spring months. The ground cover works well in a rock garden or by itself on the edges of beds. This species of rosemary thrives in well-drained, moist soil and enjoys full sun.
Asiatic Jasmine
Asiatic Jasmine is also known as Trachelospermum asiaticum. This ground cover is a vine that stays green all year long and is hardy in zones 7b to 10. It has a moderate growth rate and a spreading habit. It has a fine texture with deep green leaves and creamy white blossoms with a lemon-colored eye. Petals are oblong and come to an apex. There are five of them. The vine doesn't respond well to severe winters, so south Texas is a hospitable place for it, with its mild winter months.
Confederate (Star) Jasmine
Confederate Jasmine, also referred to as Trachelospermum jasminoides, has another common name of star jasmine. This medium-textured vine is evergreen. It enjoys partial sun to full shade and will thrive in well-drained, moist soils. It does adapt to other soil conditions. It grows about 10 to 12 feet long along the ground. Its defining ornamental characteristics are its dark green foliage and fragrant blossoms, about 1 inch in diameter and white in color. They get their "star" nickname from the five petals on the star-shaped blossom. This plant is actually not a true jasmine. It withstands heat, so it can be grown in zone 11. Pruning after blooming is recommended.
"Texas Gold" Columbine
Texas Gold Columbine is botanically named Aquilegia chrysanthia hinckleyana. It is a cool-season perennial with showy foliage and eye-catching, long-spurred blossoms. It will bloom in early spring in south Texas' warm weather. Flowers are deep yellow in color fan-shaped petals amidst five lighter, lemony hued bracts. The blossom's underside forms long, thin spurs that come to points. It enjoys just a bit of shade. It makes for a taller ground cover, growing up to 2 feet tall and wide.
Tags: south Texas, Asiatic Jasmine, dark green, degrees Fahrenheit, Gold Columbine
