August rain in Austin Texas gardens
If you are looking for the best August blooms Austin has to offer, you’ve come to the right place. While this summer in Austin started with our signature dry heat, recent record-breaking rainfall has transformed the landscape. From 15 inches in Lakeway to over 11 inches in the Hill Country, our gardens are seeing a rare August growth spurt. We got more rain than anyone has seen or reported in the Austin area in one short period in a very long time. Those living in Central Austin, Westlake and Bee Cave reported 8-10 inches of rain.
Evergreen Wisteria, fragrant blooming vine
Lots of Rain means Lots of Flowers
Everything at the nursery has been growing like crazy with all this rain! The rain was unexpected. Consequently, the nursery is looking greener than ever. The plants are blooming, the butterflies are flying around, the bees are buzzing and the hummingbirds are zipping around visiting every bloom. The nursery is currently exploding with color and activity. I wanted to share a few photos of things that as of late have been showing off.
Stunning Evergreen Wisteria
The Evergreen Wisteria is one in particular that is looking great right now. Please take note that even though it is called an Evergreen Wisteria, in some winters it drops its leaves and is semi-evergreen here in the Austin Dripping Springs, Lakeway and Hill Country areas. This is a wonderful drought tolerant vine in the area once established and has royal purple fragrant blooms.
Beautiful Blue Plumbago
The Plumbago are blooming non stop! A great blooming accent plant for your garden. The beautiful blue blooms are heavy bloomers. These can take the Texas full sun but will also do well with a little shade. We have one in a large container at the nursery and it is a constant source of beautiful blue blooms!
Vibrant ‘Moy Grande” Hibiscus
The ‘Moy Grande’ Hibiscus are blooming nonstop. Listed as a Texas Superstar, these bright red large blooms are a beautiful addition to just about any landscape and garden setting. If you don’t have space in your garden, they look beautiful and perform well in containers. The blooms are larger than most typical Hibiscus plants and are a wonderful perennial option for a burst of red!
Unique Yucca Rigida Blooms
The Yucca Rigida is an excellent drought tolerant plant in the garden. Right now around town and in the Hill County you might have noticed several varieties of Yuccas are blooming. Distinguishable by their tall flower covered bloom spikes, they are easy to spot.
Many people confuse yuccas and agave’s in regards to the bloom cycle. If your agave is blooming, it is at the end of it’s life cycle. If your Yucca is blooming, enjoy it! Yuccas bloom year to year. Different varieties can bloom often while others may only bloom once a year. The blooms are showy and can be a variety of colors depending on the yucca.
Versatile Butterfly Iris
The Butterfly Iris are a wonderful staple to most any garden or landscape. Typically evergreen here in Austin they have a more upright habit than a Bi-Color Iris. The Butterfly Iris bloom spring through fall. These are often planted in containers as well as in the landscape. They look fantastic planted in mass in full sun and shade gardens. Want to attract pollinators to your garden? The butterflies love these large flat blooms.
Heat Hardy Mystic Spires Salvia
The ‘Mystic Spires’ Salvia are a favorite of pollinators both butterflies and bees. A wonderful perennial addition to your garden or landscape. The ‘Mystic Spires’ Salvia are similar to the ‘Indigo Spires’ but do not get as large. The beautiful blue spike blooms will bloom spring through fall. Want to encourage more bloom spikes? Trim the spent blooms- a new one will shoot up in no time. Don’t worry, these are not high maintenance, if you do not wish to discard the old bloom spikes new ones will shoot up in time.
Stop by Vivero Growers Nursery this week to see these blooms in person and let our staff help you pick the perfect rain-ready perennials for your yard!
