Spring Blooms!
Drought Tolerant Succulents
Spring has sprung here in Austin! Everything is blooming and so pretty- so much to ooh and aah over!
The Mariner Kalanchoe succulent is striking with it’s array of blooms! I love how it looks like a chandelier of tubular pink and coral colored blooms!
An excellent container plant! It fills, spills and thrills. The Mariner Kalanchoe also works well in a hanging container, just remember to protect these from freezing temperatures in the Austin area.
Ghost Plant, Graptoveria, love well draining soil.
The Graptoveria ‘Ghost Plant’ never disappoint. The flat rosett shaped leaves also grow a slight trunk which gives it height in the container. The bloom spikes on these are small white star shaped blooms with red accents. When planted along the edge of a pot, the Ghost Plant will cascade over.
These are popular as they can take a bit of the colder temperatures and are often planted in the ground. For optimal care we would recommend to protect but they are rather cold hardy!
Aloe marlothii blooms can reach 3 feet tall!
Aloe marlothii
The bloom spike on the Aloe marlothii is massive and as shown here shooting up towards the sky.
This is one of my favorite Aloes- I love the spiky leaves on it and the spectacular bloom spike. These are a larger Aloe though we still recommend to keep in a container. As with all succulents, you will need to protect them from freezing temperatures here in Austin and the surrounding area.
Citrus Trees
The citrus trees are bursting with blooms. They are in full bloom and the fragrance is intoxicating!
Different varieties have different bloom cycles, but all have the same incredible sweet fragrance.
If I could just make this photo scratch and sniff….
Golden Saguaro
Drought Tolerant Plants
The Golden Saguaro is showing off as usual.
He doesn’t have to do much to impress. He is a statuesque pillar of golden spines against bright green.
He blooms at the top of his crown forming red rose like blooms that resemble a crown.
Gopher Plant
The Gopher Plants are blooming away this spring showing off their bright yellow blooms. A wonderful drought tolerant choice in a xeriscape or drought tolerant garden.
The unique shaped foliage is pointed at the ends but not too sharp.
They bloom these beautiful yellow clusters of flowers in the center the bees adore.
Vines to Plant Now
The Potato Vine is blooming away and signaling spring is here. This is an evergreen drought tolerant (once established) vine here in Austin.
Planted in Dripping Springs and the Hill Country it would most likely die down to the ground and emerge in the spring. The Potato vine had bright green leaves and beautiful white blooms.
The blooms cascade like upside down white flowers spring thru fall.
Carolina Jessamine
The Carolina Jessamine are in full bloom and stunning!
The Lady Banks Roses as shown below are in full bloom as well!
Lady Banks Rose
‘Helen Borcher’ Flowering Peach
And last but not least is the ‘Helen Borcher’ Flowering Peach– as a fan of pink, I adore this particular bloom. The tree as a whole is incredible and in full bloom. An ornamental peach but the spectacular bloom show makes up for the fact it does not produce fruit.
We have had some rain the last few days, some areas getting a little more than others. Everyone in Austin and the surrounding areas from Lakeway to Bee Cave to Dripping Springs have reported nice rain totals and the plants could not be happier. I even heard on the news this morning that the lake is 99% full.
First time in six years. What wonderful news!
