North Texas summers are no joke. Between blazing heat, unpredictable rain, and long dry spells, maintaining a lush, thriving landscape can feel like a full-time job. But the secret isn’t watering more; it’s choosing the right plants.

At Lone Star Custom Outdoors, we design and install landscapes that not only look incredible year-round but also hold up against Texas’ toughest weather. Here are some of our favorite heat-hardy plants that thrive in North Texas soil and sunshine.

🌿 1. Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens)

Few plants scream “Texas tough” like Texas Sage. This silvery shrub produces beautiful purple blooms after rainfall and needs very little water once established. It’s perfect for low-maintenance landscapes and pairs beautifully with stone borders or xeriscape designs.

Best for: Borders, foundation planting, drought-tolerant gardens

🌸 2. Lantana

Lantana loves the heat and rewards you with vibrant clusters of orange, yellow, pink, or purple flowers from spring through fall. It attracts butterflies and pollinators, and it’s nearly impossible to overheat or underwater.

Best for: Flower beds, pollinator gardens, colorful ground cover

lantana

🌵 3. Agave and Yucca

If you’re going for a bold, sculptural look, Agave and Yucca are the backbone of many North Texas landscapes. They’re architectural, drought-tolerant, and thrive in full sun.

Best for: Modern or desert-inspired landscapes, low-water gardens

🌺 4. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

These cheerful yellow blooms are native to Texas and thrive in poor soil with minimal care. They’re ideal for adding color to sunny spots and pair well with ornamental grasses.

Best for: Wildflower gardens, natural-looking landscapes

Black-Eyed Susan

🌾 5. Mexican Feather Grass

This graceful ornamental grass sways beautifully in the breeze and adds motion and texture to your landscape. It’s drought-tolerant, easy to maintain, and looks great year-round.

Best for: Rock gardens, borders, erosion control

🌳 6. Crape Myrtle

Crape Myrtles are a Texas classic for good reason. They burst into vivid pink, red, or white blooms all summer long and handle the heat with ease. Once established, they’re low maintenance and add instant curb appeal.

Best for: Shade, statement trees, driveway accents

🌼 7. Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii)

This hardy perennial brings bright red or pink blooms that attract hummingbirds and handle full sun effortlessly. It’s one of the most reliable performers for North Texas landscapes.

Best for: Flower beds, pollinator gardens, borders

💧 Bonus Tip: Group Plants by Water Needs

Even drought-tolerant plants need water to get established. Grouping plants with similar needs helps conserve water and keeps your landscape looking fresh all season long.

Ready to Upgrade Your Landscape?

Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing your existing yard, Lone Star Custom Outdoors can design a custom landscape that thrives in North Texas conditions. From drought-tolerant designs to full-service maintenance, we’ll help your property look its best, no matter how hot it gets.

Contact us today for a free landscape consultation and let’s build something beautiful.