Best of Parker County

PCMG – Info – Best of Parker County

Best Annuals

Article Count: 14

Best Annuals for Parker County

These plants are highly recommended for our drought conditions and highly resistant to most insects and diseases.

Annual: Plant that completes its entire life cycle within one year, and then dies.

Warm Season Annual: Plants that germinate in the spring or early summer and come to maturity in the fall, producing blooms and seeds before the first freeze.

Cool Season Annuals: Plants that germinate in the fall, go dormant during winter, and grow to maturity the following spring, producing blooms and seeds before dying in the summer.

Low Water Requirement: Plants that can survive on rainfall alone, once established. These are our hardiest plants, and watering them too much may actually harm the plant. In general, these plants can survive on rainfall alone; and during drought with no more than one inch of rain every 30 days. When rainfall is absent for an extended period of time, or when it is absent during the hottest days of summer, these plants will benefit from supplemental water.

Drought Tolerant: These plants will perform best with one inch of water once a week (including rain). Once established, these plants are able to survive drought conditions when watering is temporarily restricted.

Best Trees

Article Count: 20

To help in your decision making for selecting a tree, these entries have been divided three categories:

  • Small trees, under 30 feet in height need an area of less 120 square feet
  • Medium trees, 30-60 feet in height need an area of less than 180 square feet
  • Large trees, up to and over 70 feet in height need an area of over 180 square feet

Our Best of Trees for Parker County recommends only drought tolerant specimens. Granted, every tree needs an ample amount of water the first year of growth or during the time the tree is getting established. After that period, the tree should be able to do well with rainfall, and minimal irrigation. When picking a tree for your lawn, take time to do your homework. Decide if you want the tree for aesthetics, privacy, or have a purpose, such as, blocking an unsightly view. Consider the growing rate of the tree. All trees will take some time to mature and accomplish your goal. Some will take much longer than others. Remember, you do not want a tree that will over power the surrounding landscape or be a burden by needing continued attention. The list provided are trees that Parker County Master Gardeners prefer.

Best Perennials

Article Count: 32

These plants are highly recommended for our drought conditions and highly resistant to most insects and diseases.

Perennial: Plant that lives longer than two years and has little or no woody growth. Unless otherwise noted, perennials listed here are hardy in Parker County, thriving in our soil and in our climate conditions.

  • Tender Perennial: Plant that is able to survive mild winters, but may not survive a severe winter.
  • Heat Sensitive: Plant that may suffer when the temperature soars in July and August.
  • Deciduous: Plants that will die back in autumn or winter and return again in spring. Plants that return from the root may be pruned to the ground in early spring. Plants that return from the stem should be pruned sparingly to control the shape or size.
  • Low Water Requirement: Plants that can survive on rainfall alone, once established. These are our hardiest plants, and watering them too much may actually harm the plant. In general, these plants can survive on rainfall alone; and during drought with no more than one inch of rain every 30 days. When rainfall is absent for an extended period of time, or when it is absent during the hottest days of summer, these plants will benefit from supplemental water.
  • Drought Tolerant: These plants will perform best with one inch of water once a week (including rain). Once established, these plants are able to survive drought conditions when watering is temporarily restricted.

Best Shrubs

Article Count: 23

Best Shrubs for Parker County

These plants are highly recommended for our drought conditions and highly resistant to most insects and diseases.
Shrub: A woody plant with more than one vertical stem proceeding from the roots. Shrubs are generally less than 20 feet tall.
Deciduous: Plants that will die back in autumn or winter and return again in spring. Plants that return from the root may be pruned to the ground in early spring. Plants that return from the stem should be pruned sparingly to control the shape or size.
Low Water Requirement: Plants that can survive on rainfall alone, once established. These are our hardiest plants, and watering them too much may actually harm the plant. In general, these plants can survive on rainfall alone; and during drought with no more than one inch of rain every 30 days. When rainfall is absent for an extended period of time, or when it is absent during the hottest days of summer, these plants will benefit from supplemental water.
Drought Tolerant: These plants will perform best with one inch of water once a week (including rain). Once established, these plants are able to survive drought conditions when watering is restricted.