Tree of the month:
The Mexican white oak, also known as Monterrey oak or Coahuila oak, is a unique and resilient oak species native to Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and a small part of Texas. As it ages, its bark develops into dark to light gray, featuring scales and flaky plates. The leaves of this species are semi-evergreen, meaning they can retain their leaves during the winter in milder climates while shedding them in the spring as new leaves emerge. These leaves are thick and leathery, measuring 2-5 inches in length, and often exhibit diverse shapes, ranging from smooth to toothed edges. Interestingly, new leaves in the spring often display a charming peach or bronze color before transitioning to bluish green.
Key characteristics:
Growth Rate:
It’s known for its relatively fast growth, potentially adding up to 4 feet in height per year.
Size and Shape:
It’s a medium-sized tree, typically reaching 40-60 feet in height with a trunk diameter of up to 2 feet. It has a broad, rounded canopy at maturity, transitioning from a more upright form in youth.
Acorns:
Mexican white oaks produce acorns that mature in one year and are up to 1 inch long, partially enclosed by a cup.
Adaptability:
It can adapt to a variety of well-drained soil types, including alkaline soils.
Drought Tolerance:
This species is exceptionally drought tolerant, making it a good choice for arid or drought-prone regions.
Shrub of the month:
The Dwarf Barbados Cherry (Malpighia glabra ‘Nana’) is a dense, evergreen shrub that blooms clusters of small, pink flowers from April to October. These flowers attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, while the fruit attracts birds. The shrub is native to Texas and is more cold-hardy than its larger Caribbean counterpart. It’s popular in landscaping for its ornamental value and is also used in bonsai. The small, edible red fruits can be used to make jams, juices, and other culinary creations.
Key characteristics:
Maintenance:
Requires minimal care and maintenance and is drought tolerant once established.
Mature Size:
Dwarf Barbados cherry typically grows to be 2-4 feet tall.
Habit:
It forms a dense, bushy shape, making it suitable for hedges, borders, or container growing.
Growing Conditions:
Prefers full sun to part shade and medium water.
Perennial of the month:
Bat-faced cuphea, scientifically known as Cuphea llavea, is a vibrant flowering plant native to Mexico, known for its unique, bat-like flowers. These flowers, typically red and purple, feature two prominent red petals resembling bat ears and a hairy, purple calyx. It’s a relatively low-maintenance plant, thriving in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making it a popular choice for borders, containers, and hanging baskets. Bat-faced cuphea is particularly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, adding a touch of the tropics to gardens.
Key characteristics:
Size:
Reaches 12-18 inches tall and wide as an annual, but can grow larger in its native habitat.
Growing Conditions:
Prefers full sun but can tolerate some afternoon shade in hot climates and thrives in well-drained soil with moderate watering.
Uses:
Excellent for borders, containers, mass plantings, and as an accent plant.
Varieties:
Cultivars like ‘Torpedo’ and ‘Diablo’ offer larger flowers or different color variations.
Light:
Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal blooming.
Watering:
Water regularly until established, then it can tolerate moderate drought.
