With new residents arriving here from both coasts every day, we get many inquiries about growing azaleas, camellias or peonies. Sorry folks, but these plants just won’t grow in beautiful San Antonio.
The main culprit: alkaline soil. Some plants grow in acidic soils and others grow in alkaline soils. But rare is the plant that will grow in both. Weather is also a factor. Plummeting winter temperatures combined with hot, humid summertime air create a most inhospitable environment for many non-native species.
To help salve the bitter wound of not being able to grow your favorite plant, let me suggest a few alternatives:
| If you like: | Try: |
|---|---|
| Azaleas | Bougainvilleas |
| Bluegrass | Buffalo grass |
| Camellias | Pittosporum or Viburnum “Lord Byron” |
| Hostas | Variegated ginger or Persian shield |
| Hydrangeas | “Moy Grande” (perennial hibiscus) |
| Peonies | Marie Pavie or Belinda’s Dream roses |
| Red maples | Bigtooth maple (a Texas native) |
| Tulips | Narcissus species (daffodils) |
South Texas weather may not be favorable for many traditional landscape species, but we can offer striking substitutes. Let’s start some new traditions!
