 WILD
at Heart
Texans are wild about wildflowers - even in their gardens
by Beverly Burmeier
photography by Doug Sherman
If classic flowers like roses, geraniums or zinnias dominate your garden, consider going a little wild. Plant some wildflowers in your garden for their simple beauty as well as their hardihood. Wildflowers are easy to maintain; once established they provide years of carefree color with little attention on your part.
What exactly is a wildflower?
According to the National Wildflower Research Center, a wildflower is any flowering plant, native to a specific geographical area that can grow in unimproved habitats. Not all plants growing wild are natives; some originated as cultivated plants that naturalized over the years, surviving and spreading — even to the point of becoming nuisances. Queen Anne’s lace is an example of a plant now considered a weed, although it graces roadsides with lovely flowers.
Will wildflowers grow in my yard?
Yes, if you choose those that are native to our area and consider topography, soil conditions and water availability. Companies that sell wildflower seeds typically offer special regional mixes.
Wildflowers found in open meadows normally grow in full sun and do best with half a day or more of direct sunlight. Although many varieties tolerate drought conditions and poor soils common to Central Texas, some such as black-eyed Susan will grow taller and more vigorously if planted in richer or fertilized soil.
Rock gardens are perfect for low-growing wildflowers, as long as they have plenty of sun, good air circulation and adequately drained soil. Carefully integrate wildflowers with cultivated species to be sure their casual growth patterns complement other garden plants in terms of height, bloom time and color. Put in a few plants and evaluate their spread patterns over the next year or two.
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