Looking for plants that actually thrive in Austin’s heat, rocky soil, and wild weather? Here are a few favorites we’re seeing shine right now:
Native Power: Lantana
You’ve probably seen lantana bursting from roadsides, cliffs, and medians across Austin—and there’s a reason. Lantana is a Texas native, meaning it thrives here without extra effort.
- Comes in yellow, purple, pink, and even color-shifting blooms
- Grows upright or trails along the ground depending on variety
- Almost zero maintenance once established (except a winter cut back once per year)
- Pollinator-friendly and tough as nails
If you want a bulletproof plant for a hot, dry yard, this is one of your best bets.
Texas-Ready, Even If Not Technically Native
Not every plant growing successfully in Central Texas has wild roots here—but some do so well in our climate that they’re worth highlighting.
Crape Myrtle
You’ll find these everywhere—and for good reason. They’re resilient, sun-loving, cold-hardy, and live a long time. Some reach 40 feet tall!
- Choose your size and bloom color carefully (pink, white, red, and more)
- You don’t want to plant a 40 footer next to a 15 footer.
- Make sure you get the right variety from a reputable nursery
- Great bloomers in summer and early fall
- Thrive in heat and full sun
- Originally from asia but first introduced to the Americas in the 1700s.
Fig Tree
Figs aren’t native but are well adapted to Central Texas.
- Freeze-prone, so they may need protection in extreme winters
- Can take drought but will fruit better with deep watering in spring/summer
Low + Slow: Purple Heart Varieties
Purple Heart (and its broader family of Tradescantia) is a groundcover superstar in shady, hard-to-grow areas.
- Brittle leaves, but it spreads fast
- Tolerates deep shade and poor soil
- Blooms with small, bright purple or blue flowers
- Works well in those “nothing-will-grow-here” beds
Just for Fun: Water Lilies in the Wild
No, you probably won’t plant these in your yard—but you will find them in creek beds and shaded wet spots around town. These beauties:
- Grow from both bulbs and seeds (though seeds take 2–3 years to mature)
- Love filtered light and damp soil
- Show up in unexpected places—your kids may even spot them before you do
Final Thought: Pray for Rain
We’ve got some moisture in the forecast—fingers crossed it arrives. Until then, native and well-adapted plants are your best bet to keep your yard thriving in Austin’s unpredictable climate.
Got a question? We’re happy to help.
— The Top Choice Lawn Care Team