Blooming Plants for the Gulf Coast of Texas

The subtropical to tropical Gulf Coast region of Texas provides gardeners with a wealth of gardening choices. The region has only a few cold nights per year, which allows gardeners the opportunity to protect their delicate tropicals. The ample rainfall and warm climate makes most flowering plants in the region thrive with little or no care.

Over three decades ago, the Plumeria Society of America was founded in Houston, Texas because the lovely flowers flourished in the region. They grow well in the ground or as container plants. They can easily grow up to 20 feet in height in the tropical region of the gulf coast of Texas.

The plant requires at least six hours of sunlight per day to produce ample fragrant blossoms. The blossoms appear in many shades of pink, yellow, red and yellow.

The plumeria requires well-draining soil conditions to thrive. They do not tolerate a wet root system. The plant is a heavy feeder and requires weekly applications of a water-soluble fertilizer.

An evergreen shrub, the oleander thrives in the Gulf Coast region of Texas. It enjoys a warm, tropical climate. During the summer and fall, the plant produces an endless supply of fragrant blossoms in a wide range of colors, such as pink, lilac, red, white, yellow and apricot.

Highly adaptable, the oleander will tolerate salty marshlands, saltwater spray and coastal areas where very few other plants will grow. The plant grows best in full sunlight.

Care should be taken when planting the oleander because all parts of it are highly toxic to humans and animals, according to the National Gardening Association. Plant the oleander away from areas frequented by children, pets or livestock. Wear gloves and a long-sleeve shirt when planting or handling oleander because the sap that the plant produces can also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Lantana (Lantana camara) produces non-stop flowers in the Gulf Coast region of Texas. Its blossoms appear orange, yellow, pink, rose and salmon. They often change in coloration as the blossoms age. The plant grows as an upright shrub or a shrub with vine-like habits, depending on the variety. There are over 100 varieties of lantana available.

Plant lantana in full sunlight or partial shade. It tolerates virtually any type of soil. Once established. it is highly drought resistant, according to Floridata.

The foliage and berries of the plant are toxic to animals, humans and livestock.

The firecracker plant (Russelia equisetiformis) grows to a height of 4 feet with long graceful, arching branches. It produces abundant red, tubular flowers non-stop from spring until fall in the tropical region of the Texas Gulf Coast. Each tiny flower measures approximately 1 inch in length. The flowers are adored by butterflies who flock to the blossoms.

It grows best in fertile soil. It requires regular applications of fertilizer to continue its blossom production.