Texans love native plants. Our state flower is the beloved bluebonnet, a Texas native wildflower. Our official state botanic garden is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, planted exclusively with native species from across Texas. Many of our independent nurseries — like Green Sleeves in Pflugerville, Pollinatives in San Antonio, and Buchanan’s in Houston — devote themselves largely or fully to selling Texas native plants. And gardeners, especially in the hotter and drier parts of the state, often seek out natives for their yards.

After all, it just makes good sense. Plants from here evolved to survive the Death Star of our summer sun, and they can bounce back from extremes of drought or cold where nonnatives may give up the ghost. I’m no purist and also grow nonnatives that are Texas tough. There’s not a thing wrong with mixing it up. But natives have a special place in my heart. I learned to love them as a baby gardener through repeated visits to the Wildflower Center, where I was inspired by Lady Bird Johnson’s vision for keeping Texas looking like Texas, not Anyplace, USA. (And the same for all the other states.)

When I was a new gardener, I pored over books about Texas native plants by early proponents like Jill Nokes and Sally Wasowski. I’ve found other worthy native plant guides since then (see my book reviews page, select “List View,” and search for “Texas”). But I’m happy to say, a new book about Texas native plants is out, and it’s one of the best I’ve read: The Texas Native Plant Primer: 225 Plants for an Earth-Friendly Garden by Andrea DeLong-Amaya, director of horticulture at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, which shares co-authorship with her.

I’ve long known that Andrea is a knowledgeable horticulturist and talented designer with native plants. She’s also an engaging educator. What I didn’t know is what a good writer she is. Forget all those dry, unoriginal plant descriptions you’ve ever snoozed through. Andrea packs The Texas Native Plant Primer with keen observations, striking visual comparisons, a good deal of humor, and deep affection for Texas plants — even the standoffish ones guarded by prickles, thorns, and spines.

I’ve been growing native plants for 30 years and still found plenty of new info in the book. First off, it covers 225 plants! No matter how many native species you grow, you’re sure to find new ones here. And even for old favorites, Andrea offers a new detail about each plant: perhaps her favorite companion plants to make it shine even brighter, or a key maintenance tip, or the particular way it provides wildlife habitat. I especially like her concept of time-sharing — pairing plants that take over for each other when one goes dormant (whether in summer or winter), helping you avoid bare spots in your garden while maximizing seasons of flowering.

For any Texas gardener not already invested in native plants, or for folks new to Texas, who haven’t learned that the plants they’re used to from “back home” will evaporate in a wisp of smoke after we’ve sizzled at 102 degrees for three months straight, the book makes a strong case. Water conservation, saving money on unnecessary fertilizers and soil treatments, disease and pest resistance, a sense of regional identity, connecting with the natural world, and even the excitement of trying cool, new plants — for all these reasons and more, native plants belong in your garden or landscape.

Likewise, this book belongs on any gardening Texan’s bookshelf, with pages grimed by dirt-stained hands from frequent referencing. It would make a good gift for a new gardener or homeowner as well.

Speaking of native plants…

This Thursday, April 10th at 7:30 pm, come learn about a visionary native plant garden called SummerHome! Tickets are still available. I’m excited to welcome Lisa Negri to my Garden Spark speaker series and introduce her to an audience of appreciative native plant lovers. Hear how she transformed an empty lot next door to her Denver home into an oasis for wildlife and neighbors. The talk will be held at Leaf Landscape Supply (north location), and tickets must be purchased in advance. Join us for an evening of learning, inspiration, and community with fellow garden lovers!

Disclosure: Timber Press sent me The Texas Native Plant Primer, and I reviewed it at my own discretion and without any compensation. This post, as with everything at Digging, is my personal opinion.

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Digging Deeper

Fill up your garden with plants from the 2025 plant sale by the Hill Country Bloomers Garden Club on April 12, from 10 am to 3 pm. Held in Milburn Park in Cedar Park, the club will offer “a wide variety of vegetable starts, native plants, perennials, and annuals, along with cacti and succulents. Our garden members and growers will be on hand to help you select plants and answer questions. All proceeds from the plant sales support our Educational Garden Grants for schools and non-profit youth programs in the LISD district.”

Shop the Spring Native Plant Sale at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center each weekend through April 27, 9 am to 1 pm (last entry at 12:30 pm). Plant sale admission is free. Bring your own wagon or cart to transport your treasures.

Tour 5 unique Houston gardens on Saturday, April 26, from 10 am to 4 pm, during the Garden Conservancy’s Open Day Tour for Houston. Tickets must be purchased online in advance through the Garden Conservancy.

Come learn about gardening and design at Garden Spark! I organize in-person talks by inspiring designers, landscape architects, authors, and gardeners a few times a year in Austin. These are limited-attendance events that sell out quickly, so join the Garden Spark email list to be notified in advance; simply click this link and ask to be added. Read all about the Season 8 lineup here!

All material © 2025 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.