What Plants Survived in my Houston Yard from Last Year (Taking Stock - Spring 2024)

Curious to see which plants managed to beat the heat in my Houston yard? Last summer’s record temperatures put everything to the test, and now it's time to take stock of the survivors. Join me as I reveal the hardy heroes that thrived against the odds and learn which plants can handle whatever the Texas sun throws at them.

The summer of 2023 was absolutely insane in Houston. Basically, 3 full months of 100+ temps. Who wants to do yard work during that? Not me. So, what actually survived into the next year in my yard? Let's see!

Everything struggled last summer. Air conditioners in cars, air conditioners in houses and businesses, people, pets and definitely plants.

I've lived in Houston my whole life and I don't remember a summer quite that intense.

We did not garden or water during that time period. In fact, we were out of town for a few weeks in August.

So, what plants actually survived after all was said and done?

Basically, who are the MVPs 🥇🌱🏆 (most valuable plant!) for a lazy Texas garden??

Because if they can survive the weather we had last summer and live to see another season, I need more of them!

Here's the list:

🌳 TREES

• Sycamore
• Arizona ash (lost a large branch, but not convinced that was due to the weather)
• Crepe Myrtle
• Pomegranate
• Vitex - Texas Lilac - Chaste trees (one suffered some damage, the other is still gorgeous)
• Those stinkin' invasive weed trees that refuse to die along my fence line 😒

🍃 BUSHES / MID SIZE PLANTS

• Sago palm (one is doing good, the other looks half dead, but with a trim will probably be fine)
• Boxwood
• Split leaf philodendron completely withered away but it’s coming back!

🌺 SMALL PLANTS

• Texas rock rose is doing AMAZING!!! I want more of these.
• Azaleas
• Purple Tradescantia Pallida "Purple Heart"
• Foxtail fern (barely hanging in there)
• Red yucca
• Snowdrop bulbs
• Oh! My grass! It was brown and crunchy at the end of the summer but it’s come back green and just fine (without watering it)

Okay, that’s the list!! 😅 What survived in your yard?? Any MVPs I should know about?