Texas Sage

Texas sage, purple sage or Texas silverleaf (Leucophyllum frutescens) forms an attractive evergreen privacy hedge to 8 feet or it can be sheared to form a dense hedge. It has silvery-green leaves and produces pink or purple flowers several times during the summer. It is also called the barometer bush because it tends to bloom during or after a summer rain. The Texas sage is very drought tolerant and is native to the state of Texas.

Texas Mountain Laurel

Texas mountain laurel (Sophora secundiflora) grows best in the dry alkaline soils of the central, south and western parts of Texas. It is an evergreen shrubby tree that can grow to 30 feet although it typically grows around 15 feet tall. The Texas mountain laurel can be sheared to form a hedge or left to grow into a naturally attractive shape. The outstanding feature of the Texas mountain laurel is its fragrant purple flowers followed by conspicuous seed pods.

Yaupon Holly

The yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) is an evergreen shrub or small tree to 25 feet or taller depending on location. It can be planted throughout Texas but does best in the central, eastern and northern parts of the state. The female yaupon holly produces red berries adding winter interest, but there must be a male plant in the vicinity for good berry production. The yaupon holly can be sheared to form a dense hedge or allowed to grow naturally. If allowed to grow without pruning, it will eventually form a small tree as it sheds the shaded lower limbs with age.

Agarita

Agarita or Laredo mahonia (Mahonia trifoliolata) grows to 6 feet tall and forms a thick spreading hedge. It has long stiff leaves and produces fragrant yellow flowers in very early spring followed by red fruit attractive to wildlife. The agarita is evergreen and is native to Texas. It is suitable for growing in the southern central, southern and western portions of the state.