A Woman’s Garden (Althea! Texas Shrub!)

A Woman’s Garden at The Arboretum is comprised of several smaller gardens including the the Poetry Garden. These gardens were designed to celebrate the strength, courage, creativity and nurturing demeanor of women.

The Poetry Garden is a small walled garden of classic design. The walled roses bloom in the spring and annuals lend summer color. Small rose beds continue to bloom sporadically throughout the summer.

Fireworks Double Altheas line the path to the garden; the vista as you leave the garden is equally splendid with Texas Sage blooming under Texas Lilac Vitex trees.

Poetry_Garden_Dallas_Arboretum_Gardening_Lee_Ann_Torrans-2

The path to the Poetry Garden is lined with beautiful magenta altheas blooming from June to autumn.

Fireworks Double Althea is deciduous shrub maturing 8 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. Drought tolerant once established. Tolerates poor soils and scorching heat.

Here is a better view of the Althea hedge. Often Altheas are shaped into trees.

This Althea is a magnificent, flowering, deciduous shrub boasting an explosion of pastel pink, red and purple double blooms all summer. A unique collection of three varieties maturing 8 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. Drought tolerant once established. Tolerates poor soils and scorching heat.

A Woman’s Garden A gift from the Women’s Council of Dallas, this serene and nationally acclaimed garden features terraced walkways and exceptional views. Phase 1 of this 1.8-acre formal garden was designed in 1997 by landscape architect Morgan Wheelock. A Woman’s Garden is comprised of several smaller gardens including the Pecan Parterre, the Poetry Garden and the Majestic Allee where visitors can view White Rock Lake just beyond a dramatic reflecting pool. Phase 2, which opened to the public in the spring of 2006, was designed by Warren Johnson. It boasts alluring features such as a native Texas limestone bridge, a 140-foot hanging garden, and a wellspring surrounded by towering Dawn Redwoods. These two beautiful gardens were designed to celebrate the strength, courage, creativity and nurturing demeanor of women.

Texas Sage

The beautiful view of Texas Sage blooming under Lavender Texas Vitex Trees pulls you onward.

Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens), also known as Cenizo, is a native shrub prized for its drought tolerance and silvery-gray foliage. Common in Central and West Texas landscapes, it bursts into bloom with vibrant purple to lavender flowers, often in response to humidity or rainfall—earning it the nickname “barometer bush.”

Blooming periods are unpredictable but frequent during summer and early fall, creating stunning waves of color. Texas Sage thrives in full sun, poor soil, and hot, dry conditions. Cultivars like ‘Silverado’, ‘Green Cloud’, and ‘Compact Texas Sage’ vary in size and flower intensity, making them versatile for borders, hedges, or stand-alone specimens. Low-maintenance and deer-resistant, it’s a favorite for water-wise Texas gardens.

Can you believe how thick the trunks of the Texas Vitex trees can become? This is the first time I have seen this. I love it!

Double Althea Trees lead the way to the Woman’s Garden

Double_Altheas_Arboretum_Lee_Ann_Torrans

Double_Altheas_Arboretum_Lee_Ann_Torrans-2

Altheas are underutilized in Texas. I believe that is because they do not bloom until late in the summer and consequently are not noticed. By that time we all know NOT to plant new bushes, better to plant in spring and they simply do not get planted. I think every garden could benefit from an althea. They come in bush and more upright tree forms. If you trim or prune them you are likely pruning the buds and flowers, though they can be artfully cut back, just as you would a spirea.

See the Woman’s Garden in the Woman’s Garden Series here.

Dallas_Arboretum_Womens_Garden_Landscaping_Lee_Ann_Torrans-5

See the Poetry Garden here.

Althea (Rose of Sharon)

Overview: Althea, commonly known as Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), is a deciduous flowering shrub well-suited to Texas gardens. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is appreciated for its showy blooms that appear from mid-summer to early fall. The plant can grow up to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide, making it a striking addition to landscapes.

Cultivation Tips:

Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Adaptable to various soil types but prefers well-draining soil.
Watering: Moderate watering; established plants are somewhat drought-tolerant.
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.

Notable Cultivars and Awards:

Blue Angel and White Angel Altheas: These two hybrid altheas have been designated as Texas Superstars by the Texas A&M AgriLife Research program. The Texas Superstar designation is awarded to plants that perform well across Texas, are easy to propagate, and are widely available. Blue Angel features vibrant blue trumpet-shaped flowers, while White Angel boasts crisp white blooms. Both are known for their resilience and prolific flowering throughout the summer months.

Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens)

Overview: Texas Sage, also known as Cenizo or Barometer Bush, is an evergreen shrub native to Texas and northern Mexico. It’s renowned for its silvery foliage and purple to lavender blooms that often appear after rainfall, hence the nickname “Barometer Bush.” The plant typically grows 5 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide.

Cultivation Tips:

Light: Requires full sun for optimal blooming.
Soil: Thrives in well-drained, alkaline soils; tolerant of rocky and poor soils.
Watering: Extremely drought-tolerant once established; overwatering can lead to root rot.
Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; can be shaped in late winter or early spring.

Notable Recognitions: While Texas Sage hasn’t been specifically designated as a Texas Superstar, it’s highly valued in Texas landscapes for its low maintenance and drought resistance. It’s the official “State Native Shrub of Texas,” highlighting its significance and adaptability in the region.