Flourish in the Lone Star Heat with Keller-Ready Plants

Gardening in Keller, affectionately nicknamed part of the “Golden Triangle” of North Texas, invites you to mix rugged resilience with Southern charm. Nestled in Tarrant County, Keller enjoys hot summers, mild winters, and a true Texan love for eye-catching flora.

With roots in rich prairie history and ranching heritage, your garden can reflect both the natural beauty and the cultural legacy of this lively community.

Located in the south Midwestern USDA Hardiness Zones 7b to 8a, choosing the right plants is vital. Long, dry summers and clay-rich soils demand drought-resistant and heat-tolerant varieties. Whether you're aiming for pollinator appeal, homegrown fruits, or floral flair, these regionally adapted picks will thrive in Keller's sun-soaked landscape.

Keller, TX Climate and Soil: Know Before You Grow

Climate: Expect sizzling summers in the 90s, occasional freezes in winter, and about 37 inches of annual rainfall.
Soil: Keller features mostly clay and clay-loam soils with poor drainage in some areas. Soil amendment may be necessary for better root establishment.
Landscape: A blend of suburban lawns, oak groves, and open prairie spaces with increasing interest in xeriscaping and native plants.

Enhance soil structure with compost and gypsum for clay-heavy plots. Raised beds and thoughtful grading also improve drainage and root aeration.

Top 10 Ornamental Plants For Keller, TX Landscapes

All these ornamental plants are available from Nature Hills Nursery, and selected to grow perfectly in Zones 7b–8a!

Lemon Drift® Rose
Compact with bright yellow blooms and excellent disease resistance. Low-growing, continuous bloomer and ideal for sunny borders.
Red Heart Rose of Sharon
Tall, vase-shaped shrub with showy white blooms and red centers. Attracts hummingbirds and thrives in full sun.
Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)
Fast-growing, aromatic foliage and spikes of lavender flowers loved by bees and butterflies. Used traditionally for herbal remedies.
Purple Robe Locust Tree
A spring spectacle with cascading purple flowers, fern-like leaves, and drought tolerance. Deep roots stabilize the soil.
Pink Flowering Dogwood Tree
Graceful tree with rose-pink blossoms in spring, red berries in fall. Beneficial for songbirds and native pollinators.
Bloodgood Japanese Maple
Upright, ornamental tree with deep red leaves that light up partial shade areas. Makes a fiery statement in autumn.
Popcorn Drift® Rose
Creamy-yellow blossoms that turn white, blooming continuously. Great for low borders and low-water gardens.
Endless Summer® Twist-n-Shout® Hydrangea
Reblooms on old and new wood, pink or blue depending on soil pH. Great in dappled shade and rich loam.
Honeycrisp Apple Tree
Crisp, juicy apples with excellent flavor. Needs a pollinator like Gala or Fuji. Thrives with regular watering and pruning.
Flame Thrower® Redbud
Vibrant foliage in hues of red, orange, and gold. Native, compact tree with heart-shaped leaves and magenta spring flowers.

Top Native Choices For Texas!

Native plants are naturally adapted to Texas's intense heat, variable rainfall, and challenging soils, making them more resilient, less thirsty, and far easier to maintain than non-native varieties.

Native Trees of Keller and North Texas

Cedar Elm (Ulmus crassifolia): Tough, adaptable, and drought-tolerant. Small leaves reduce mess, and their deep roots prevent erosion.
Texas Red Oak (Quercus buckleyi): Brilliant red fall color. Supports wildlife and has a strong, rounded form.
Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum): Deciduous conifer perfect for wetter areas. Iconic feather-like foliage and fluted trunk.

Native Shrubs for North Texas Yards

Agarita (Mahonia trifoliolata): Evergreen with spiny foliage and yellow blooms. Red berries feed birds and add edible landscaping value.
Flame Acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus): Summer-long red flowers for hummingbirds. Heat- and drought-tolerant.
Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens): Silvery leaves and purple flowers. Thrives in sun and poor soil; also called “Barometer Bush.”

Native Perennials for Keller Landscapes

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Medicinal roots, daisy-like blooms, and a pollinator favorite. Read about planting perennials here.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Bright yellow petals with a dark center. Tolerates drought and reseeds easily.
Mexican Hat (Ratibida columnifera): Long-lasting blooms with a unique sombrero shape. Loved by bees and butterflies.

Native Fruiting Trees for North Texas

Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana): Fragrant spring blossoms and small tart fruits. Good for jelly and wildlife.
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana): Attractive fall foliage and sweet, soft fruits in autumn. Deep taproot and hardy.

Native Fruiting Bushes and Vines

Rabbiteye Blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum)
A Texas-tough native that produces sweet berries in summer. Needs acidic soil and full sun for best yield.
Passionflower Vine (Passiflora incarnata)
Striking blooms and edible fruit make this fast-growing vine both beautiful and useful. Attracts butterflies and thrives in sun.

Tips and Tricks for Successful Gardening in Keller, TX

Soil Testing: Before planting, test pH and nutrient levels to tailor fertilization and plant selection.
Use Arborist Mulch: Insulates soil, retains moisture, and enhances soil structure. Here's why and how.
Water Wisely: Use the Finger Test to determine when soil is dry before watering.
Deadhead Often: Encourage new blooms by deadheading faded flowers.
Xeriscaping: Reduce lawn size, choose native plants, and group by water needs to create a sustainable, edible landscape or wildlife-friendly yard.
Watch for Pests: Encourage ladybugs, lacewings, and birds. Avoid overwatering to prevent fungal problems.

Thriving and Rooted in the Heart of Texas!

From Dogwoods to Drift® Roses, Keller's climate offers rich potential for vibrant, resilient gardens. By blending native species with bold ornamentals, you'll craft a landscape that not only survives but flourishes in the North Texas sun. With just a little know-how and Ma Nature's blessings, you'll be well on your way to a thriving outdoor oasis.

Happy Planting!