RED AGAVE
Why Go NativeGrow With Austin's Ecology
Native plants are the foundation of a thriving Austin landscape. They've evolved to thrive in our hot, dry summers and alkaline caliche soil—no extra water, no special fertilizers. Native species anchor pollinators, reduce your water bill, and handle our local climate without stress. Whether you're building from scratch or refreshing an existing garden, native plants eliminate guesswork.
Red Agave designs Austin landscapes around native plants because they work. We source from local growers, install with proper spacing for mature size, and handle soil prep for optimal establishment. The result: a garden that looks better year after year with less maintenance.
Shade & Part-Shade TreesCanopy for Hot Summers
Austin's intense afternoon sun makes shade essential. These native trees mature to 30–50+ feet and thrive in our alkaline, rocky soil. Plant spacing: allow full mature width between trees (typically 40–60 feet).
Texas OakQuercus texanaDeciduous, 40–50 ft. Dense canopy, burgundy fall color. Full sun to part shade. Drought-tolerant once established.
DeciduousLarge ShadeWildlife
Live OakQuercus virginianaEvergreen, 40–60 ft. Dense year-round cover. Icon tree of Texas. Full sun, adapts to light shade.
EvergreenExtra LargeHeritage
Bald CypressTaxodium distichumDeciduous, 40–50 ft. Feathery foliage, russet fall color. Tolerates moisture but also drought. Architectural branching.
DeciduousLargeWet/Dry
SycamorePlatanus occidentalisDeciduous, 40–70 ft. Striking mottled bark. Prefers moisture but establishes in Austin limestone. Fast growth.
DeciduousExtra LargeArchitectural
Monterey OakQuercus polymorphaEvergreen, 20–30 ft. Elegant form, fine texture. Responds well to shaping. Part shade to full sun.
EvergreenMediumRefined
Mexican PistachioPistacia mexicanaDeciduous, 25–35 ft. Ferny texture, brilliant red fall color. Drought-tolerant, deep roots. Full sun.
DeciduousMediumColor
Layered Depth & Movement
Shrubs fill the space between groundcovers and canopy trees. Most prefer full sun and thrive in rocky Austin soil. Use as screens, focal points, or to soften hardscapes. Mature widths: 4–15 feet depending on species.
Desert MarigoldBaileya multiradiataEvergreen, 12–18 in. Yellow flowers year-round in sun. Ultra-drought tolerant. Perfect for hot slopes and borders.
EvergreenShortFlowers
Purple HeartTradescantia pallidaSemi-evergreen, 3–5 ft. Deep purple foliage year-round, pink flowers. Full sun for color. Fast grower.
FoliageMediumColor
EsperanzaTecoma stansEvergreen, 6–8 ft. Bright yellow trumpet flowers May–frost. Full sun, well-drained soil. Stunning seasonal display.
EvergreenMediumBlooms
CenizoLeucophyllumSemi-evergreen, 4–6 ft. Pink or white flowers after summer rains. Extreme drought tolerance. Regional favorite.
Semi-EvergreenMediumDrought
Texas PrivetForestiera pubescensDeciduous, 8–15 ft. Dense branching, small leaves. Excellent for hedging and screening. Salt-tolerant.
DeciduousLargeScreen
AgaritoMahonia trifoliolataEvergreen, 8–12 ft. Fragrant yellow spring flowers, blue berries for birds. Light to part shade tolerant.
EvergreenLargeWildlife
Color & Texture Year-Round
These low growers eliminate grass in problem areas and provide seasonal interest. Most spread 18–36 inches wide when mature. Pair by bloom time for continuous color from spring through fall.
Black-Eyed SusanRudbeckia fulgidaPerennial, 18–24 in. Yellow flowers with dark centers, July–November. Full sun to part shade. Tough and reliable.
PerennialFlowersDry
Autumn SageSalvia greggiiSemi-evergreen, 2–3 ft. Hummingbird favorite, red/pink/white flowers. Full sun, drought-proof. Blooms 6+ months.
Semi-EvergreenPollinatorsBlooms
EsperanzaDalea frutescensShrubby groundcover, 18–24 in. Purple flowers, soft texture. Extreme drought. Excellent for transition zones.
DroughtFlowersSoft
LantanaLantana horridaSemi-evergreen, 3–4 ft. Red and yellow clustered flowers, butterfly magnet. Full sun, heat & drought-tough.
Semi-EvergreenPollinatorsColor
FrostweedVerbesina virginicaDeciduous, 2–3 ft. White flowers summer–fall, ice formations winter. Part shade to shade. Unique beauty.
DeciduousShadeTexture
Mealy Blue SageSalvia farinaceaPerennial, 18–24 in. Spiky blue-purple flowers, airy texture. Full sun to part shade. Drought-tolerant once set.
PerennialFlowersTexture
Budget & Installation
Nursery Costs (not including planting): Trees $30–$200 depending on size and species. Shrubs $8–$50. Perennials and groundcovers $3–$15 per plant. Prices vary by availability and season; late summer/early fall offers the best selection and establishment success for fall planting.
Planting & Soil Prep: Red Agave handles native plant installation as part of full-service design-build projects starting at $8,000. Cost depends on scale, site prep, and complexity. For a mixed border of trees, shrubs, and perennials on a 1,000 sq ft area, budget $5,000–$12,000 installed including soil amendment and establishment watering. Free consultation to scope your project.
Establishment Care: Most natives need regular water the first season after planting, then taper to rainfall-dependent in year two and beyond. This is when native plants shine—zero supplemental water once rooted in Austin's climate.
FAQsNative Plants Answered
Do native plants need fertilizer?
No. Austin's native plants evolved to thrive in our rocky, alkaline soil. Over-fertilizing can weaken them and promote weak, leggy growth. Mulch with 2–3 inches of wood chips at planting; that's all the nutrition they need.
What's the best time to plant natives in Austin?
Fall (September–November) is ideal—cooler temps, natural rainfall, and time for root establishment before heat. Spring is second-best (March–April). Avoid summer planting unless you commit to daily watering.
How far apart should I space native plants?
Space trees 30–60 feet apart for mature canopy width. Shrubs 8–12 feet. Use mature width (not current container size) to calculate spacing. Tight planting looks good now but creates crowding issues later.
Do I need to amend Austin's caliche soil for natives?
Not aggressively. We typically break through or grind caliche in planting holes and amend with native topsoil to improve drainage. Most Texas-native plants tolerate rocky soil—that's the point. Avoid heavy compost unless planting shade-tolerant species that prefer moisture.
Can I use native plants with hardscape like concrete and steel?
Absolutely. Natives pair beautifully with red Agave's steel edging, stamped concrete, and fire pits. The contrast between refined hardscape and naturalistic planting is a signature look in modern Austin design.
Will native plants attract pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Black-eyed Susan, autumn sage, lantana, and esperanza attract hummingbirds and bees. Desert marigold and Mealy Blue Sage feed native pollinators. Agarito, live oak, and sycamore provide cover and food for songbirds. A native plant garden becomes an extension of Austin's natural systems.
Ready to Design With Natives?
Let Red Agave create a native plant landscape tailored to your site. We handle design, sourcing, installation, and first-season care.