Knowing when to plant shrubs in Texas is the single biggest factor for your success. Get the timing right, and your plants establish strong roots with less stress, leading to healthier growth for years to come. This guide breaks down the best planting times for your specific region and shrub type.
Texas gardening is unique because of our diverse climate zones. What works in Amarillo won’t necessarily be ideal for Houston. We’ll cover the two primary planting seasons, explain why they matter, and give you a clear calender for action.
When to Plant Shrubs in Texas
For most of Texas, the best times to plant shrubs are during the transitional seasons: fall and early spring. These periods offer the mild temperatures and adequate moisture that encourage root growth without the punishing heat or occasional hard freezes.
Why Fall is King for Planting
Fall, specifically from late September through November, is often considered the absolute best time to plant shrubs in Texas. Here’s why it works so well:
- Soil is Warm, Air is Cool: The ground retains summer’s warmth, which stimulates root development. Meanwhile, cooler air temperatures reduce stress on the foliage.
- Focus on Roots: With top growth slowing down, the plant’s energy is directed underground, building a strong root system before spring.
- Natural Rainfall: Fall typically brings more consistent rain, reducing how often you need to water.
- Head Start on Spring: A fall-planted shrub has months to settle in. When spring arrives, it’s ready to explode with new growth instead of just trying to establish itself.
The Spring Planting Window
Spring is the second-best option, particularly from late February to early April. The key is to plant early, as soon as the soil is workable and the threat of a severe hard freeze has passed.
- Act Before the Heat: The goal is to get the shrub in the ground well before the intense Texas summer heat kicks in. This gives it a few months to establish.
- Monitor Moisture: Spring can be unpredictable—sometimes wet, sometimes dry. You must be diligent about watering as summer approaches.
- Ideal for Tender Shrubs: For cold-sensitive, evergreen shrubs like loropetalum or certain citrus, spring planting allows them to mature before facing their first winter.
Regional Texas Planting Calender
Texas has several major climate zones. Here’s a quick regional guide:
North Texas (Dallas, Fort Worth, Waco)
Winters can be cold with occasional hard freezes. Summers are hot and often dry.
- Best: October – November
- Good: March – Early April
- Avoid: Mid-May through September, December-February (freeze risk)
Central Texas (Austin, San Antonio, Hill Country)
Milder winters but scorching summers. Soil is often rocky and well-draining.
- Best: October – November
- Good: February – March
- Avoid: June – September
East Texas (Tyler, Houston, Beaumont)
Humid, with more rainfall. Winters are mild, summers are hot and humid.
- Best: October – December
- Good: February – March
- Avoid: Late July – September (peak heat/humidity stress)
South Texas & Gulf Coast (Corpus Christi, Brownsville)
Subtropical climate. Very mild winters, extremely hot and humid summers.
- Best: October – February
- Good: March (if watered diligently)
- Avoid: April – September
West Texas & Panhandle (El Paso, Lubbock, Amarillo)
Arid, windy, with wide temperature swings. Hard freezes are common in winter.
- Best: September – Early October
- Good: April – Early May
- Avoid: June – August (heat), November-March (freeze)
How to Plant Your Shrubs Correctly
Timing is only half the battle. Proper planting technique ensures your shrub thrives.
- Dig the Right Hole: Dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball, but no deeper. The top of the root ball should be level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. This prevents settling and root rot.
- Inspect and Loosen Roots: Gently tease apart any circling or pot-bound roots. For balled-and-burlapped shrubs, remove any wire or synthetic burlap after placing in the hole.
- Backfill with Native Soil: Avoid amending the backfill soil with too much compost. You want roots to adapt to native soil so they expand outward. Just use what you dug out.
- Water Deeply: As you backfill, water periodically to remove air pockets. Create a small soil berm around the edge to form a watering basin.
- Mulch Generously: Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch (like shredded bark) around the shrub, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. This conserves moisture and regulates soil temperature.
- Watering Schedule: Water deeply 2-3 times per week for the first month. Then, gradually extend the time between waterings to encourage deep roots. Always check soil moisture before watering.
Special Considerations for Texas Gardeners
Our state presents some unique challanges. Keep these in mind:
Planting in Summer (If You Must)
Sometimes you have no choice but to plant in summer. If so, take extreme measures:
- Plant early in the morning or on a cloudy day.
- Water the planting hole deeply before putting the shrub in.
- Use extra mulch and consider providing temporary shade cloth for the first few weeks.
- Be prepared to water almost daily for the first several weeks.
Choosing Drought-Tolerant Natives
To make your life easier and conserve water, select shrubs adapted to Texas. Some excellent choices include:
- Texas Sage (Cenizo)
- Possumhaw Holly
- American Beautyberry
- Agarita
- Dwarf Palmetto (East Texas)
- Yucca
These plants are naturally acclimated to our weather patterns and soil, meaning they require less water and care once established.
The Container vs. B&B Difference
You’ll find shrubs in containers or balled-and-burlapped (B&B). Container shrubs can be planted almost any time with extra care, as their roots are contained. B&B plants are heavier and are typically available during dormant seasons (fall and early spring). They’re great for larger specimens but handle them gently to keep the root ball intact.
FAQs: Planting Shrubs in Texas
Can I plant shrubs in Texas in December?
It depends on your region. In South and East Texas, December is often fine for planting. In North and West Texas, the ground may be too cold or frozen, making it risky. It’s generally safer to aim for earlier in the fall.
What is the worst month to plant shrubs?
For most of Texas, the worst months are July and August. The intense, unrelenting heat puts immense stress on new plants, requiring heroic watering efforts and often leading to failure.
Is it better to plant in spring or fall?
Fall is usually better for root establishment. Spring is a good second choice, but you must stay ahead of watering as summer heat arrives. For cold-tender plants, spring may be the safer bet.
How often should I water newly planted shrubs?
There’s no universal schedule. The key is deep, infrequent watering that encourages roots to grow down. Start with 2-3 times per week for the first month, then adjust based on rainfall and temperature. Always check the soil a few inches down—if it’s dry, it’s time to water.
Getting your planting timing right sets the foundation for a beautiful, resilient landscape. By aligning your gardening work with Texas’s natural rhythms—opting for fall whenever possible and choosing adapted plants—you give your shrubs the best possible start. Remember, the little extra effort you put in during the planting phase pays off for many seasons to come with less maintenance and more enjoyment.