Hello All,
I live in Central Texas near San Antonio. I would like to try one of these plants in my new deer proof garden. Is there one that will tolerate the Texas heat? Also, do they come back in the Spring after freezing off in the Winter?
Thanks,
Jerry
Clicks for future reference:
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/917204/
This message was edited Nov 15, 2008 10:47 PM
A Question for the Experts
I don't know about deer but horses , cows , and goats will eat them . It will make them sick .
As far as coming back , it will , but that depends on how far down the roots are and how long the freeze lasts .
Brugs have to Y before they bloom .
Daturas can get to 6+ feet and will bloom same year , die from year to year wether it freezes or not but they self seed . In Texas a common name for Daturas is loco weed , thorn apple , Mexican wedding flower . I don't know about deer but horses , cows , and goats will eat them . It will make them sick and if they eat enough it will kill them .
The Brugmansias is what I was thinking.
How do they do in this Texas heat? Are there any preferred varieties for this area?
Jerry, There are a number of Brugmansias that tolerate the heat. Two threads address that topic:
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/923249/
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/797671/
In zone 8b, they die down to the ground, but will return in the spring. Htop, from San Antonio has several growing in her yard with at least one that did not die down last winter. I haven't had any problems with deer, but then I also have a dog who tends to defend the perimeter around the house against all animals but cattle. I read an article in Texas Gardener that states if deer are hungry enough, they will eat anything, but it doesn't hurt to try it. They may decide not to bother them.
I am in zone 8a and my next door neighbor cut his completely down to the ground just before hard freeze and they come back bigger than ever. I think the one from this year was easy 10ft.
Folks, thanks for the feedback.
I seem to sense that some Brugs are more fragrant than others and some are considered heavy bloomers as well.
OK, now let's up the ante! Can you name some heat lovers that are heavy bloomers throughout the day, and intoxicatingly fragrant and typically grows to within four to seven tall.
This message was edited Nov 15, 2008 10:01 PM