Blazing heat, rocky soil and freezing cold make the Central Texas region a challenging place in which to raise plants. Add to the mix the record-breaking drought we just survived, and many homeowners are rethinking what is best for their landscaping over the long haul.

“There’s a great interest right now in xerophytes and native plants,” says Ann Black of the San Antonio Cactus and Xerophyte Society. “Since there are so many obstacles for non-natives here, xerophytes are a terrific option. In fact, I’ve been invited to lecture to five garden clubs [on this subject] lately; there’s so much interest in them right now, thanks to the drought and even the recession. Nationwide, nurserymen are having trouble keeping them in stock.”
Even though xerophyte means “dry plant” in Greek, that doesn’t mean xerophytes are ugly or dreary looking. Fact is, members of this group (e.g., succulents and cacti) offer “unique colors, terrific form, and contrast,” says Black. “They are true survivors and are adaptive to our extreme environment.”
Black, a state-licensed Kendall County grower, believes native xerophytes are “the real gems. They evolved here over eons. We’ve been here for just a blip, but those sago palms and yuccas have learned to live on their own terms. Our presence here puts demands on the environment, especially the water supply. Desert plants are xeric [adapted to a dry habitat]. And while their rewards aren’t immediate—when purchased, they are small compared with other plants at the nursery—their eventual blooms are long-lasting and the plants are tough.”
Black suggests placing Spanish Dagger yuccas, large agaves, ocotillos and chollas as centerpieces in the landscape. As a precaution, if children are frequent visitors to a garden, she advises keeping prickly specimens out of their reach.
“Around the periphery, I recommend smaller yuccas, barrel cacti and the more colorful prickly pears,” she says. “Native plants are fine in native soil,” she adds, “so there’s no need to enrich the beds with pricey soil blends.”
Some homeowners elect to incorporate only one or two succulents into a bed, integrating them with other hardy native or non-invasive exotic plants that thrive here. Others go full-tilt with xerophytes. Either option can be attractive, provided that plants with similar water and light needs are placed together in optimal spots. For example, cacti and succulents prefer full sun and are best kept away from excess water spilling out from downspouts or off roofs. Their immediate neighbors in the bed should have similar needs.
To help xerophytes become established, Black says to water them well as soon as they’re planted and then again one to two weeks later. “Assuming we have normal rainfall, additional irrigation is usually unnecessary. If the plant shows any sign of distress, go ahead and water it.”
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, xerophytes have had significant medicinal, commercial and culinary uses over time. Think of the humble aloe vera plant, whose leaves have been used to soothe skin burns for centuries. Its juice has become popular not only for the purported health benefits derived from consuming it, but also as a key ingredient in soaps and lotions.
Xerophytes are no strangers to the kitchen, either. Yucca blossoms, for example, make a lovely addition to a salad. “All of the opuntias are edible,” points out Black. “That includes members of the prickly pear family. Think of nopalitos, which are popular in the area. And then there’s agave nectar, which is sweet—maybe sweeter—than honey.”
If you have limited space in which to grow xerophytes, Black has a simple, elegant solution. “Containers are a great way to get started. I recommend both of author Debra Lee Baldwin’s books on growing succulents and cacti in pots.”
Whether you add them to your garden them via containers or the ground, xerophytes can be pleasing additions to any landscape and give you years of enjoyment.