Amanda Green is a Permian Basin Master Gardener

What to watch: Spring is here, and you may be trying to come up with ideas for your patio planters. We want to share our finds for small butterfly gardens curated with native Texas plants. Texas plants are known for having deep roots, some up to 15 feet long, so finding plants with suitable roots was difficult. Through trial, error, and lots of practice, we’ve come up with a fantastic list.

The big picture: When designing your patio planter, you should aim to fill it with three types of plants: thrillers, fillers, and spillers. You want one big showy plant that is the star of the show, some that will “spill” over the edge, and some to fill in any gaps.

Thriller: For your main attraction, our absolute favorite is the Hardy Hibiscus. It gets large and has flowers the size of dinner plates! Rock Rose is also a great choice for something more subtle. Both of these blooms come in a variety of colors to suit your style: pinks, reds, purples, and whites. See these blooms from our garden:

Spiller: For this you will want things that will drape over the edges, in my opinion this is just as important as the main plant. I love using Blackfoot Daisies and Creeping Zinnias for this. They’re so beautiful when they spill over the container and are loved by the smaller, colorful butterflies. For a more subtle look, Wormwood is also a beautiful greenery choice with the added bonus of being a great health herb. Use in a tea or tincture to unleash the powers of this plant, including anti-inflammatory benefits, digestion support, and support for liver and gallbladder health.

Filler: You need some small plants to make sure any gaps are filled. This helps to retain water, as the soil isn’t exposed to the sun and heat. Indian Blankets, Four-Nerve Daisies, and small varieties of Coreopsis fill this role nicely.

Go deeper: By following this guide, you’ve ensured a successful, long-lasting, and simpler care garden. This list is full of flowers and plants that thrive in full sun and don’t love wet feet, making care as suited as possible to Midland’s natural climate.

If you have questions, call the AgriLife office in Odessa at 432-498-4071 or in Midland at 432-686-4700. Additional information and access to past articles are available at westtexasgardening.org under “Resources.”