Fall: The "Second Spring" of South Texas
If you ask most people when to plant a garden, they’ll say spring. If you ask a landscaping professional in San Antonio, they will tell you fall.
In our climate (USDA Zone 8b/9a), planting in October and November is the smartest move you can make for your property. The soil is still warm enough for root growth, but the air temperatures are cooling down, reducing stress on new vegetation. By getting plants in the ground now, you give them months to establish a robust root system before the scorching heat of the next San Antonio summer arrives.
Here is what you should be planting right now to ensure a resilient, stunning landscape.
1. Native & Adapted Trees
Fall is the undisputed champion season for planting trees in SATX. Since trees are a significant investment, you want to ensure survival. Planting now allows the tree to focus energy on roots rather than leaf production.
- Monterrey Oak (Mexican White Oak): Semi-evergreen, drought-tolerant, and faster-growing than the Live Oak. It’s a modern staple for San Antonio yards.
- Cedar Elm: A tough, reliable shade tree that turns a beautiful gold in the fall.
- Texas Redbud: Perfect for smaller spaces or understory planting, offering brilliant pink blooms early next spring.
2. Perennials That Thrive on Neglect
For a low-maintenance landscape, rely on perennials that return year after year. Fall is the time to install them so they are fully established by spring.
- Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii): The workhorse of the Texas garden. It blooms red, pink, or white well into November and is highly drought-resistant.
- Mexican Bush Sage: This plant puts on a spectacular show in the fall with velvet-purple spikes. It loves our mild autumns.
- Esperanza (Yellow Bells): While they may go dormant in a freeze, planting them now gives them a head start for a massive bloom cycle next year.
- Turk’s Cap: Essential for shade or partial sun areas and a magnet for hummingbirds.
3. Seasonal Color for Instant Curb Appeal
While trees and perennials are long-term plays, you need immediate color to brighten up the shorter days. Swap out your tired summer vincas for these cold-hardy options:
- Pansies and Violas: These can survive our freezes and will often bloom straight through to April.
- Cyclamen: Perfect for shaded entryways or pots, offering upscale, vibrant blooms.
- Ornamental Cabbage/Kale: Adds unmatched texture and deep purples and whites to your beds.
4. Wildflowers (Yes, Now!)
If you want a carpet of Bluebonnets or Indian Paintbrush in March, you must sow the seeds in October or early November. They require the cold of winter to germinate effectively.
The Critical Step: Mulching
Don't plant it and forget it. Fresh mulch is vital in the fall to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture during our drier winter months. At Canopy Land Solutions, we recommend a high-quality hardwood mulch applied at a depth of 2-3 inches.
Ready to Upgrade Your Landscape?
Don't let this prime planting window close. whether you need a full landscape design overhaul or a seasonal refresh, our team knows exactly what works in the San Antonio soil.
Contact Canopy Land Solutions today for a free quote. Let’s get your property ready to thrive.