December Garden Care in Houston, Texas

December is a great month for gardening in Houston, Texas. Unlike colder climates that are blanketed in snow, in Houston we can still get outside and get plenty of things done. There are seeds to be sown, bulbs to be placed in the ground (this is the last month for planting many of the spring blooming bulbs), and even flowers, shrubs, and vines that are ready to bloom and brighten your winter garden. For tips on just a few of the gardening tasks you can accomplish in December, see below.

General Garden Care. Be sure to clean up all of the debris from your fall bloomers, and fertilize your spring blooming shrubs and any established trees. Keep an eye on the Houston, Texas predicted temperatures and be sure to get in a couple of good waterings before any freezes.

What to plant in December

Dianthus. Plant these perennials in full to partial sun in your Houston, Texas garden, and they will bloom from December through June. These hardy flowers will attract butterflies to your garden, and come in colors that include pink, red, white and violet.

Four O'Clock. These perennials will do best when planted in full sun to light shade, but they are very hardy and will survive even a harsh Houston, Texas winter. Plant them in December and they will bloom in the spring all the way to the following fall, with tubular flowers in colors that include red, white and magenta. These are a good choice for your Houston, Texas mixed border or shade garden.

Bluebonnet. The Texas state flower is also an Earthkind plant, as well as a Texas Superstar. Plant in full sun in your Houston, Texas garden, and it will bloom in blue, pink or maroon in March, April and May. They also do very well in containers.

Seeds to sow in December

Gerbera. Plant your Gerbera seeds in December in your Houston, Texas garden for blooms come spring and the following fall and winter. They do best in full to partial sun, but plant them where they will be protected from the Houston, Texas afternoon sun. These orange, white, yellow and pink flowers look beautiful in a mixed border.

Larkspur. If you are looking for tall (three to four feet) flowers for your Houston, Texas mixed border, plant these seeds in December for blooms come early spring. These annuals will bring butterflies to your garden, and bloom in blue, pink, purple and white.

Bulbs to plant in December

Hyacinth. Plant Hyacinth bulbs in full sun in your Houston, Texas garden; they also do well in containers. When planted in December they will bloom from February through April, dying back once summer arrives. They will naturalize and multiply once you have established them, and do best in sandy soil.

Freesia. A gorgeous choice for mixed borders, plant these bulbs in December in your Houston, Texas garden in full to partial sun. They will bloom in the spring and the following winter, and may reseed or naturalize. These bulbs come in many colors, including cream, pink, blue, yellow, red, orange and purple.

What will bloom in December.

Expect December blooms in your Houston, Texas garden from your Pansies, Violets, Alyssum, Chrysanthemums, Early Sweet Peas, Forget-me-nots, and many others.

And remember to enjoy the beauty of your December garden!

Source list:

Personal experience

http://www.chron.com/apps/chron_data/plants.mpl