• Going native is a good idea when planning a shade garden in Texas. Choosing plants which have adapted to conditions in the area means that less work and less pesticide will be required to keep them healthy. Not only do native plants adapt to the soil and climate conditions of their location but to pests as well. Native plants are hardier overall because that has been their key to survival.
  
  

Prairie phlox

• Polemoniaceae phlox pilosa is an evergreen, mounding perennial found in the eastern half of Texas. It blooms in April and May and attracts attention because of its showy pink or lavender flower clusters and pleasant fragrance. Prairie phlox grows from 1 to 2 feet in height and has hairy, fern-like leaves that are attractive even without the flowers. Commonly found in woodsy areas and even along some roadsides, phlox is also seen in grasslands and rocky areas. In addition to being well-adapted to shady locations, it tolerates the dry conditions that can occur in East Texas. Although native to the state, prairie phlox is not a Texas exclusive. Nine subspecies of phlox are known, and it is widespread throughout the United States.
  
  

Yellow columbine

• This canary-yellow columbine, aquilegia chrysantha hinckleyana, is a bushy flowering plant that usually grows to be 18 to 24 inches tall but can grow taller. It is dazzling when planted under trees. The large, long-spurred yellow blooms appear only from March to May, but the blue-gray, ferny foliage is an asset to the garden year round. Plant this beauty in well-drained soil in partial to full shade and it will thrive. This particular columbine is native to a specific waterfall area in West Texas, and though sold in nurseries, it remains quite rare in the wild. A cultivar of this plant, Texas Gold Columbine, was developed by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service in 1993.
  
  

Cedar Sage

• Contrary to the old wives' tale that red flowers will grow only in the sun, salvia roemeriana, or cedar sage, is one of the best flowering perennials for a shady area. Brilliant red, tubular flowers on upright spikes are visible even from a distance making it an eye-popping stand out in the shade. Growing from 1 to 2 feet tall, this Texas salvia blooms off and on from March through August and does as well planted in a container as in the ground. A member of the mint family, cedar sage requires well-drained soil to do well. Hummingbirds and butterflies love it and will visit often. For appearance sake, spikes should be cut off when the flowers are spent. Not only will this keep the garden from looking ragged, it will hasten the appearance of new blooms. To maximize the impact of the scarlet flowers, cedar sage should be planted in clusters of three to five.