Texas Star Hibiscus at the Houston Zoo
Most gardens, and people for that matter, in Texas are being severely impacted by the utter lack of rain and the consistent 100 degree temperatures, we here at the zoo are no different. There aren’t many plants that are happy when we have temperatures this high and most actually stop growing when the temperature is too hot. Our plants, animals and horticulture department are quite lucky that we have such a dense canopy covering most of the zoo, but when we don’t get rain and have high temperatures, even our mature canopy is at risk.
One of the most important things to do, to ensure your plants and garden remain viable during periods like this, is to select plant material that is either native to this area or tolerant of the conditions that can be presented. Native plants are acclimated and have adapted to the local environment. This being said, our being a zoo, it is all but mandated that we use non-native plants and trees in our various exhibits and gardens. How often do you see Grizzly Bears and a Texas Sabal Palm? Their native ranges don’t overlap, but we have Grizzlies and need to present them in a naturalistic exhibit, with plant material that’s either from their range or equivalent. This is both for the well-being of the bears and for the education of our visitors. We strive to use suitable native representatives when we are able, but there are understandable constraints.
Even though plants are native, it doesn’t mean that they are anywhere near prepared for 100 degree temperatures and no rain. We normally receive close to 6 inches of rain in June and have temperatures, at least, 5 degrees cooler. Even natives aren’t prepared for this. There are a few other things that we do to give our plants every advantage possible. Look forward for my next blog, when I discuss this further.
Article written by: Joe Williams, Manager of Horticulture at the Houston Zoo
