Mystic Spires Salvia is a compact, long-blooming perennial with deep blue-violet flower spikes that attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds throughout the warm season. A dwarf selection of the popular 'Indigo Spires', this salvia maintains a tidier, more upright habit while still offering the same continuous flowering from spring through fall. It’s a reliable choice for borders, pollinator gardens, containers, or mass plantings, especially where space is limited but vibrant color is needed.

Mystic Spires thrives in full sun and is highly tolerant of heat, humidity, and drought once established. It performs best in well-drained soil and can tolerate both acidic and alkaline conditions, making it a versatile fit for most Texas landscapes. Its aromatic foliage is deer-resistant, and it rarely suffers from pests or diseases. The plant typically grows to 18–30 inches tall and wide, making it useful for front to mid-bed placements. For massing, space plants 18 to 24 inches apart.

In USDA Zones 7–10, Mystic Spires is cold-hardy and often returns in spring even after frost dieback. In colder areas, mulch around the base before a hard freeze to protect the crown. Prune back by one-third in early spring to encourage bushy growth and more flower spikes.

Salvia greggii, commonly known as Autumn Sage, is a woody perennial shrub native to Texas and northern Mexico, celebrated for its extended blooming season and vibrant, tubular flowers. With cultivars available in a wide range of colors including Red, Furman's Red, Pink, Raspberry, White, and Coral, this plant offers tremendous versatility for the Texas landscape. Its nectar-rich flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

Salvia greggii thrives in full sun to light shade and is highly adaptable to a wide range of soils, including both alkaline and acidic types. It requires well-drained soil and is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it especially suited to Central and West Texas gardens. Deer tend to avoid it, and it is generally resistant to pests and disease.

Salvia greggii typically grows to a mature height of 2-3 feet with a similar spread, forming dense, upright mounds of foliage and blooms. When planting in mass, spacing of 18-24 inches apart allows for air circulation and healthy growth. It is often used in borders, cottage gardens, native plantings, and low-maintenance landscapes where continuous color is desired from spring through fall.

In USDA Zones 7-10, Salvia greggii is cold hardy, though it may die back to the ground in harsh winters. In early spring, a hard pruning encourages fresh growth and prolific blooming for the coming season. Applying mulch in winter helps protect roots from extreme freezes and promotes reliable regrowth.

Salvia greggii, commonly known as Autumn Sage, is a woody perennial shrub native to Texas and northern Mexico, celebrated for its extended blooming season and vibrant, tubular flowers. With cultivars available in a wide range of colors including Red, Furman's Red, Pink, Raspberry, White, and Coral, this plant offers tremendous versatility for the Texas landscape. Its nectar-rich flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

Salvia greggii thrives in full sun to light shade and is highly adaptable to a wide range of soils, including both alkaline and acidic types. It requires well-drained soil and is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it especially suited to Central and West Texas gardens. Deer tend to avoid it, and it is generally resistant to pests and disease.

Salvia greggii typically grows to a mature height of 2-3 feet with a similar spread, forming dense, upright mounds of foliage and blooms. When planting in mass, spacing of 18-24 inches apart allows for air circulation and healthy growth. It is often used in borders, cottage gardens, native plantings, and low-maintenance landscapes where continuous color is desired from spring through fall.

In USDA Zones 7-10, Salvia greggii is cold hardy, though it may die back to the ground in harsh winters. In early spring, a hard pruning encourages fresh growth and prolific blooming for the coming season. Applying mulch in winter helps protect roots from extreme freezes and promotes reliable regrowth.

Salvia greggii, commonly known as Autumn Sage, is a woody perennial shrub native to Texas and northern Mexico, celebrated for its extended blooming season and vibrant, tubular flowers. With cultivars available in a wide range of colors including Red, Furman's Red, Pink, Raspberry, White, and Coral, this plant offers tremendous versatility for the Texas landscape. Its nectar-rich flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

Salvia greggii thrives in full sun to light shade and is highly adaptable to a wide range of soils, including both alkaline and acidic types. It requires well-drained soil and is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it especially suited to Central and West Texas gardens. Deer tend to avoid it, and it is generally resistant to pests and disease.

Salvia greggii typically grows to a mature height of 2-3 feet with a similar spread, forming dense, upright mounds of foliage and blooms. When planting in mass, spacing of 18-24 inches apart allows for air circulation and healthy growth. It is often used in borders, cottage gardens, native plantings, and low-maintenance landscapes where continuous color is desired from spring through fall.

In USDA Zones 7-10, Salvia greggii is cold hardy, though it may die back to the ground in harsh winters. In early spring, a hard pruning encourages fresh growth and prolific blooming for the coming season. Applying mulch in winter helps protect roots from extreme freezes and promotes reliable regrowth.

Salvia greggii, commonly known as Autumn Sage, is a woody perennial shrub native to Texas and northern Mexico, celebrated for its extended blooming season and vibrant, tubular flowers. With cultivars available in a wide range of colors including Red, Furman's Red, Pink, Raspberry, White, and Coral, this plant offers tremendous versatility for the Texas landscape. Its nectar-rich flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

Salvia greggii thrives in full sun to light shade and is highly adaptable to a wide range of soils, including both alkaline and acidic types. It requires well-drained soil and is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it especially suited to Central and West Texas gardens. Deer tend to avoid it, and it is generally resistant to pests and disease.

Salvia greggii typically grows to a mature height of 2-3 feet with a similar spread, forming dense, upright mounds of foliage and blooms. When planting in mass, spacing of 18-24 inches apart allows for air circulation and healthy growth. It is often used in borders, cottage gardens, native plantings, and low-maintenance landscapes where continuous color is desired from spring through fall.

In USDA Zones 7-10, Salvia greggii is cold hardy, though it may die back to the ground in harsh winters. In early spring, a hard pruning encourages fresh growth and prolific blooming for the coming season. Applying mulch in winter helps protect roots from extreme freezes and promotes reliable regrowth.

Salvia greggii, commonly known as Autumn Sage, is a woody perennial shrub native to Texas and northern Mexico, celebrated for its extended blooming season and vibrant, tubular flowers. With cultivars available in a wide range of colors including Red, Furman's Red, Pink, Raspberry, White, and Coral, this plant offers tremendous versatility for the Texas landscape. Its nectar-rich flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

Salvia greggii thrives in full sun to light shade and is highly adaptable to a wide range of soils, including both alkaline and acidic types. It requires well-drained soil and is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it especially suited to Central and West Texas gardens. Deer tend to avoid it, and it is generally resistant to pests and disease.

Salvia greggii typically grows to a mature height of 2-3 feet with a similar spread, forming dense, upright mounds of foliage and blooms. When planting in mass, spacing of 18-24 inches apart allows for air circulation and healthy growth. It is often used in borders, cottage gardens, native plantings, and low-maintenance landscapes where continuous color is desired from spring through fall.

In USDA Zones 7-10, Salvia greggii is cold hardy, though it may die back to the ground in harsh winters. In early spring, a hard pruning encourages fresh growth and prolific blooming for the coming season. Applying mulch in winter helps protect roots from extreme freezes and promotes reliable regrowth.

Hybrid between S. farinaea and S. guaranitica. Vigorous perennial recognized for the long  twisting flower spikes that appear non stop throughout the warm season. Appreciates full sun and adequate drainage, and recovers quickly from pruning if  you chose to control it’s size. Easily attracts butterflies and humming birds.  

Salvia leucantha 'Purple Compact' or Compact Mexican Bush Sage is a cultivar brought to Mortellaro's in 2022 for it's more compact and managable form. It is a drought-tolerant, evergreen perennial that thrives in Texas’s challenging climate conditions. Known for its adaptability, this compact variety is highly suited to hot, dry regions with minimal rainfall, making it an excellent choice for Texas landscapes prone to extended droughts. It matures to a height of about 4 feet and spreads approximately 4 feet wide, creating a tidy, manageable form ideal for smaller garden areas, borders, or xeriscapes.

Mexican Bush Sage is renowned for its vibrant flower spikes in late summer and fall, with striking purple and white blooms that attract a variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds and butterflies. The plant’s blooms rise above the foliage, adding visual contrast and texture to the garden. While it prefers well-draining soils, it can tolerate poorer soil conditions typical in Texas as long as there is adequate drainage. The fuzzy, gray-green foliage adds a soft texture to the landscape, enhancing the visual appeal even when the plant is not in bloom.

This low-maintenance sage performs best with full sun exposure, tolerating Texas’s intense summer heat with ease. Compact Mexican Bush Sage requires little watering once established, making it a great choice for water-wise gardens. For best results, light pruning after flowering will encourage a tidy shape and support fresh growth the following season. Its compact size, resilience to drought, and pollinator-friendly nature make it a valuable addition to Texas gardens focused on sustainable, low-water landscaping.

In regions with mild winters, the plant often remains evergreen, though it may slow its growth. In areas prone to frost, the foliage may die back, but the plant will regrow from the roots in spring. To prepare for winter, cut the plant back to about 6 inches after the first frost or when the foliage begins to decline. Mulching around the base with a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic material provides insulation and helps protect the roots during colder months. Avoid overwatering in winter, as the plant prefers drier soil during dormancy.

More Info Soon

Summer blooming perennial that grows three feet tall and two feet wide. Color is predominately purple....although a color blind person may see blue. 

Salvia nemorosa 'Rose Marvel' is a compact, long-blooming perennial prized for its exceptionally large, deep rose-pink flower spikes. This variety stands out for its vivid color and extended bloom period, making it a standout in Texas landscapes. Thriving in full sun, it is heat and drought tolerant once established, making it a resilient choice for garden beds, borders, and pollinator gardens. Deer and rabbit resistant, it is also a favorite among bees and butterflies.

Well-suited for a variety of Texas soil types, 'Rose Marvel' prefers well-drained soils and benefits from occasional deadheading to encourage reblooming. While it can tolerate some partial shade, it performs best with ample sunlight. Regular fertilization, particularly with phosphorus-rich amendments, can enhance flower production. Its compact size, reaching about 10–12 inches tall and wide, makes it a great choice for small garden spaces or container plantings.

Despite being marketed as a profuse bloomer, some growers have observed that 'Rose Marvel' can be more finicky about blooming compared to other salvias. Factors such as inconsistent sunlight, nutrient levels, or environmental stress may affect its performance. While it remains a beautiful and valuable addition to the landscape, it may require a little extra attention to achieve its fullest flowering potential.

Texas Sedge (Carex texensis) is a fine-textured, clumping grass-like perennial native to Texas and parts of the southeastern U.S. It is increasingly favored in sustainable landscapes as a low-water, low-maintenance alternative to turf grass. With its soft green blades and gentle mounding habit, Texas Sedge brings a naturalistic look to shady lawns, under trees, borders, and native garden designs.

This sedge grows best in part shade to filtered sunlight, though it can tolerate some direct morning sun. It prefers well-drained soils and has good adaptability to alkaline or neutral soils, making it a strong candidate for Central and North Texas plantings. While not ideal for high-traffic areas, it works beautifully in mass plantings, meadowscapes, or as a lawn substitute in low-use areas.

Mature plants typically reach 6–12 inches tall with a similar spread. Texas Sedge is not invasive, but will gradually fill in and create a soft, low carpet when spaced 8–12 inches apart. It is deer-resistant, and while it produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring, its primary appeal lies in its texture and form. It does not tolerate heavy foot traffic or poorly drained, wet soils.

Texas Sedge is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10 and generally requires no winter protection. It may go semi-dormant in extreme drought or cold but rebounds quickly with warmer temperatures and moisture.

Skullcap is a compact, mounding perennial native to Mexico that performs exceptionally well in hot, dry Texas landscapes. It produces small, tubular, rosy-pink flowers from spring through fall, often blooming continuously in warm climates. Its dense, rounded form and fine-textured, dark green foliage make it ideal for borders, rock gardens, low edging, and xeriscapes.

This plant thrives in full sun to light shade, and is remarkably drought-tolerant once established. It prefers well-drained, rocky or sandy soils, and is highly adapted to alkaline conditions, making it a perfect match for Central and West Texas. It is also deer-resistant and rarely troubled by pests or diseases. Skullcap typically grows 12 to 18 inches tall and wide, forming a tidy mound with minimal maintenance. When planting in groups, space 12 to 16 inches apart.

While it stays evergreen in mild winters, it may go semi-dormant or die back slightly in colder zones. In USDA Zones 7–10, it generally returns each year with little effort. Prune lightly in early spring to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Avoid overwatering or heavy clay soils to prevent root rot.

Veronica longifolia Skyward™ Blue is a beautiful cultivar of the Veronica plant that is prized for its striking blue flowers that bloom on tall, sturdy stems. This perennial plant typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet and has a spread of about 1 to 2 feet. The foliage is a rich green color and is lance-shaped with a serrated edge.

This plant is very easy to grow and maintain, making it a popular choice for gardeners of all skill levels. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of soil types. Veronica longifolia Skyward™ Blue is also resistant to most pests and diseases.

One of the best features of this plant is its abundant flowering. The blue flowers bloom from late spring to early fall and are a favorite of pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The flowers are long-lasting and can be used for cut arrangements or left on the plant to enjoy in the garden.

Overall, Veronica longifolia Skyward™ Blue is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add some vibrant color to their garden.

Available spring-summer-fall

Cultivars 2022

Snaptini Mixed
Snaptini Yellow

Jatropha, also known as Peregrina or Spicy Jatropha, is a tropical shrub or small tree known for its attractive red flowers and glossy green leaves. Native to the Caribbean and Central America, it is a popular ornamental plant in warmer climates. In central Texas, can be a striking addition to gardens due to its year-round blooming potential and ability to attract butterflies and other pollinators. However, its sensitivity to cold temperatures poses a significant challenge, as the plant is not frost-tolerant and can be damaged or killed by freezing conditions.

To address the issue of freeze sensitivity, growing Jatropha in containers is highly recommended. Container planting allows for greater control over the plant's environment, making it easier to move the Jatropha indoors or to a sheltered location during cold spells.  Containers should be large enough to accommodate the plant's root system and should have good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which Jatropha is sensitive to.

In addition to protection from freezing temperatures, container cultivation of Jatropha integerrima offers other benefits. It allows gardeners to control soil quality and moisture levels more effectively, ensuring optimal growing conditions. Regular pruning can keep the plant at a manageable size, enhancing its ornamental appeal and promoting healthy growth.

Not recommended to be planted in areas with children or pets as the entire plant is considered toxic.

A Texas native that struggles to be a small tree, and naturally forms a multitrunked large shrub.   The compound leaves of the Evergreen Sumac start out pinkish-green, and turn lustrous dark green shortly after. In the winter the foliage turns maroon, falling off completely in the late winter as it begins to put on new foliage.

The new stems emerge red with a layer of gray fuzz, but turn green with age as well. The smooth light-gray bark predominates most of the stems, but the main trunk with age begins to form a patchwork of scaly bark that gives it an older, handsome look.

The small flowers are slightly fragrant and greenish-white, appearing in clusters in the late summer. The small red drupe fruits are slightly pubescent and continue to compliment the foliage throughout the winter while birds feast on them. Only females will produce the flowers and fruit.

Low maintenance and drought tolerant -- as long as the soil is not too moist, will adapt to any condition. 

A Texas native shrub that tries to be a small tree, however the stems are thin and droop easily with age. Naturally forms an irregular crown with crooked, spreading branches. Underground rhizomes, coupled with its ease of self-seeding, allow this Sumac to quickly create thickets and massings.

The name “Winged Sumac” comes from the easily identifiable leaf stalk being winged between leaflets. The dark green foliage in the summer is complimented by the large tight terminal panicle of flowers, yellow-green in color.  “Flame Leaf Sumac” comes from the outstanding red foliage in the fall, which is complimented by the multitude of red drupe berries following the blooms mid-summer.

This sumac is very low maintenance, and highly drought tolerant; an ideal choice for harsh landscape environments that demand some type of vegetation. 

Super Chili pepper plant is a very productive semi-compact pepper plant with upward facing chili peppers with a surprising kick to them. Start out as green, turning orange to red.

The Mexican Sycamore was introduced to the Southern Texas landscapes in the past decade; its higher resistance to bacterial leaf scorch makes it a superior substitute to the American Sycamore. In addition, it prefers alkaline soils and is generally insect and disease free; very fast growing. The bark peels off in irregular patches as the tree grows, giving a handsome mottled look.

The top of the large leaves are green, while undersides a silvery pubescent hue, growing up to eight inches across. They turn brown in the fall and if windy, blow effortlessly into your neighbor’s yard, saving you time and energy in raking them up.

Mexican Sycamore is monoecious, meaning male and female flowers are separated but borne on the same tree, and pollinated by the wind. Pollinated female flowers will form a stiff ball, covered with densely compacted mesh of several hundred seeds, forming a ball measuring 1.5 inches in diameter. In the winter, the cohesion of the ball breaks down releasing the hundreds of seeds into the wind to be blown away – maybe to your neighbor’s yard yet again – the gift that keeps giving!