What does “drought tolerant” mean & when to move citrus plants?

We often get asked about the term “drought tolerant,” which does not necessarily equate to “low-water-use.” Plants that are “drought tolerant” are able to withstand prolonged periods without rainfall or supplemental irrigation. But to do so, they may go into dormancy, similar to how they do in winter, hunkering down until, hopefully, the situation improves.

This is why during the hottest, driest of times your warm-season lawn will turn yellow, and you may notice healthy, well-established live oak trees dropping leaves. But elevated temperatures and lack of rainfall aren’t the only factors that influence whether a plant is considered “drought tolerant.” 

Soil type and seasonal periods of heavy rain will also have an effect. Climatic factors interact in complex ways and are less predictable in recent years than they were historically, which means that we have to pay more attention to our plants, watching for signals that they may need a little extra water to get through the summer, or we may choose to allow them to die back for a bit, and remain patient while they naturally look a little less attractive. 

As we approach the first frost date, Brian Tabone asked a great question: can he move his container lemon tree up to a larger pot? And should he fertilize it now? He’s got a greenhouse where he can keep it over winter.

Since the tree currently has fruit, I would suggest waiting to transplant until just after harvest. You should also wait to fertilize. Citrus trees require regular supplemental fertilization when putting on new leaves and during bloom, which means monthly from early spring up to about a month before the listed first frost date for your area.

POTW

Lindheimer muhly

 Our plant this week is Lindheimer muhly, an ornamental clumping grass that was recently awarded Texas Superstar status. Dr. Brent Pemberton, of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, reports that this drought-tolerant species has been shown to perform outstandingly across a wide spectrum of climates, making it well suited for landscapes across Texas, and beyond.

It’s deer resistant, adapts to various soil types, and is drought tolerant. Lindheimer muhly is considered a “medium water use” plant, especially in sandy soils, meaning that it requires regular watering when temperatures are elevated and rainfall is scarce. But it can also be planted in rain gardens or seasonally moist areas, as long as it’s given good drainage. 

It grows to about four feet wide and equally as tall, but will be about a foot taller when blooming in fall. Its characteristically narrow leaves, and feathery, swaying seed heads soften our landscapes, providing interest when many other plants are dormant.

Lindheimer muhly performs best in full sun, but tolerates light shade, and in mild winters will be semi-evergreen, providing habitat for over-wintering butterflies. Cut back in late winter or early spring, when you begin to notice new growth emerging at the base.