Lineage: Wild-Harvested Texas Native | Soil: Organic Heritage Mineral Blend
Our Zexmenia (Wedelia acapulcensis var. hispida) is an Artisan Grown workhorse that defines the resilient beauty of the Edwards Plateau. This isn't a pampered garden perennial; it is a field-forged survivor designed to flourish in the thin, rocky soils where other plants retreat. Known for its relentless production of cheerful, daisy-like golden blooms, Zexmenia is the ultimate "low-maintenance" anchor, providing a constant splash of sunshine from late spring until the first hard frost.
We begin with our surroundings. Every seed we grow is hand-harvested from vigorous, wild-growing mature plants found on our ranch or within a strict 10-mile radius. This ensures our plants carry the specific site-adapted genetics required to handle the unique mineral profile and erratic weather of the Dripping Springs and Austin corridor.
Because Zexmenia requires a deep, long winter chill to wake its wild genetics—a cold that our erratic Texas winters rarely provide—we begin with Artisan Cold Stratification in the coldest back corner of our refrigerator. Once the seeds are primed, they are directly sown into our outdoor silica sand propagation beds. Here, nature takes the lead: we let the elements sort out which seedlings possess the best genetics to earn their place in our line up. This "survival of the fittest" start ensures that only the most vigorous, deep rooted plants move forward to the potting stage.
As the strongest survivors transition into their final phase, they are potted into deep, air-pruning pots. This critical step uses the dry Texas air to naturally prune root tips, forcing the plant to develop a massive, hyper-fibrous root system without circling. Once potted, they “rest” under the dappled shade of our Texas Live Oak trees, acclimating to our hilltop winds and heavy spring rains. For the final two weeks, they field-harden in unapologetic full sun. This multi-phase approach ensures every plant leaving our ranch has been "performance-tested" and is biologically prepared for a resilient, irrigation-free Hill Country life once established.
A mounding, woody-based perennial that provides high-impact color and unmatched durability.
Relentless Bloomer: Produces a steady supply of yellow flowers with golden-orange centers that thrive in the heat, providing a critical pollen and nectar source for pollinators throughout the summer.
Textural Resilience: Its rough, sand-papery leaves are a natural defense, making it one of the most deer-resistant flowering plants for open ranch-land landscapes.
Erosion Champion: Its spreading, mounding habit makes it an excellent choice for stabilizing rocky slopes or filling in difficult "heat islands" near driveways and stone walls.
Field-grown, sun-hardened, and air-pruned. Delivered in a 4.5” Deep Square Pot with a vertical 5”, robust root system designed to anchor deep into our rocky Hill Country soil, ensuring this perennial returns with more vigor year after year.
Zexmenia is at its best in full, unapologetic Texas sun, though it will tolerate light filtered shade. It is remarkably drought-tolerant once established and prefers well-drained, rocky soil. To encourage a denser habit and a fresh flush of blooms in late summer, you can shear the plant back by a third after its initial heavy spring flowering.
For a classic "Sunset Ridge" aesthetic, plant Zexmenia alongside our Mealy Blue Sage and Sideoats Grama. The vibrant gold of the Zexmenia against the cobalt blue of the Sage, backed by the dancing oats of the grass, creates a quintessential Hill Country palette that is entirely self-sufficient.
Lineage: Wild-Harvested Texas Native | Soil: Organic Heritage Mineral Blend
Our Zexmenia (Wedelia acapulcensis var. hispida) is an Artisan Grown workhorse that defines the resilient beauty of the Edwards Plateau. This isn't a pampered garden perennial; it is a field-forged survivor designed to flourish in the thin, rocky soils where other plants retreat. Known for its relentless production of cheerful, daisy-like golden blooms, Zexmenia is the ultimate "low-maintenance" anchor, providing a constant splash of sunshine from late spring until the first hard frost.
We begin with our surroundings. Every seed we grow is hand-harvested from vigorous, wild-growing mature plants found on our ranch or within a strict 10-mile radius. This ensures our plants carry the specific site-adapted genetics required to handle the unique mineral profile and erratic weather of the Dripping Springs and Austin corridor.
Because Zexmenia requires a deep, long winter chill to wake its wild genetics—a cold that our erratic Texas winters rarely provide—we begin with Artisan Cold Stratification in the coldest back corner of our refrigerator. Once the seeds are primed, they are directly sown into our outdoor silica sand propagation beds. Here, nature takes the lead: we let the elements sort out which seedlings possess the best genetics to earn their place in our line up. This "survival of the fittest" start ensures that only the most vigorous, deep rooted plants move forward to the potting stage.
As the strongest survivors transition into their final phase, they are potted into deep, air-pruning pots. This critical step uses the dry Texas air to naturally prune root tips, forcing the plant to develop a massive, hyper-fibrous root system without circling. Once potted, they “rest” under the dappled shade of our Texas Live Oak trees, acclimating to our hilltop winds and heavy spring rains. For the final two weeks, they field-harden in unapologetic full sun. This multi-phase approach ensures every plant leaving our ranch has been "performance-tested" and is biologically prepared for a resilient, irrigation-free Hill Country life once established.
A mounding, woody-based perennial that provides high-impact color and unmatched durability.
Relentless Bloomer: Produces a steady supply of yellow flowers with golden-orange centers that thrive in the heat, providing a critical pollen and nectar source for pollinators throughout the summer.
Textural Resilience: Its rough, sand-papery leaves are a natural defense, making it one of the most deer-resistant flowering plants for open ranch-land landscapes.
Erosion Champion: Its spreading, mounding habit makes it an excellent choice for stabilizing rocky slopes or filling in difficult "heat islands" near driveways and stone walls.
Field-grown, sun-hardened, and air-pruned. Delivered in a 4.5” Deep Square Pot with a vertical 5”, robust root system designed to anchor deep into our rocky Hill Country soil, ensuring this perennial returns with more vigor year after year.
Zexmenia is at its best in full, unapologetic Texas sun, though it will tolerate light filtered shade. It is remarkably drought-tolerant once established and prefers well-drained, rocky soil. To encourage a denser habit and a fresh flush of blooms in late summer, you can shear the plant back by a third after its initial heavy spring flowering.
For a classic "Sunset Ridge" aesthetic, plant Zexmenia alongside our Mealy Blue Sage and Sideoats Grama. The vibrant gold of the Zexmenia against the cobalt blue of the Sage, backed by the dancing oats of the grass, creates a quintessential Hill Country palette that is entirely self-sufficient.
Our plants are intentionally cultivated to be site-adapted and focus their energy on growing larger, faster, and healthier below ground so they can take-off above ground once planted. All plants are grown to prioritize dense, downward-oriented root systems that allow rapid establishment in non-irrigated, deer-pressured landscapes.
Water and cage until established. Even for deer resistant plants, expect browsing, especially during drought — survival comes from the roots.
