It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Forth Worth, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I had a wonderful experience working with their team. And would recommend them to everyone”
“Extremely responsive, professional, and friendly. Nothing but wonderful things to say about the process and”
“Haley and Toan have been an amazing resource to my mother and I, helping us”
“Haley and her team are a pleasure to work with! As a partner in the”
“My family and I couldn’t be happier with Always Best Care (ABC). From the minute”
“Very easy to work with and great communication. They go over and above. Would highly”
“I live in MD. I have very close friends who live in PA. The husband”
“My mother ended up immobile from a fall that happened Christmas morning. The following day”
“They were able to hook my mother up with home care services as soon as”
“Always Best Care Senior Services were our Angels in our time of need after my”
“I am currently a Certified Caregiver for Always Best Care. Haley and Gina have been”
“My experiences with Haley and Gina have been nothing short of spectacular! They are very”
“I had a wonderful experience working with their team. And would recommend them to everyone in my circle of friends and family”
“Extremely responsive, professional, and friendly. Nothing but wonderful things to say about the process and people. An evaluation was performed the same day I called about needing the service. They are very sensitive to your needs and follow through to make sure they are met in to the highest degree.”
“Haley and Toan have been an amazing resource to my mother and I, helping us with sitting services for my father in a dementia facility after his return from a hospitalization but they have really gone above and beyond. She has been an amazing resource and really cares about helping people. I am a nurse myself and so impressed with how proactive and helpful she has been, far beyond just sitting services. Very appreciated and much needed. I would absolutely recommend using her and her company to help you and your loved ones.”
“Haley and her team are a pleasure to work with! As a partner in the senior care industry, Always Best Care has been known to go above and beyond when it comes to working with, and educating families on options and resources. I am always happy to work with them, knowing they will provide the best care and options for the families they serve!”
“My family and I couldn’t be happier with Always Best Care (ABC). From the minute we reached out to Haley, the owner of ABC, we have received excellent service. Haley responded to all of our concerns and has gone above and beyond to be sure our loved one has what is needed. Haley and her team at ABC were able to set up care for our loved one on very short notice. Working with Haley has made a difficult situation much easier to navigate. I would highly recommend Always Best Care. THANK YOU!”
“Very easy to work with and great communication. They go over and above. Would highly recommend!!!”
“I live in MD. I have very close friends who live in PA. The husband was diagnosed with cancer. It was a diagnosis that came out of left field. It left them reeling with every unknown when they were told it had developed and progressed rapidly. I called a friend, who lives in my home state, to ask if she knew of any companies that could not only provide health care services to my PA friends, but be ready to do so without delays. She referred me to Haley Davis with Always Best Care Senior Services. I called as soon as I hung up. I left a voicemail, and received a call from Haley within 10 minutes. Providing as much detail and information as I could, I was assured they would be able to provide different levels of care as they were needed. She also said that I, or any member of my friends’ family, could call her if we needed anything. Today my PA friend said she emailed Always Best Care Senior Services last night. Later today I heard that Haley responded, and services were put into place. The absolute last thing anyone should have to be concerned about when they are emotionally overwhelmed and physically depleted from a devastating disease is dealing with automated phone systems, reaching the correct departments, filing requests in triplicate, and being told they’ll be put on a waiting list. Absolute Best Care Senior Services is just what the name says. They aren’t just able to provide the services that will be needed, they provide the peace of mind that allows their clients to focus on themselves. That’s what caring and compassion are about. I don’t think I could ever express my gratitude. Thank you.”
“My mother ended up immobile from a fall that happened Christmas morning. The following day we got in touch with Haley Davis, the owner/president of Always Best. She came to our home (within hours) on her day off. Had rented a wheelchair, reserved transportation to get our mom home, set up a nurse assessment and RN in-home care within 24 hrs! Our family couldn't be more pleased and appreciative of Haley and her team... class act!”
“They were able to hook my mother up with home care services as soon as she left rehab. Very flexible with scheduling and hours. Competitive pricing. I would recommend them.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services were our Angels in our time of need after my Mom’s heart surgery. Haley, Erin and Rebecca were all fabulous, super responsive and extremely professional and knowledgeable. We don’t know what we would have done without them. We very highly recommend them!”
“I am currently a Certified Caregiver for Always Best Care. Haley and Gina have been incredible! I love the communication, the dedication and consistency to helping others. Meeting new clients/patients is exciting and gives me purpose! Knowing I can be assistance to help others that need just a bit extra is an amazing feeling! This company is like a family as well as our clients. We treat everyone with the dignity and care that everyone should be entitled to. Despite being employed with the company, I would still offer these services to friends and family! :)”
“My experiences with Haley and Gina have been nothing short of spectacular! They are very caring and compassionate. This is is the group that you should consider for any of your loved ones assistance! Highly recommend them!!!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Forth Worth, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Forth Worth, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Forth Worth, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has filed civil charges against three Dallas-Fort Worth residents, accusing them of operating a $91 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 200 investors.The SEC complaint, filed April 29 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, charges Kenneth W. Alexander II, of Fort Worth; Robert D. Welsh, of Frisco; and Caedrynn E. Conner, of Heath, with violating antifraud and registr...
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has filed civil charges against three Dallas-Fort Worth residents, accusing them of operating a $91 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 200 investors.
The SEC complaint, filed April 29 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, charges Kenneth W. Alexander II, of Fort Worth; Robert D. Welsh, of Frisco; and Caedrynn E. Conner, of Heath, with violating antifraud and registration provisions of federal securities laws.
“As we allege, the defendants conducted a large-scale Ponzi scheme that caused devastating losses to investor victims, while Alexander and Conner misappropriated millions of dollars of investor funds,” said Sam Waldon, acting director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, in a news release this week.
The defendants used investors’ money for personal purchases, including Conner’s $5 million home, the complaint says. The SEC is seeking civil penalties against the defendants and repayment of “ill-gotten gains with prejudgment interest,” according to the release.
Alexander and Welsh ran the scam through a trust called Vanguard Holdings Group Irrevocable Trust, which they claimed was a highly profitable international bond trading business, between about May 20221 and February 2024, according to the SEC complaint. The defendants falsely told investors they would receive 12 guaranteed monthly payments of between 3% and 6% and that their principal investment would be returned after 14 months, the complaint states.
According to the SEC, the trust had no source of revenue and the monthly returns were Ponzi payments.
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Conner is accused of funneling over $46 million in investors’ money to VHG through a related investment program that he controlled.
The three defendants also falsely told victims of the scheme that they could protect their investments from risk of loss by buying something they called a “pay order,” according to the complaint.
The ground beneath Texas’ urban areas, including Dallas and Fort Worth, is sinking at a quicker pace than other comparatively large cities, according to a new study.In a study published on Thursday by Nature Cities, researchers examined 28 of the nation’s most populous cities.The data mapped how the phenomenon of land subsidence — a slow-moving setting or sinking often caused by the removal of underground fluids li...
The ground beneath Texas’ urban areas, including Dallas and Fort Worth, is sinking at a quicker pace than other comparatively large cities, according to a new study.
In a study published on Thursday by Nature Cities, researchers examined 28 of the nation’s most populous cities.
The data mapped how the phenomenon of land subsidence — a slow-moving setting or sinking often caused by the removal of underground fluids like water, oil and gas — uniquely impacts each place, making them increasingly susceptible to natural disasters.
For many cities around the country and the world, the problem represents “a present and growing hazard with costly environmental, social and economic impacts on urban centers,” Nature Cities researchers wrote.
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Although coastal cities are most affected, “a broader spectrum of major cities worldwide...are experiencing major subsidence at rates that necessitate immediate attention,” the study added.
The impacts of subsidence can be felt in damage to infrastructure like buildings, roads and public transportation, experts say. Additionally, areas become more vulnerable to extreme weather events like floods.
Of the cities studied, 25 were found to be experiencing sinking at varying rates, according to the Nature Cities data.
The cities with 98% of its area affected include Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Charlotte, North Carolina; Chicago, Illinois; Columbus, Ohio; Denver, Colorado; Detroit, Michigan; Indianapolis, Indiana; and New York.
The three Texas cities exhibited the highest proportion of sinking areas, with more than 70% of their land experiencing subsidence at a rate of 3 millimeters per year. Parts of Houston have been known for sinking at 5 millimeters per year.
The movement of the sinking is measured on a small scale of millimeters per year, but the incremental changes can accumulate over time.
“The latent nature of this risk means that infrastructure can be silently compromised over time, with damage only becoming evident when it is severe or potentially catastrophic,” researchers wrote. “This risk is often exacerbated in rapidly expanding urban centers.”
While land subsidence is often considered solely a coastal hazard due to sea-level rise, it can also threaten inland areas, causing increased risks of flooding and structural damage, according to the study.
Other Texas cities, including San Antonio and Austin, were highlighted in the evaluation of risk to buildings, since the moving land can impact foundations. Most buildings face relatively low risks but more than 29,000 buildings across the 28 cities were classified as “high” or “very high risk.”
At the top of the list with most buildings at higher risk levels were San Antonio, Houston, Austin and Fort Worth.
San Antonio, Austin and Houston contribute more than 82% of the buildings at very high risk, having 1,515; 706 and 376 buildings, respectively.
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This reporting is part of the Future of North Texas, a community-funded journalism initiative supported by the Commit Partnership, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, the Dallas Mavericks, the Dallas Regional Chamber, Deedie Rose, the McCune-Losinger Family Fund, The Meadows Foundation, the Perot Foundation, the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and the University of Texas at Dallas. The News retains full editorial control of this coverage.
FORT WORTH, TX – Residents can expect a blazing start to the week as temperatures soar into the mid-90s on Monday, with highs reaching 97°F by the afternoon. Clear skies will dominate throughout the day, though light winds from the south will provide minimal relief from the heat. If you have plans outdoors, be sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, as temperatures will feel much hotter under the bright Texas sun.According to the National Weather Service, Monday will see a high of 97°F with a light southward breeze aro...
FORT WORTH, TX – Residents can expect a blazing start to the week as temperatures soar into the mid-90s on Monday, with highs reaching 97°F by the afternoon. Clear skies will dominate throughout the day, though light winds from the south will provide minimal relief from the heat. If you have plans outdoors, be sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, as temperatures will feel much hotter under the bright Texas sun.
According to the National Weather Service, Monday will see a high of 97°F with a light southward breeze around 5 to 10 mph. Winds will calm down overnight, with temperatures dipping to 63°F. Tuesday’s forecast predicts even hotter conditions, with highs climbing to 102°F. This persistent heat is likely to continue through the week, making it crucial for locals to take precautions against heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
For those heading out on the roads, keep in mind that higher temperatures could lead to hot pavement and possible tire blowouts on highways. The NWS has issued a heat advisory for much of the area, with specific attention to the hottest parts of Fort Worth during midday hours.
What’s Next: This springtime heatwave will continue through Wednesday, reaching record-breaking highs near 102°F. A cold front is expected to bring slightly cooler temperatures by Thursday, but it’s still important to remain vigilant against the early summer heat. If you’re in Fort Worth, plan to limit your time outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to avoid the hottest conditions.
Looking further ahead, temperatures will remain high into the weekend, so be prepared for consistent hot weather throughout the region. Check back for the latest updates from local weather experts and always keep your weather app handy for real-time alerts.
Expect a mild Mother's Day with highs into the mid to upper-70s. Thanks to an upper-low slowly moving to the east of North Texas, a mixture of sun and clouds will fill the sky. Isolated showers could be possible during the afternoon. Most of any chances of rain with stay across eastern North Texas into East Texas.A ridge is expected to build across the Central United States next week, bringing hotter and sunny weather to North Texas. High temperatures will soar into the 90s for the middle of next week. Near-record heat is likely on Tu...
Expect a mild Mother's Day with highs into the mid to upper-70s. Thanks to an upper-low slowly moving to the east of North Texas, a mixture of sun and clouds will fill the sky. Isolated showers could be possible during the afternoon. Most of any chances of rain with stay across eastern North Texas into East Texas.
A ridge is expected to build across the Central United States next week, bringing hotter and sunny weather to North Texas. High temperatures will soar into the 90s for the middle of next week. Near-record heat is likely on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Latest Forecast:
INTO THE MORNING: Partly to mostly cloudy and mild. Low: 57. Wind: N 5-10 mph.
SUNDAY (MOTHER'S DAY): Sun, clouds and mild. Isolated showers are possible during the afternoon into late evening. High: 77. Wind: N 10-15 mph.
MONDAY: Sunny and warm. Low. 58. High: 83. Wind: NW 5-10 mph.
TUESDAY: Sunny, breezy and hot with record breaking heat. Low. 63. High: 94. Wind: S 10-20 mph with higher gusts.
WEDNESDAY: Partly sunny and hot with record breaking heat. Low. 72. High: 96. Wind: SW 10-15 mph.
THURSDAY: Partly sunny and very warm. Low. 75. High: 90. Wind: S 10-15 mph.
FRIDAY: Partly to mostly cloudy and warm. Low. 72. High: 88. Wind: S 10-15 mph.
SATURDAY: Partly to mostly cloudy with a 20% chance of a storm. Low: 70. High: 88. Wind: S 10-15 mph.
SUNDAY: Partly cloudy with a 20% chance of a storm. Low. 70. High: 87. Wind: S 10-15 mph.
MONDAY: Sun and clouds, warm. Low: 68. High: 86. Wind: SW 10-15 mph.
TUESDAY: Sun and clouds, warm. Low: 63. High: 85. Wind: NW 10-15 mph.
Texas gardeners have always counted on lantanas to tolerate the heat. Few plants hold up to the scorching rays as well — none any better. And now that our soils are finally warming, it’s time to get lantanas growing in your gardens.Before I get into their planting and care specifics, though, I want to go back to my days as a teenager climbing the hills of the Edwards Plateau with my dad. He was doing research on plants that were toxic to sheep and goats for Texas A&M, and the rocky slopes of Southwest Texas were where ...
Texas gardeners have always counted on lantanas to tolerate the heat. Few plants hold up to the scorching rays as well — none any better. And now that our soils are finally warming, it’s time to get lantanas growing in your gardens.
Before I get into their planting and care specifics, though, I want to go back to my days as a teenager climbing the hills of the Edwards Plateau with my dad. He was doing research on plants that were toxic to sheep and goats for Texas A&M, and the rocky slopes of Southwest Texas were where we spent many weeks every summer. There are draws in those hills where infrequent heavy rains have eroded deep gullies, and that’s where moisture comes first and stays longest.
That’s where I met my first lantanas, Uvalde County, Texas. It was Lantana urticoides — Texas lantana — and it grows 5 or 6 feet tall in those settings. If you hit it at the right time in the summer (a week or two after a rainstorm), you’ll find it smothered in orange and gold blooms, immersed in bees and butterflies. It’s native through the Chihuahuan Desert, Southwest Texas, across the Edwards Plateau, the Blackland Prairie, and even beyond Texas.
Sometimes you’ll find Texas lantana labeled by an alternative, out-of-date species name of L. horrida. I tell you that in case you want to include it in your own Texas native garden and find it labeled that way. It does well here in North Central Texas, although the top growth will freeze to the ground every winter.
Not to worry – it comes rebounding back the following spring from its roots, especially if you cover the clumps with mulch for protection. In fact, you can even dig and divide the clumps into a small number of new plants before new growth begins in the spring.
So that’s the native lantana. It’s a really nice one if you want something several feet tall and showcasing brightly-hued, two-toned flowers.
The other straight species is Lantana montevidensis (formerly known as L. sellowiana), or trailing lavender lantana. It’s native to tropical South America, but according to the Missouri Botanical Garden and N.C. State University, it has escaped cultivation to naturalize in warm parts of the Southeastern U.S.
As its name implies, trailing lavender lantana is not shrub-like like the others. It’s more of a sprawling ground cover. Its leaves and stems are much smaller. The plants cover themselves with medium-purple flower heads that are somewhat smaller than those of the shrubby big sisters. This one is outstanding as the “spiller” plant in large patio pots, in hanging baskets, and in large color beds, especially on dry slopes. A white-flowering form is also available.
Beyond those two species, there are selections and hybrids, mostly of L. urticoides. Flower colors include mixtures of orange, rust-red, gold, yellow, pink, and lavender. Compact varieties with mature heights that peak out at 15 to 18 inches have been brought into the market. Taller standard types may grow as tall as 3 to 4 feet.
Like the Texas lantana, all die to the ground with the first killing freeze. Some will survive and return the following spring. As a precautionary note, lantanas are among the last perennials to sprout out in the spring. They seem to want to be sure that warm weather has really arrived. I have never had trailing lavender lantanas come back after a North Texas winter in my gardens.
Lantanas must be grown in full or almost full sun if you expect the best bloom. They also require good drainage. They produce flower buds on new growth, so water and feed them regularly, but don’t plant them in a location where the soil will stay soggy after rains. That’s why they’re so good in large patio pots or on berms or hillsides.
Most soil tests show that North Texas soils need only nitrogen. The Texas A&M Soil Testing Laboratory suggests using a high-quality all-N fertilizer for most of your lawn and garden feedings – one where 30 percent to 40 percent of the nitrogen is coated or encapsulated to ensure slow release. That will work on almost all your plants, and it will certainly keep your lantanas growing and blooming. Feed them monthly. Water deeply right after you feed and as the soil dries out in between.
There are very few insect and disease problems that will show up in a lantana garden. You may see mottling of the leaves by mid-summer. Turn the leaves over and if you see waxy black specks, those are lace bug droppings. Most general-purpose insecticides will control them. Spray in the evening when the pollinators are done for the day.
Sometimes lantanas will quit blooming by mid-summer. I’ve had that experience and soon found that my plants had just run out of nitrogen. I generally trim them by 10 percent or 20 percent just to even them up, and I apply a water-soluble, high-nitrogen plant food for a quick burst of new growth. Within a couple of weeks, they’re back in the game.
Lantanas are propagated by cuttings. Granted, they do produce seeds, but if you want the very same variety you currently have, cuttings are the only way to get it. And yes, you can over-winter them indoors. But, unless you have a greenhouse, it’s going to be a beast of a job. They love the sunlight and really warm conditions. If you can’t provide those, you’re better off starting with new plants each May — like right now!
Happy planting.
This story was originally published May 9, 2025 at 5:50 AM.
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