Your county extension agent should have a list of perennials (also vegetables, shrubs, trees) that are appropriate for your area, and may be able to put you in contact with the local Master Gardeners who may have a perennial specialist. Quick suggestions: lantana, salvia greggii also known as autumn sage or cherry sage, boneset aka blue mist,rosemary, own-root roses, ornamental grasses such as many of the muhlys. Also, you might go to a nursery specializing in native and adapted plants and take their advice. Your local library probably has a copy of Neil Sperry's Gardening in Texas, which has a lot of suggestions, plus illustrations. You will love gardening in Texas--we have such a long growing season and such a variety of plants available. Good luck and enjoy!

Welcome to Texas and Texas GW forum!
Have you checked out winter sowing? It's a great money saver and yes, even though we don't really have 'winter' here like you did in MN, it still works
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/wtrsow/

There's is also the handy Texas SmartScapes, I've linked it below for you.

Here is a link that might be useful: Texas SmartScape

I can think of a few more that would like full to partial sun.
Hardy Hibiscus
Several salvia guaranticas (black and blue, tula)
Salvia Indigo Spires
all sorts of canna

maybe more suggestions after coffee ;-)

Pam

Here is another good plant list - Texas Superstars.

Here is a link that might be useful: Texas Superstar Plants

pavonia (rock rose)
turks cap
flame acanthus
black and blue salvia
rudbeckia (several varieties)
perennial plumbago (ground cover)
purple or white coneflower
blackfoot daisy (picky about soil needs to be dry/gritty)
flox subulata
mexican petunia
dwarf mexican petunia
zexmenia
salvia caradonna
salvia east friesland
veronica georgia blue (ground cover)

There are tons more - but these have done well for me.

Lupineloon, I do not see your email address on your homepage --- would you contact me?

Wow - thank you everyone. You are extremely helpful. Will follow up on many of the suggestions. Will certainly stay tuned to this site, as well, because ongoing advice will be posted that will be of great benefit. I have a small lot but the neighbor wants to know if I am trying to create another arboritum. Not sure I spelled that correctly. Will be visiting with you! Thanks again. Sadly, I have not had any luck with Russell Lupines but the bluebonnets are gorgeous. Susan

You might try to make it to the plant swap this Saturday. A lot of us will be bringing perennials. Plus, you can meet a bunch of other gardeners who've been weathering the heat for awhile now!