Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - July 06, 2016
From: Bessemer, AL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Plant Lists, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Shade Tolerant
Title: Plants Needed for a Shaded, Rocky Slope in Alabama
Answered by: Anne Van Nest
QUESTION:
I live in Alabama where the soil is clay and rocky. I've tried planting on a rocky slope I have but, it's also shaded. Not even Juniper will survive on this slope. I've spent thousands of dollars trying to make this area presentable to no avail. And my fixed income just can't handle it anymore. The borders of this area do have some sunlight. Prickly weeds seem to be doing well. I have pictures. :-( I want: Blooms! Maybe something that holds the clay soil but spreads like a groundcover, flowering at different times of year, drought tolerant, some green all year, plant now. Must hate sun.ANSWER:
Sorry for the delay in sending this response! Also, sorry about the challenges to your gardening on a rocky, clay slope in the shade (and for the thistles that have moved in and settled in the area). You really do have a significant challenge with this site. Dry + shade is one of the most challenging. But do not worry, there are some native plants that you can try.
A search of the Native Plants Database on our website at www.wildflower.org/plants/ set to the criteria of Alabama, herb, perennial, shade, dry and 0-1 feet does reveal 14 plants. Some aren't suitable to grow as groundcovers. The remaining ones are:
Horseherb (Calyptocarpus vialis) This shade tolerant groundcover has tiny, yellow daisy flowers and will go dormant during cold winters. It is evergreen in mild areas. Try to keep heavy mats of fallen leaves off the plants. Mow if desired. May need a little extra water to look its best during extended droughts.
White troutlily (Erythronium albidum) A low plant with mottled leaves that makes an attractive groundcover. White blooms in the spring. Plants multiply rapidly by root offshoots and seed, but can require up to 6 years before blooming.
Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens) A trailing evergreen perennial with white, fragrant flowers in pairs. No taller than 2 inches tall, partridgeberry makes an attractive woodland creeper.
Common cinquefoil (Potentilla simplex) A low growing perennial with flowers and leaves arising from runners on separate stalks. Runners are 6-20 inches long. Has five-parted leaves and five-petaled, yellow flowers.
And if you want to use a vine as a groundcover and forgo the blooms, you might consider these:
American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens)
Saw greenbrier (Smilax bon-nox) (beware of the thorns on this plant)
From the Image Gallery
More Plant Lists Questions
Need plants beneficial or attractive to bees in Dripping Springs, TX
January 27, 2014 - Can you provide a specific list of plants beneficial or attractive to honey bees in the Texas Hill Country (we raise bees in Dripping Springs, TX.) Thanks.
view the full question and answer
Tree Recommendations for Hutto, TX
September 28, 2014 - I live in Hutto, TX. I want shade trees in my back yard. I would like a fast growing tree as well as a slower growing tree. What trees are recommended for my area?
view the full question and answer
Plants for property in Connecticut adjacent to a salt marsh
June 10, 2012 - Hi - I live on property adjacent to a salt marsh. The salt marsh leads out to Long Island Sound. I would like to plant non-invasive native plants of Guilford, Connecticut. I do not know what plants ...
view the full question and answer
Climbing Roses for the Pacific Northwest
January 23, 2016 - I'm trying to find out which types of climbing roses may exist in the Pacific Northwest. I live in western Washington, and I have a small yard with several large hedges bordering it. I'm growing hai...
view the full question and answer
Vines to Cover Brush Pile in Maryland
April 29, 2013 - We have a large brush pile on our property that we'd intended to burn, but it is big enough now that it would require the help of the fire department! I'm thinking I'd like to cover it with native ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |