Native Plants
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Thursday - June 25, 2009
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Planting shade plants in 100+ weather
Answered by: Nina Hawkins
QUESTION:
I was planning on planting some columbines in a barrel and Turk's Cap and Coralberry in my yard, but hadn't counted on the extreme heat this early in the summer. Is it okay to plant these things as long as I am careful to keep them watered, or would it be a waste of my time?ANSWER:
Extreme heat is no understatement! We are setting records here in Austin this June. If you don't already have the plants, I would advise waiting until the Fall to plant your native shade plants. Fall is prime planting season in Central Texas because the mild weather allows the plants to get established and develop a strong root system during the cooler months and then have a good growing season in Spring to build up energy stores before contending with the extreme stress of our summer heat. If you can't resist, however, follow the wise instructions given in this recently answered question and your plants will have a shot at limping through the summer.
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Native grasses that are shade tolerant for Central Texas
March 26, 2010 - I recently purchased acreage in Henly (Dripping Springs area). The property has a large stand of big Live Oaks, Black Jack Oaks and Cedar Elm trees. The area has not been grazed for several years an...
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transplanting Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris)
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Small area native plant gardening for an apartment
November 14, 2008 - Mr.Smarty, We live in an apartment and are fortunate to have a small area, 5'x5', and so want color! Here in Houston the winters don't freeze much and the summers are HOT. Luckily, we are in the ...
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Low-growing plants for a slope in the shade
July 08, 2013 - Hello,
I'm looking for native plants to put in the shade (within the drip-line) of a well-established American Holly. The area gets deep shade; it is also on a very gentle north-exposure slope. We ...
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Understory shrub for shady area in San Antonio
December 03, 2008 - We would like to plant a small understory tree/shrub in an odd space that our new deck has created between our fence line and the house. A mature mountain laurel would be our dream but I think there ...
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