Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Saturday - January 30, 2010
From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Container Gardens
Title: Native plants for containers on patio in Houston
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
What native plants in Texas (I live in Houston) will do well in pots on my patio- they get about 1/2 day sunlight. Is there anything shrub-like that will live from year to year? Thank youANSWER:
First of all, I would like to recommend that you read our "How to Article", Container Gardening with Native Plants. It gives you suggestions and particulars about choosing pots, soil, plants, etc., and then how to maintain your container garden. Below is a list of plants suitable for containers in the Houston area. You will need to consider their size, sunlight requirements and other aspects of each plant by reading "Plant Characteristics" and "Growing Conditions" under each species to determine if they meet the conditions in the area you want your container plant to grow. Besides the ones listed below, there are other plants for your area that could do well as container plants. You can look at the Texas-East Recommended List for other possibilities that appeal to you.
Conoclinium coelestinum (blue mistflower)
Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf hydrangea)
Lantana urticoides (West Indian shrubverbena)
Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (wax mallow)
Monarda fistulosa (wild bergamot)
Phlox drummondii (annual phlox)
Sabal minor (dwarf palmetto). This is an evergreen.
Morella cerifera [syn. Myrica cerifera and Myrica pusilla] (wax myrtle). There are dwarf varieties that grow only about 5 feet tall. This is also an evergreen.
Here are photos of the above species from our Image Gallery:
More Container Gardens Questions
Native plants for container gardens in Central Texas
March 11, 2008 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants: I moved to TX last year, for now living in an apartment with a good-size but shady deck; my garden in VA was full of VA native plants. What TX natives, if any, can I grow in ...
view the full question and answer
Plants for big pots by pool in Austin
August 14, 2012 - Could you please suggest some plants to put in big pots out by my pool? They will get lots of heat and sun.
Thanks.
view the full question and answer
Problem garden strip in Austin
May 22, 2014 - Currently I live in the west half of a duplex. There is a small strip of dirt about two feet wide between the wall and the sidewalk in the backyard. It faces west, meaning it only gets sunlight duri...
view the full question and answer
Hanging plants for Austin, TX
May 18, 2014 - I'm looking for a hanging potted flower suggestion for Austin. Most locations are shaded under a large tree, but some locations may have several hours of afternoon sun. I'd love to see some hummin...
view the full question and answer
Type of clumping bamboo for outdoor planters from Plano TX
March 25, 2014 - What type of clumping bamboo can be grown outdoors in planters in Dallas,TX?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |