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)
Thursday - January 22, 2015
From: La Grange, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Xeriscapes, Drought Tolerant, Groundcovers, Grasses or Grass-like, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Plants for a sunny, sandy site in Central Texas
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I live between La Grange and Schulenburg, Texas. My soil is sandy. Full sun, no trees. I am a senior citizen with limited funds who is allergic to Rye and Bermuda grass. I tried planting a lawn of just various types of mint plants but most of the mint has died and is not spreading. What type of drought tolerant ground cover or grass do you recommend for full sun and sandy soil about 1500 square feet. I read about Habiturf and the directions state it is NOT for sandy soil. I looked at Eco-Grass but am not certain it will live in the heat. Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated! Thank you for your time.ANSWER:
You can check through a list of plants suitable for your setting and choose those that seem desirable. I picked out a few from the list that seemed especially well suited. Bouteloua rigidiseta (Texas grama) and Bouteloua curtipendula (Sideoats grama) are grasses that do well in sandy soil. Low-growing forbs include Callirhoe involucrata (Winecup), Dalea greggii (Gregg dalea), Chrysactinia mexicana (Damianita) and Coreopsis lanceolata (Lanceleaf coreopsis). Somewhat taller-growing plants would be Asclepias tuberosa (Butterflyweed), Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii (Flame acanthus) and Ageratina havanensis (Shrubby boneset).
From the Image Gallery
More Xeriscapes Questions
Appropriate use of redbud from Austin
May 04, 2014 - I am considering purchasing a hearts of gold redbud; I
am also xeriscaping my front yard. I live in Austin,TX.
Will this tree do ok in full Tx sun (8+ hours) with once a week watering?
If this...
view the full question and answer
Cenizos browning in Houston
October 01, 2011 - After this horrible drought, I am committed to xeriscaping with native Texas plants. The few hibiscus that survived have been transplanted into pots and are thriving. I bid the tiny boxwoods a fond fa...
view the full question and answer
Five-eight foot hedge for north Texas
September 06, 2013 - I am looking to find a fairly large (preferably flowering) shrub / hedge to go along 100 feet of fence. The plants will be facing Northeast, but will be for the most part under the branches of crape m...
view the full question and answer
Plants for xeriscaping in Georgia
September 23, 2007 - Please send info regarding plants for xeriscaping in middle Georgia zone 7b. Where to get booklets, etc. Thanks.
view the full question and answer
Flowering native plants for Arizona
October 19, 2004 - I was wondering if you could help me? We are moving from California to Arizona, and I was wondering if you can tell me some flowering plants, or any plants that will thrive in the hot Arizona tempera...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |