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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Thursday - March 24, 2016
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Planting, Privacy Screening, Shade Tolerant, Herbs/Forbs, Shrubs
Title: mixed species privacy hedge in Central Texas
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I need to plant a privacy hedge along a fence line. I am in east Austin, blackland prairie soil. The soil is rich, usually at least moist but not soggy, and I find lots of worms when I dig. The fence is shaded for most of the day. I want a mix of species rather than a monoculture, the more diversity the better. I'd like some of them to be evergreens and tall (for the privacy part). I especially want plants that can help the wildlife and/or provide food and medicinals. Natives are best because I don't plan to do much maintenance. Can you recommend some species that would grow well together in the shade? Thanks!ANSWER:
Most of the tall, evergreen plants suitable for your area are relatively slow growing. Probably the best choices include Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon ), Morella cerifera (Wax myrtle ), Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain laurel) and Juniperus virginiana (Eastern red cedar).
For smaller species I suggest that you visit our Native Plant Database page and, a bit down the page on the left side click on Combination Search. Fill in the information that fits your requirements and you will get a list of suitable species to consider. I particularly recommend Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (Turk's cap or turkscap) and Mahonia trifoliolata (Agarita), shade-tolerant species that grow especially well in Austin.
Most of the plants you choose should be available at one of the local plant nurseries. Google on Native Plant Nurseries - Austin, TX.
From the Image Gallery
More Planting Questions
When to seed a native grass lawn in a drought area?
December 15, 2011 - I want to plant a native grass lawn. It is raining now. Can I plant it in December? It might not be raining in the spring if the drought continues.
view the full question and answer
Stopping erosion on bank of a Florida retention pond
July 21, 2015 - I live on a retention pond, which has had all vegetation killed by the lake doctor. As a result the bank has eroded so there is a drop off directly to the water rather than a sloping bank. What plan...
view the full question and answer
Possibility of camas being raised in Edmonton, Alberta
September 18, 2007 - I live in Edmonton, Alberta, and wish to find out how "Camassia (leichtlinii white) will fare in this zone.
view the full question and answer
Care for non-native hybrid hydrangea from Traverse City, MI
June 24, 2012 - We just planted some new Hydrangea (Summer Beauty) that we bought at a local nursery. The plants are about 3' tall with blooms on the stalks. The blooms appear to be top-heavy as most all the stalks ...
view the full question and answer
Grouping plants according to water needs
February 05, 2010 - Explain how appropriate design/grouping of plants of the same water needs would make irrigation scheduling easier?
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |