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
Friday - March 27, 2009
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Shrub for shade in Austin, Texas.
Answered by: Damon Waitt
QUESTION:
Live in Austin, Texas and need to plant a shrub or plant that will grow well in little to no sun. Can grow 4 feet in heightANSWER:
There are a number of small, native, shade tolerant shrubs that would do well in Austin, Texas. A search of the Recommended Species list for Central Texas for shade tolerant shrubs yielded 20 results. Of those results, Mr. Smarty Plants is partial to Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (wax mallow), Callicarpa americana (American beautyberry), and Pavonia lasiopetala (Texas swampmallow) but you might also try the lesser known Amorpha fruticosa (desert false indigo), Mimosa borealis (fragrant mimosa) or even Erythrina herbacea (redcardinal).
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Ground cover for shady site in Tyler TX
February 24, 2009 - I live in Tyler Texas and have a lot of shade and sandy soil. No grass will grow and I was wondering if I should look at ground cover instead? If so, what grows in shade and sand? I have tried sever...
view the full question and answer
Plants for a Narrow, Dry, Shaded Site in Georgia
April 03, 2014 - I am writing from Valdosta, GA. Could you please suggest three perennial shrubs and/or plants that flower at different times of the spring and summer? Also ones that can be planted in a 2 ft. wide s...
view the full question and answer
Shade tolerant vines for Mobile AL
May 07, 2013 - I am looking for an evergreen vine that will thrive in the shade in hot and humid south Alabama. I plan to plant on a trellis. A flowering vine would be even better.
view the full question and answer
Hanging flowering plants in part shade in Denton, TX
September 18, 2008 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
I'd like to hang 4"-6" pots with flowering plants from north-facing eaves. That area gets an hour or so of late-morning/noon sun. Also, my apt. faces a large courtyard so...
view the full question and answer
Native plants for area shaded by crabapple in Philadelphia
September 19, 2008 - Can you recommend native plants about 4' tall to plant under a crabapple in the corner of a yard in front of a fence? Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |