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)
Wednesday - March 30, 2011
From: Valley View, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: North-central Texas shrubs for part-shade
Answered by: Janice Kvale
QUESTION:
I need a shrub that will be OK in shade (2-3 hrs a day max.), in fairly well-drained soil, will grow to around 8 ft. tall and 4-6 wide, for the region between Denton and Gainesville. If it flowers, all the better. Thanks, DHANSWER:
Some shrubs are quite happy with any amount of light, any type of soil, and any amount of moisture (that's why native plants are so suited for landscaping with limited maintenance!). Most also attract butterflies and birds. All of the suggestions below are pleased with part-shade (2-6 hours shade daily), commercially available except as noted, and fall somewhere in the vicinity of your size specifications. Find out where you may be able to purchase the shrub at this link. Be sure you check out the specifics of each shrub you are considering on our Plant Database by entering the name where indicated or just click on the hyperlinked name below.
Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (Turk's cap or turkscap): Attractive red flowers, on the shorter side of 8 ft.
Vaccinium corymbosum (Highbush blueberry): Produces edible berries.
Morella cerifera (Wax myrtle): Great screening plant popular for landscapes.
Rhus aromatica (Fragrant sumac): Fragrant, sprawling and fast growing.
Lindera benzoin (Northern spicebush): Tiny, yellow and aromatic flowers, red fruit, fast growing.
Forestiera pubescens (Stretchberry): Flowers are not showy but attract birds and butterflies. May or may not be commercially available.
Elaeagnus commutata (Silverberry/wild olive): Fast growing and long lived with tiny scented flowers. Forms patches of suckers.
Amorpha fruticosa (Indigo bush): Fine textured foliage on upper part of plant; blue to purple blossoms.
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Grass for dense shade in Simpsonville SC
May 12, 2010 - We live in Simpsonville, SC. Our back yard leads back into very dense woods. It is extremely shady, virtually no direct sun for any length of time. We have a hard time growing grass here. What type of...
view the full question and answer
Shrubs and other plants for shady area in Austin
March 22, 2010 - I am looking for what kind of shrubs, plants that I can plant under my very shady oak trees in South Austin. Soil is good, I want to have some lushness under my trees instead of dirt, I have a small a...
view the full question and answer
Privacy hedge for shady area
March 27, 2009 - We are looking to plant a privacy hedge around the perimeter of our yard that will grow to 6 or 8 feet tall - some of the perimeter is exposed to sun and we will likely go with evergreen sumac - howev...
view the full question and answer
Vine for shaded area in Austin
February 15, 2009 - Hi! I live in South Austin, and love my backyard. It is enclosed by chain-link fencing, and shrouded by (ack!) Hackberry trees. I would like to plant a vine on one fence to provide a privacy screen. T...
view the full question and answer
Grasses for shady areas
November 24, 2013 - I would like to know which grasses would grow in mostly shady part of the house.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |