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 - July 08, 2016
From: Round Rock, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Groundcovers, Shade Tolerant, Grasses or Grass-like, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Plants for a moist, shady spot in central Texas
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I am looking for a plant that will grow in almost full shade with plenty of moisture along a fence. We are looking at putting down some flagstone with possibly some moss growing in between, but we don't want it to take over the St. Augustine that is in the rest of the lawn. Thank you!ANSWER:
I guess that you are looking for plants that are relatively low-growing near the flagstones. If you go to our Native Plant Database page and click on Combination Search you can enter the parameters that suit your needs and get a list of species that may be suitable.
I have taken a few species from that listing that I know do well in central Texas. Salvia lyrata (Lyreleaf sage), Aquilegia chrysantha (Golden columbine), Aquilegia chrysantha var. hinckleyana (Hinckley's golden columbine), Packera obovata (Golden groundsel), Scutellaria ovata (Heartleaf skullcap), Thelypteris kunthii (Wood fern), Carex amphibola (Creek sedge), Salvia coccinea (Scarlet sage) and Ruellia humilis (Low wild petunia). These plants thrive in shady and moist sites.
Many of these species should be available at plant nurseries in your area. Examples are Barton Creek Nursery and the Natural Gardener in the Austin vicinity.
From the Image Gallery
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Caring for a wildflower meadow in Austin, TX.
March 22, 2016 - We have a meadow full of wildflowers in the country, bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, etc. What can we do to promote continued growth and is there a certain time of year we should mow? Should we fe...
view the full question and answer
Pruning of native perennial blooming plants
March 22, 2008 - Hello -
I am still a newbie at using Native Texas plants (but loving them!), and I need pruning assistance. When (and how much) do I prune: hot lips salvia, hummingbird bush (anisthcanthus wrightii...
view the full question and answer
Non-toxic plants for dog yard from Freeport PA
June 24, 2012 - I'm looking for wildlife-friendly native plants that aren't toxic to dogs. I have a place for some small shrubs and/or flowers. And a climbing vine that I could train on a trellis would work espec...
view the full question and answer
Lilies not blooming from Austin
May 03, 2013 - Last December 8, you published a letter in the Statesman that I had written to you regarding Rain Lilies, Oxblood Lilies, and Copper Lilies. The were sprouting in my garage in a bag. You recommended...
view the full question and answer
Native Plant for Containers in Delaware
June 23, 2015 - I live on the East Coast. I have a large covered porch that only gets some afternoon sun. I have tried full sun, partial sun and shade plants, and had no luck with them thriving. Can you recommend any...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |