Explore Plants
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.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Friday - March 21, 2008
From: cedar hill, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Evergreen native shrubs for poor drainage area in Cedar Hill, TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Hi! I have one (big!) bed in on the front of my house. Due to the way the house/motorcourt is built, that area (when it rains as much as it did last year!) doesn't drain well. I now have to replace some of my 'back ground' bedding plants. I am looking for something that grows 6-8 feet, and is evergreen. That part of the bed is in shade in the morning, but receives afternoon sun (not direct sun, however). It would also be good if it didn't require much water, as we are trying (very hard) to limit watering (for ecological reasons). All other plants (that survived) are native Texas plants. Bonus points if it has some time of color (berries, flowers, or changing leaves). I hope I haven't asked for too much!ANSWER:
Generally, if you want something to grow that tall, you're talking shrub, not flowering plant. However, we tried to select shrubs that do have flowers or berries or Fall color. In addition, there are several choices of flowering plants that grow up to pretty good heights, but may not be evergreen. You have eight selections here, so that you can elect to plant a solid line of just one of them, intersperse them for year-round color, or differences in height and texture. These were selected, using our Plant Database, as being found in Texas, shrub in habit, perennial in duration, doing well in 2 to 6 hours of sun a day, and dry soil, so you don't have to water as much. You can use the same Plant Database and possibly find other selections you prefer. Be sure and read the webpage about each one to make sure it fits your requirements, and that you can find it and grow it in North Central Texas. Finally, go to this list of Native Plant Suppliers in Texas, and find some convenient for you. Since you live in Cedar Hill, you are probably already aware of King's Creek Gardens. They might have other native plant suggestions that will work particularly well in your area.
Erythrina herbacea (redcardinal)
Hypericum prolificum (shrubby St. Johnswort)
Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas barometer bush)
Lindera benzoin (northern spicebush)
Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (wax mallow)
Nolina lindheimeriana (devil's shoestring)
More Shrubs Questions
Short edging evergreen for IL
March 27, 2011 - I am planning on planting a short (height at maturity less than 1 foot) evergreen (and if possible flowering) shrub to border the walkway to my house. Can you give me some suggestions? The soil is mos...
view the full question and answer
Plant similar to forsythia for Kansas City KS
April 11, 2012 - I want to plant a plant very similar to Forsythia.
I want it to be tall 4-5 ft tall.
Need something that leaf changing, something besides burning bush.Former area rose beds 4 x 4 (two areas) Right ...
view the full question and answer
Identification of shrub in South Carolina
December 12, 2011 - First, I'm in Iraq but trying to write a book and have a question on a plant that grows in South Carolina. All I can do is describe it. The bush is normally green but turns red, has large leaves, kin...
view the full question and answer
Tree for on top of sewer lines from San Antonio
March 16, 2013 - I am looking for an evergreen small tree with taproot to plant in a very small front yard near the sidewalk and possibly on top of or nearly on top of sewer lines. Would a Mt. Laurel be the choice? ...
view the full question and answer
Waxy deposits on Magnolia fuscata from Ethel LA
June 18, 2013 - I have a 4yr old Magnolia Fascata (aka banana shrub)- I noticed that it has small oval shaped yellow waxy deposits on the branches.. I have also noticed small black ants on the branches. The unknown d...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
