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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.

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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.

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Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

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Saturday - March 21, 2009

From: Ft Worth, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like, Herbs/Forbs, Shrubs
Title: Plant for full sun behind waterfall
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I have a 24 inch waterfall around my pool. I need to plant something behind it. I have full sun and hot Texas weather. I will be watering everyday, so what do you think would grow well in this area?

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants isn't quite sure how big the area is and what size/type plant you are looking for and so here are suggestions for small trees, shrubbery (large and small) and herbaceous plants.

Amorpha fruticosa (desert false indigo)

Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii (Flame acanthus)

Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly milkweed)

Conoclinium coelestinum (blue mistflower)

Hibiscus laevis (halberdleaf rosemallow)

Lonicera albiflora (western white honeysuckle)

Lobelia cardinalis (cardinalflower)

Prunus mexicana (Mexican plum)

You can look at other possibilities by choosing 'North Central Texas' from the map or the pulldown menu on the Recommended Species page.  You can NARROW YOUR SEARCH by making selections under the various categories, e.g., "Habit (general appearance)", "Light requirement", etc.


Amorpha fruticosa

Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii

Asclepias tuberosa

Conoclinium coelestinum

Hibiscus laevis

Lonicera albiflora

Lobelia cardinalis

Prunus mexicana

 

 

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