Explore Plants

Share

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.

Search Smarty Plants
    
 

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
Not Yet Rated

Tuesday - September 01, 2009

From: Boise, ID
Region: Rocky Mountain
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Shrubs with sparse leaves and flowers for creek in Idaho
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I am looking for several shrubs that have spindly limbs and sparse leaves with flowers. The idea is to place them in front of windows or other views to add a lacey/veiled effect for the observer. I live along a creek, zones 5-7 with naturally growing Ponderosa Pines. Deer do pass by but not often.

ANSWER:

Usually, people are looking for dense shrubbery to hide eyesores.  I can't remember someone asking for spindly limbs and sparse leaves before.  Anyway, here are a few that I found that met your criteria for flowers—the sparse leaves and spindly limbs are probably a matter of individual perception, however, so you will have to decide if these meet your criteria.  You can look yourself for more shrubs for Idaho landscaping by doing a COMBINATION SEARCH in our Native Plant Database and selecting Idaho from the Select State or Province option and 'Shrub' from the Habit (general appearance) option.  

Amelanchier alnifolia (Saskatoon serviceberry).  Here is more information.

Ceanothus sanguineus (redstem ceanothus).  Here are photos and more information.

Ceanothus velutinus (snowbrush ceanothus).  Here is more information.

Philadelphus lewisii (Lewis' mock orange).  Here is more information.

Purshia tridentata (antelope bitterbrush).  Here is more information.

Rhododendron albiflorum (Cascade azalea).  Here is more information.

Sorbus scopulina (Greene's mountain ash).  Here is more information.

 

 

 

 

 

More Shrubs Questions

White blooms on Rose Pavonia from Austin
May 02, 2012 - Hi Mr. Smarty Plants, I've planted my entire South Austin garden with natives from your excellent recommendations and I wanted to thank you, the garden is just beautiful! So here is my questio...
view the full question and answer

Native plants for backyard in Michigan
March 12, 2009 - I am an inexperienced gardener but would love to know the best plants/bushes to plant in my backyard. I would love floral and fragrant. I am in Southwest Michigan, near New Buffalo and since this is...
view the full question and answer

Plants for red clay in Hattiesburg, MS
May 16, 2011 - Looking for plants and flowers to plant in red clay?
view the full question and answer

Native replacement for Mexican heather in Llano, TX
April 24, 2009 - Please suggest a native or adaptable alternative plant for Mexican Heather.
view the full question and answer

Shade loving plants with color for Irving, Texas
July 01, 2010 - Looking for shade loving perennials or annuals with color - native and low water. Live in Irving, Texas.
view the full question and answer

Smarty Plants's Facebook profile 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.