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

Wednesday - September 16, 2009

From: Denton, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Small shrubs for flower bed in Denton, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I have a small flowerbed that faces south on the front of my house. What small shrubs would be best in that situation?

ANSWER:

Visit our Texas-North Central Recommended list for commercially available native plants for landscapes in North Central Texas.  You can use the NARROW YOUR SEARCH option to limit the list by choosing 'Shrub' from the General Appearance category.  You can also choose other characteristics that match your site (e.g., from Light Requirement and/or Soil Moisture).  Here are a few choices from that list:

Lantana urticoides (West Indian shrubverbena)

Salvia greggii (autumn sage)

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus (coralberry)

Rhus aromatica (fragrant sumac) can be pruned to maintain a smaller shrub.

Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii (Wright's desert honeysuckle)

Here is another possibility recommended in the Wasowskis' book Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region

Dalea frutescens (black prairie clover)

 

 

 

More Shrubs Questions

Need shrubs to replace Mountain Laurel beside above ground pool in San Antonio, TX.
August 08, 2012 - We are getting rid of a Mountain Laurel because it is 5 ft. away from my above ground pool I want to plant at the base of the pool about 20 inches away some nice evergreen. Do you have any suggestio...
view the full question and answer

Moving a volunteer holly from Springfield IL
October 11, 2010 - When would be the very best time to move a volunteer holly? I would say it is 3 years old, it stands about 5 feet tall, shaped like a very nice tree and it keeps its leaves. Thank you. Karen
view the full question and answer

Recommendations for native plants for Dallas Co., TX
May 12, 2007 - Looking for a Recommendation: Can you suggest a plant that meets the following requirements? ENVIRONMENT -- - I live in Garland, in Dallas County, TX. - The soil is primarily clay. - Full sun...
view the full question and answer

Shrub that does not attract birds in Michigan
June 17, 2009 - Does a "Center Glow" ninebark have seeds? I want a shrub that does NOT attract birds!
view the full question and answer

Identification of shrub with purple flowers in Las Vegas, Nevada
July 13, 2011 - Large purple flower shrub, flowers are on long stems. Round flowers with green leaves on the stalks, used as front yard landscaping in a new house in Las Vegas NV. Very drought tolerant, shrub grows ...
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.