Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

DONATE TODAY

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

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
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

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!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
3 ratings

Friday - September 25, 2009

From: Lexington, NC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Hibiscus to grow in partial shade in North Carolina
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

What variety of hibiscus can I plant in Lexington, NC? Are there any variaties that tolerate partial shade?

ANSWER:

There are four species native to North Carolina:

Hibiscus aculeatus (comfortroot)  grows in sun and part shade.

Hibiscus coccineus (scarlet rosemallow) requires sun.

Hibiscus laevis (halberdleaf rosemallow) grows in sun and part shade.

Hibiscus moscheutos (crimsoneyed rosemallow) grows in sun and part shade.


Hibiscus aculeatus

Hibiscus coccineus

Hibiscus laevis

Hibiscus moscheutos

 
 

More Shade Tolerant Questions

Native evergreen for shade
August 28, 2008 - Hi, I am looking for a plant that is evergreen (or semi evergreen), native to central Texas, and shade tolerant. This is for a Wildscape area in San Marcos. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks!
view the full question and answer

Plants for a mixed border in Houston
February 22, 2010 - I live in Houston and have a flowerbed I'd like to fill with plants that will look good year-round. The back is already lined with 6-foot shrubs so nothing like that. I'd like something with colorf...
view the full question and answer

Erosion control for steep shady hillside in Massachusetts
September 02, 2010 - What would be a good plant for erosion control on a steep, very shady hillside in Massachusetts?
view the full question and answer

Native vine for shade on west side in Texas
July 21, 2008 - I have just put in a trellis to cover the west side of my house for shade. What would be the best native vine to put their for quick growth. I plan on putting a rose (Fortunia) but can't do that till...
view the full question and answer

What will grow under a California Pepper tree?
April 03, 2009 - What will grow under a California Pepper tree with a shady area oak tree nearby in a coastal community?
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.