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

Monday - November 16, 2009

From: Midland, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Evergreen shrubs for urns at entryway in Midland, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I am looking for plants for large urns at my entry .. prefer something evergreen. The urns are about 3' tall with an opening of 10-12" .. also prefer a plant that is not too bushy or whose roots will not become matted. Thanks for any help .....

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants can't provide you with an evergreen plant that meets all your specifications, but here are evergreen shrubs/small trees that are native to your area that would be attractive in your entry urns.  Judicious pruning should  turn them and keep them in the size and shape that you want.  One note of caution about plants growing in containers outdoors is that since they don't have the insulation of the surrounding earth, their roots are more susceptible to freezing at extreme temperatures.  Since these plants are native to your area, they will survive normal winter temperatures but if the freezing temperatures are very low or last for several days, you should take measures to protect your plants' roots.

Choisya dumosa (Mexican orange) and photos and more information

Condalia ericoides (javelin bush) and more information and photos

Condalia hookeri (Brazilian bluewood) and more information

Garrya ovata (eggleaf silktassel) and more information

Garrya wrightii (Wright's silktassel) and more information

Juniperus monosperma (oneseed juniper) and more information

Larrea tridentata (creosote bush) and more information

Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas barometer bush) and more information

Rhus virens (evergreen sumac) and more information

Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain-laurel) and more information

Vauquelinia corymbosa ssp. angustifolia (slimleaf rosewood) and more information and more with photos

PHOTOS OF SOME OF THE ABOVE PLANTS FROM OUR IMAGE GALLERY:

 

 

 

More Shrubs Questions

Plant to hang over and cover a wall
May 21, 2010 - HI! this is a stumper for me! I have a 6 foot wall bracing a hill on one side and a lawn on the other. It is currently cement and I would like to find something to cover it --evergreen would be the...
view the full question and answer

Hedge in Desert Full Sun
March 25, 2012 - We want a short hedge, 2-3 ft tall, small leaves that fill in to full looking hedge. It is in Phoenix Arizona area and gets full sun all afternoon
view the full question and answer

Transplanting Esperanza in Abilene TX
November 03, 2012 - I have 3 beautiful Gold Star Esperanzas that are too large and need to be transplanted. How can I do this and what time of year. They are five years old and always return in the spring.
view the full question and answer

Pale leaves and brown tips on Tecoma stans in Austin
November 12, 2008 - I have a Tecoma Stans planted in a large galvanized container in a sunny spot. It has grown very fast in the last few months and flowers regularly, but the leaves are pale and the tips are turning bro...
view the full question and answer

Plants for a creek bank in Northern Illinois
March 26, 2009 - Hello. I live in Northern Illinois. The creek (northern exposure in a wooded area) on the back of my property has bare muddy banks and is subject to seasonal floods. I want to plant something hardy t...
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.