Native Plants
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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Thursday - July 01, 2010
From: San Angelo, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Container Gardens, Shrubs
Title: Native small tree or shrub for container in San Angelo, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
We live in San Angelo TX and are looking for some type of a bush/tree that will grow in a pot in a shaded area..we would like something that would grow to be about 5-6 feel tall and be rather narrow..no more than 3-foot wide. This would be for our front entry area. What might you recommend?ANSWER:
First of all, I suggest that you read our How to Article, Container Gardening with Native Plants, with information about establishing and maintaining your container shrub. One thing you should keep in mind is that plants in containers are more susceptible to freezing temperatures than those that are planted in the ground. Their roots don't have the insulation of the soil to protect them. You will need to remember to protect them during extreme cold.
Sorry, but we aren't going to be able recommend shrubs/small trees that exactly meet your criteria. Some of the ones below reach a maximum height that exceeds your requirements, but they generally grow slowly and can be pruned. Their shape may not naturally be what you are looking for (slender); but, for any of them, you can do some judicious pruning to keep them narrow enough for your purposes. Some of them don't do well in heavy shade but will work in partial shade. Although you don't say so, I suspect that you are looking for an evergreen tree/shrub to stand by your door, so here are evergreen possibilities for shrubs/small trees native to your area of Texas:
Ilex vomitoria (yaupon) will grow in sun, part shade and shade; here is more information.
Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas barometer bush) will grow in sun and part shade; here is more information.
Rhus virens (evergreen sumac) will grow in sun and part shade; here is more information.
Juniperus ashei (Ashe's juniper) grows in sun and part shade; here is more information.
Juniperus pinchotii (Pinchot's juniper) grows in sun and part shade; here is more information.
Juniperus virginiana (eastern redcedar) will grow in sun, part shade and shade; here is more information.
Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain-laurel) grows in sun and part shade; here is more information.
More Shrubs Questions
Native grasses and shrubs for Houston project
November 21, 2008 - I am working on a project in Houston. As part of the sustainable approach of the project, I would like to plant native / adaptive, non-invasive grasses and shrubs. It is key that they use little wat...
view the full question and answer
Wind and erosion tolerant plants from Austin
August 05, 2013 - I recently cleared a fire break by removing cedar from around my home in West Austin. I'd like to plant the exposed NW facing slope with native shrubs and trees. Looking for selections that can wit...
view the full question and answer
What fertilizer can make potted plants flower in Austin, TX?
July 05, 2011 - I have a Lantana and esmarelda planted in large pots. They froze last winter but have both come back strong except they do not bloom even though I have fertilized. Is there something special I need ...
view the full question and answer
Drought resistant plants or flowering shrubs with pink flowers
September 15, 2006 - I need a hardy, drought resistant flower or flowering shrub for my renter, who likes pink flowers. She doesn't remember to water and most likely won't do any weeding. Area is Corinth, TX.
view the full question and answer
Identification of fragrant, white-flowered bush in Arizona
April 14, 2013 - I'd like to identify a flowering bush which has white sweet-smelling flowers.
It is growing in the Coconino National Forest in the area near the Airport vortex/Airport mesa in Sedona, Arizona.
...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |