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
Tuesday - August 23, 2011
From: Indianapolis, IN
Region: Midwest
Topic: Drought Tolerant, Groundcovers
Title: Drought tolerant plants for IN
Answered by: Anne Bossart
QUESTION:
What are some plants that would do well in an east facing area near my front door? I live in Indianapolis IN. I need something that is drought resistant and will fill in a 4x3 foot walled off area that is in the nook created by my steps leading up to my bi-level home. Thank you for your help.ANSWER:
In a small space like that you will want to keep it fairly simple but will want something that will be attractive as you enter your home. I would recommend choosing one shrub and then underplanting it with short perennials or ground cover.
Although you will ultimately be limited by what plants are available in your local nurseries, you can begin the selection process by visiting our Native Plant Database. Do a Combination Search and select: Indiana, the plant type (shrubs and herbaceous perennials) and your conditions and your size requirements & preference. The list has links to detailed information pages with images.
Some plants that meet these criteria are:
Shrubs
Physocarpus opulifolius (Atlantic ninebark)
Rhus aromatica (Fragrant sumac)
Symphoricarpos orbiculatus (Coralberry)
Vaccinium corymbosum (Highbush blueberry)
Viburnum acerifolium (Mapleleaf viburnum)
Perennials (less than 1 foot tall)
Fragaria virginiana (Virginia strawberry)
Hepatica nobilis var. obtusa (Roundlobe hepatica)
Maianthemum stellatum (Starry false lily of the valley) (this can be a bit taller than one foot)
Mitchella repens (Partridgeberry)
Viola pedata (Birdfoot violet)
Cornus canadensis (Bunchberry dogwood) (one of my all time favourites, but it requires more moisture)
Here are some photos from our image gallery:
From the Image Gallery
More Groundcovers Questions
Groundcover for Poconos in Pennsylvania
March 09, 2009 - Hi Mr. Smarty Plants,
I am having a problem growing grass. I live in the Pocono mtns of Pa. my soil is not typical for this area. I have very sandy soil, probably poor quality. grass will not grow. I...
view the full question and answer
Deer proof ground cover for sunny area in Mississippi
June 09, 2012 - I am looking for a low ground cover that will thrive in a sunny location and is deer proof
view the full question and answer
Starting over on a lawn in Heath TX
April 02, 2013 - Unless one counts dichondra as grass I have more weeds than grass in my yard.I have hand pulled the weeds and used an organic program without success. The soil is a hard clay typical of North Texas. I...
view the full question and answer
Identification of plant, possibly Justicia pilosella, for groundcover
October 10, 2007 - I'm newly relocated to Texas and find I have a yard with three major types of green growing. Close to the house (and mostly shaded) is St. Augustine. Furthest out front, (unshaded) is the Bermudagra...
view the full question and answer
Does Calyptocarpus vialis (Horseherb) compete with turf grasses
October 05, 2015 - For my yard in central Austin
Does horse herb, Calyptocarpus vialis help or damage the growth of native short grasses? The grasses include Curly Mesquite and Blue Gamma planted early in the spring or...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |