Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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
Not Yet Rated

Wednesday - February 26, 2014

From: Milford, OH
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Replacement for boxwoods in Ohio
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I want to replace my boxwood plants but I don't know what would be a good replacement. I have a hydrangea plant that is in the middle and I would like something to go on each side of the hydrangea. It can't be over 4 feet tall and it will get morning sun. Any suggestions?

ANSWER:

Here are four possibilities to replace your boxwood plants.   All of these are natives known to grow in or very near Clermont County.  You can look for more possibilities by doing a COMBINATION SEARCH in our Native Plant Database and choosing "Ohio" from the Select State or Province option, "Shrub" from Habit (general appearance) and "3-6 ft." from Size Characteristics.

Dasiphora fruticosa ssp. floribunda (Shrubby cinquefoil)  Here are more photos and information from Go Botany New England Wild and from Plants of Wisconsin.

Rosa blanda (Smooth rose)  Here is more information from Minnesota Wildflowers and from Evergreen Native Plant Database.

Symphoricarpos albus (Common snowberry)  Here is more information from Missouri Botanical Garden and University of Connecticut Horticulture.

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus (Coralberry)  Here is more information from Missouri Botanical Garden and from Washington State University Whatcom County Extension.

 

From the Image Gallery


Shrubby cinquefoil
Dasiphora fruticosa ssp. floribunda

Smooth rose
Rosa blanda

Common snowberry
Symphoricarpos albus

Coralberry
Symphoricarpos orbiculatus

More Shrubs Questions

Privacy Screen for Heavy Clay and Full Sun in Louisiana
April 19, 2013 - What would be a fast-growing plant for privacy in Louisiana? I have heavy clay and full sun.
view the full question and answer

Care for Vauquelinia angustifolia (Chisos Rosewood)
June 08, 2008 - Hello, I have another question for you. A friend has given me a plant called "Chisos Rosewood" which they bought on a whim but decided they couldn't use. It's said to be evergreen. It's about...
view the full question and answer

Drought Tolerant Shrubs and Perennials in San Jose, CA
July 18, 2013 - Hello I am a SLT home owner in San Jose, Ca. and want to plant drought tolerant shrubs and perennials. We don't have irrigation but plan to put a timer on a nozzle and run some lines. At least I am t...
view the full question and answer

Native plants with little sun and northern exposure for New York
April 26, 2006 - I live in a co-op and want to fix up the backyard. The backyard area has a west area to plant with a northern exposure and little sun and I am looking to plant something to cover the area. I would lik...
view the full question and answer

At what age should a Mountain Laurel bloom?
March 13, 2009 - At what age should a Texas Mountain Laurel bloom? I saw your response about feeding and about how high nitrogen fertilizers can diminish blooms but is there anything that will help, eg. "super bloom...
view the full question and answer

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