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
Monday - March 03, 2014
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Container Gardens
Title: Hanging container for west-facing house in Austin TX
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I'd like to put a hanging container in front of my house. The front of my house faces west and gets very hot in the summer time, with full sun in the afternoon/evening. What native Texan plants could I put in a hanging planter that won't mind being baked and dried out?ANSWER:
First, let me recommend that you read Container Gardening with Native Plants. Next, I recommend that you look at the list in Native Plants for Container Gardens in Central Texas. We also have a list of Drought Resistant Plants for Texas and Beyond. Comparing the two lists should give several choices for your hanging container. Here are a few that I think would do well:
Chrysactinia mexicana (Damianita)
Engelmannia peristenia (Engelmann's daisy)
Glandularia bipinnatifida var. bipinnatifida (Prairie verbena)
Lantana urticoides (Texas lantana)
Melampodium leucanthum (Blackfoot daisy)
Pavonia lasiopetala (Rock rose)
Even though these plants love the sun and are drought resistant and heat tolerant, you are still going to need to water them. How often? It will depend on the temperature and the natural rainfall. You will have to judge that for yourself.
From the Image Gallery
More Container Gardens Questions
Container native plants for New York area
June 10, 2009 - I live near Lake Ontario (zip 14098). Would like to know what to plant in window boxes that have southern exposure and are in direct sun 4-6 hrs a day
view the full question and answer
Moving potted plants from California to Georgetown TX
February 10, 2012 - Hi, I am moving from Gilroy CA to Georgetown TX, I have many potted plants I would love to take with me but I am not sure what would survive in my new location. These plants have been cared for so ma...
view the full question and answer
Non-native and invasive bamboos from Staten Island, NY
May 19, 2013 - Hi I put some black Bamboo and some bias Bamboo in a large container about 6ft by 2ft and ht 18 inches .How can I get this Bamboo to thrive ? Suggestions on types of plant food or fertilizer or ant t...
view the full question and answer
Small area native plant gardening for an apartment
November 14, 2008 - Mr.Smarty, We live in an apartment and are fortunate to have a small area, 5'x5', and so want color! Here in Houston the winters don't freeze much and the summers are HOT. Luckily, we are in the ...
view the full question and answer
Container Gardening with Native Plants
March 20, 2004 - I live in an apartment and I’d like to grow native plants. Will they grow in containers?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |