Native Plants
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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.
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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.
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Friday - April 25, 2014
From: Dripping Springs, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening, Shrubs
Title: Privacy Hedge for Dripping Springs, TX
Answered by: Larry Larson
QUESTION:
We live in Dripping Springs, TX and are looking to find a suggestion for privacy hedges that are non-toxic to dogs, drought resistant, can handle rocky soil and full sun. We prefer flowering hedges. Can you give us some advice?ANSWER:
Your neighbors have asked quite similar questions a number of times! Here’s a good selection of Mr Smarty Plants work that applies to your question (with lots of commentary and advice):
Landscaping plans in Kyle TX [also concerned about toxicity to dogs]
Privacy screen for Canyon Lake, TX
Natural privacy hedge for Kyle Texas
A Bounty of Edibles for New Braunfels Texas [supporting birds, bees, butterflies]
Patio Privacy Screen Suggestions for Central Texas
Need small, fast growing trees for privacy screen in Buda, TX.
Reviewing these; the following shrubs/trees are suggested:
Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas cenizo) [Flowering]
Morella cerifera (wax myrtle) [berries & flowers]
Rhus virens (evergreen sumac) [flowers]
Ilex vomitoria (yaupon) [berries]
Sophora secundiflora (mountain laurel) [flowers]
Garrya ovata ssp. lindheimeri (Lindheimer's silktassel)
Juniperus ashei (Ashe's juniper or cedar) maybe not so recommended!
From the Image Gallery
More Shrubs Questions
Need shrubs to replace Mountain Laurel beside above ground pool in San Antonio, TX.
August 08, 2012 - We are getting rid of a Mountain Laurel because it is 5 ft. away from my above ground pool I want to plant at the base of the pool about 20 inches away some nice evergreen. Do you have any suggestio...
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Decorative small evergreen tree for Las Vegas NV
January 06, 2013 - I need a small decorative tree to be planted among a pine tree background; would prefer evergreen.
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Narrow, Small Tree for Austin, Texas Yard
December 17, 2015 - I need recommendation on what type of tree to plant between our neighbors and our home. The wall to wall space is 15 feet at best, with a fence in between. Currently we have a young mulberry but are b...
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Potted Plumbago, struggling with the heat, in Spring Texas
June 29, 2011 - Why do some of the leaves of my plumbagos that are grown in large, well-draining planters turn brown? The brown starts on the tips, then extends to the whole leaf. They get several hours of west aft...
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low-growing evergreen shrubs for thin soil
March 05, 2012 - Thanks to the winter freeze, we'll be starting fresh with the plants in the bed along the front of our house. The bed is about 13' long and faces the west, so it gets afternoon/ evening sun but no ...
view the full question and answer
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