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

Thursday - June 18, 2015

From: Tyler, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Water Gardens, Planting, Ferns, Grasses or Grass-like, Herbs/Forbs, Shrubs, Trees
Title: Poolside plants for East Texas
Answered by: Guy Thompson

QUESTION:

What are the best plants, shrubs, ornamental trees, etc. for poolside planting in East Texas?

ANSWER:

I am not sure if you mean swimming pool or naturalized pool.  Presumably the latter, and you need plants that prefer wet or moist conditions.  Our Native Plant Database lists quite a few species well suited for wet or moist sites in East Texas.  Scanning through these you will find low-growing herbs, shrubs and trees. You may also find this website containing aquatic plants and plants for very wet locations useful.  Many of these native plant species can be found in your local plant nurseries.  Seeds suitable for your needs can be obtained from Native American Seeds.

 

More Herbs/Forbs Questions

Light requirements for Heartleaf Skullcap from Smithville TX
June 29, 2011 - How much sun or shade does Heartleaf Skullcap need?
view the full question and answer

It's so hot, even the Salvia greggii are sad, in Bulverde Texas
July 28, 2011 - I have several Salvia greggii in large terra cotta pots. The leaves have developed a yellowish tint and are thinning. What is the best process to get them back to full green foilage?
view the full question and answer

Hillside Erosion Control for Gainesville GA
August 07, 2013 - I have a steep bare hill and the runoff from it is heavy this year. I need help with a fast growing groundcover that will help control erosion and runoff. Planting on the hill is difficult because you...
view the full question and answer

Groundcovers & Shrubs for Shade in North Carolina
April 30, 2013 - Mr Smarty Pants, My neighbor planted cypress trees as a border between his yard and ours and it is sucking up every drop of water and nutrient. We also have a purple plum in the area which creates ...
view the full question and answer

Optimum planting time for perennials and trees
November 02, 2007 - Our group is running out of fall workdays. Is it OK to plant native perennials and small trees in Central Texas during the winter months? Or should we wait now until the spring?
view the full question and answer

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