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

Wednesday - September 30, 2015
From: Georgetown, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant, Herbs/Forbs, Shrubs, Vines
Title: Plants for Georgetown with shade in the AM and sun in the PM
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Hi, I live in Georgetown and I would like a recommendation for plants (shrubs and flowering perennials) that can handle deep shade until 1 or 2 pm and then have full sun blasting them til sun down. They also have the reflected heat from the garage to contend with. Are there any vegetables that can handle this as well? Oh, and of course I have heavy clay soil that I amended and the beds were dug down 8 inches and raised 4inches. Thanks!ANSWER:
This is a challenging situation. Sun in the morning and shade later in the day is a bit easier to deal with, but here are a few possibilities.
Ageratina havanensis (Shrubby boneset)
Conoclinium coelestinum (Blue mistflower)
Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (Turk's cap or turkscap)
Glandularia bipinnatifida var. bipinnatifida (Prairie verbena)
Leucophyllum frutescens (Cenizo)
Melampodium leucanthum (Blackfoot daisy)
You might consider building an arbor or pergola for a sun-loving evergreen vine that could provide some sort of relief from the fierce summer sun. Here are suggestions for vines:
Lonicera sempervirens (Coral honeysuckle)
Bignonia capreolata (Crossvine)
Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina jessamine)
For the vegetables, since they are mostly non-native cultivars you should check with the Williamson County AgriLife Extension Sevice for suggestions. Our focus and expertise are with plants native to North America. Here is a link to their vegetable information.
From the Image Gallery
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Shade-loving Grass for the Houston area
February 09, 2011 - I have an ash tree that completely shades the majority of our front yard and is not allowing the St. Augustine grass to grow. Is there a shade-loving grass good for the Houston area?
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
Alternative for sedges for turf-like lawn in shade
October 25, 2013 - When it comes to a turf-like lawn in shade, is it pretty much sedges or nothing among native options? By the way, I write from up north here in Iowa.
Thanks!
view the full question and answer
Ground cover to control erosion in Montgomery County, Texas
February 24, 2014 - I am looking for some kind of ground cover to control erosion on a north facing slope in Montgomery County, Texas. The area gets very little direct sunlight. I need something that will establish quick...
view the full question and answer
ground covers for shady areas in New York City
June 27, 2011 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants: What would be the best ground covers for big shady areas in New York City instead of lawns?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |