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

Tuesday - June 24, 2008
From: Charlotte, NC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Plants to put beside driveway
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have a 100 foot dying grassy side to my driveway. It is about 5 foot wide. What could I plant that would not look like soldiers but be at least 4 foot high and I could use mulch or needles to beautify?ANSWER:
Here are some suggestions from our Recommended Species for North Carolina list of native species that are commercially available for landscaping solutions. These have varied shapes and textures and could be mixed for even more variety. You can find more shrubs from the above list by choosing the Narrow Your Search option and select 'Shrub' from the Habit (general appearance) category.
Comptonia peregrina (sweet fern)
Erythrina herbacea (coralbean)
Hypericum prolificum (shrubby St. Johnswort)
Morella cerifera (wax myrtle) This species is evergreen and there are dwarf cultivars available.
Physocarpus opulifolius (common ninebark)
Rhus aromatica (fragrant sumac)
Symphoricarpos orbiculatus (coralberry)
More Shrubs Questions
Evergreen shrub for northwest-facing wall
June 09, 2012 - Can you suggest a tall (8-10') evergreen shrub for a site against a northwest-facing wall which gets no sun in the winter but full sun in the summer? Texas sage got too leggy and viburnum will be to...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification shrub with lavender flowers
August 28, 2009 - Looking for picture of flowering shrub,looks like a butterfly,two shades of lavender, don't know the name.
view the full question and answer
Need suggestions for privacy hedge in New River, AZ.
June 05, 2012 - Hi! I live on a acre that is fenced and cross-fenced with 6' chain link. I am desperate to find a drought tolerant, very low water, non-toxic, fast growing privacy hedge or vine that I can plant arou...
view the full question and answer
Hedge plant for Maui.
February 17, 2009 - Question: I live in Pukalani, Maui, Hawaii and would like to put a "living fence" around my yard for some privacy. Ideally, I want something that is going to grow fast and about 8+ feet tall for a h...
view the full question and answer
Need suggestions for a small tree for cemetery in NH.
August 30, 2012 - I would like suggestions for picking a SMALL tree for a rural cemetery in Winchester, NEW HAMPSHIRE. Would the delicate Japanese Elm be suitable for the weather, etc?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |