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?

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
1 rating

Tuesday - March 10, 2009

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Herbs/Forbs, Shrubs
Title: Roses or other flowering plants for Coleman, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I want to plant native roses at a country home in Coleman Co., southern exposure, with well water, drip system,but ,hot, dry & windy! I know the Mutabilis does well in Austin, but, is it suitable for West TX? Would appreciate any other suggestions for roses and flowering shrubs. Thanks!

ANSWER:

As lovely as it is Rosa chinensis 'Mutabilis' (China rose) is not a plant native to North America and since our focus and expertise is with plants native to North America, we can't really help in deciding about the suitability of a non-native rose to your area.  I suggest you speak with a reputable nursery in the area or consult the Coleman County Extension Office for advice about non-native roses.  Although there are several native roses that grow in Texas, none of them are shown to grow in, or even near, Coleman County.  There are other flowering shrubs that I can recommend, however, for that area.

Calylophus berlandieri ssp. pinifolius (Berlandier's sundrops)

Ageratina havanensis (Havana snakeroot)

Amorpha fruticosa (desert false indigo)

Eysenhardtia texana (Texas kidneywood)

Lantana urticoides (West Indian shrubverbena)

Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas barometer bush)

Mimosa borealis (fragrant mimosa)

Rhus virens (evergreen sumac)

Senna roemeriana (twoleaf senna)

Salvia greggii (autumn sage)


Calylophus berlandieri ssp. pinifolius

Ageratina havanensis

Amorpha fruticosa

Eysenhardtia texana

Lantana urticoides

Leucophyllum frutescens

Mimosa borealis

Rhus virens

Senna roemeriana

Salvia greggii

 

 

 

More Herbs/Forbs Questions

Flower color under large pine tree from South Elgin IL
April 05, 2013 - I have a very large pine tree that I would like to plant some flowers under. I have hostas, stonecrop and fern, but like to add some color. What do you suggest? Thank you.
view the full question and answer

Propagation of quincula lobata from Alleyton TX
July 20, 2011 - Quincula lobata..how to propagate and when?
view the full question and answer

Blossom fall after rain on Polystachys lutea, Shrimp Lollipop
July 17, 2008 - I live in San Antonio and had previously bought shrimp lollipop plants and after the rain we had recently all the blooms fell off. So my question is did it die or should I just leave it alone?
view the full question and answer

Plants for a drainage easement in central Texas
September 29, 2008 - I have a 1/3 acre of drainage easement behind my home. I would like to cover it with wildflowers. It is only wet during or shortly after a rain and otherwise does not have water. I have channelled ...
view the full question and answer

Pollinators for Palm Springs, CA
June 18, 2015 - Just moved to Palm Springs, California. Hot and dry, desert region. What bee and pollinator-friendly plants would do well with full afternoon sun?
view the full question and answer

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