Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Your gift keeps resources like this database thriving!

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
Not Yet Rated

Saturday - March 21, 2009

From: Ft Worth, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like, Herbs/Forbs, Shrubs
Title: Plant for full sun behind waterfall
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I have a 24 inch waterfall around my pool. I need to plant something behind it. I have full sun and hot Texas weather. I will be watering everyday, so what do you think would grow well in this area?

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants isn't quite sure how big the area is and what size/type plant you are looking for and so here are suggestions for small trees, shrubbery (large and small) and herbaceous plants.

Amorpha fruticosa (desert false indigo)

Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii (Flame acanthus)

Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly milkweed)

Conoclinium coelestinum (blue mistflower)

Hibiscus laevis (halberdleaf rosemallow)

Lonicera albiflora (western white honeysuckle)

Lobelia cardinalis (cardinalflower)

Prunus mexicana (Mexican plum)

You can look at other possibilities by choosing 'North Central Texas' from the map or the pulldown menu on the Recommended Species page.  You can NARROW YOUR SEARCH by making selections under the various categories, e.g., "Habit (general appearance)", "Light requirement", etc.


Amorpha fruticosa

Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii

Asclepias tuberosa

Conoclinium coelestinum

Hibiscus laevis

Lonicera albiflora

Lobelia cardinalis

Prunus mexicana

 

 

More Grasses or Grass-like Questions

Retention pond from Hendersonville NC
April 24, 2012 - We have a retention pond that has recently been cleaned and we would like to plant perennial native plant and grass seeds that will enhance the appearance and contribute to the natural process of filt...
view the full question and answer

Grass lawn from Durham NC
October 08, 2013 - Durham, NC. Want to plant a small front grass lawn, full sun, dry. Willing to mow. Not good about watering. Advice?
view the full question and answer

Habiturf for shady areas in San Antonio TX
November 08, 2013 - Will the Habiturf grass mentioned here do well in shady areas too?
view the full question and answer

Planting turf grass in PA
October 23, 2010 - Is it too late to plant new grass in mid October in Pittsburg? Should I wait until Spring at this point?
view the full question and answer

Native Wildflowers and Grasses for Texas Acreage
April 15, 2015 - I recently purchased about 36 acres in Somervell County, Texas where cedar had been bulldozed and burned (many large spots). What would be the best native flowers or grasses to replant in that area? L...
view the full question and answer

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