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

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.
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Three native grasses in grass mix research
April 20, 2010 - On a recent visit to the wild flower center I was informed that you had satisfactory results from the grass mix research funded by Walmart. Please let us know which 3 grasses and the percentage of e...
view the full question and answer
Dog-proof grass from The Woodlands TX
April 26, 2013 - I am looking for a hardy grass that can tolerate female dogs urine. Zoysia was suggested but I am concerned about it being invasive. Any suggestions?
view the full question and answer
Landscaping large area in Webster KY
February 10, 2012 - We just bought a house that we fell in love with. The land around it . . . well it has GREAT potential but is seriously lacking at the moment. Trying to get the farm up and running leaves very litt...
view the full question and answer
Native lawn replacement for shady areas in Austin
September 11, 2013 - Our front lawn was totally destroyed this summer during some remodeling construction. I am interested in replacing it with native grasses, but we have several oak trees that keep the area fairly shady...
view the full question and answer
Grasses for Pennsylvania
July 18, 2013 - What type of grass does the best in my area?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |