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.
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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.
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Tuesday - June 02, 2009
From: Wichita, KS
Region: Midwest
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Colorful shrubs for Kansas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I would like to plant some bushes or shrubs on the front side of our house which faces east. I would like them to grow 5' tall and provide beautiful color or blooms. What would be best for my location in Wichita, KS?ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants suggest that you visit our Recommended Species page and select Kansas from the map or pulldown menu. This will give you a list of commercially available native plants that are suitable for landscaping in Kansas. Your can NARROW YOUR SEARCH in this list by selecting 'Shrub' under the General Appearance characteristic. Here are 5 possibilities from that list that are near the size you are seeking. The maximum height for the smooth sumac is a little higher than you want, but you should be able to keep it pruned to a more desirable size.Amorpha fruticosa (desert false indigo)
Rhus aromatica (fragrant sumac)
Spiraea alba (white meadowsweet)
Symphoricarpos orbiculatus (coralberry)
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