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 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)
More Shrubs Questions
Further information on Melochia tomentosa in San Antonio
May 29, 2009 - Information in your database is limited for Melochia tomentosa. I would appreciate any further information you can provide such as requirements for sunlight, soils, water,etc.
view the full question and answer
How will my Texas Mountain Laurel survive clay soil?
June 09, 2009 - Mr. Smarty Pants:
I live in a new neighborhood (brownfield site) in Central Austin where the developers have put fill in the yards. After not much more than 2 inches of topsoil you encounter fairl...
view the full question and answer
Shrubs for North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
March 19, 2010 - What shrubs can I plant on the west-facing side of my home? The way the house sits, these shrubs will only get 2-3 hours of sun, but those 2-3 hours are end-of-the-day hot! Thanks!!
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
Perennial summer blooming plant for Livonia, MI
May 22, 2009 - I want to find a plant that I can cut back in the fall, will come back in the spring, flower throughout the summer, be a medium size plant, no taller than 48", about 36" in diameter. It would get f...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |