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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Monday - August 10, 2009
From: Briarcliff, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildlife Gardens
Title: Plant for hummingbirds shelter in Briarcliff TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I am looking to grow a container plant for the birds to enjoy on my back deck. A little greenery and possibly a place to rest for the birds would be great. This faces west and has no shade. There are mostly hummingbirds on the deck and the nearest tree for rest is 15 feet away. Heat tolerance is a must. A shrub of some sort would be great. The deck is on a drop off so growing something from the ground is difficult. So far I have only attempted to grow a large Texas sotol which is doing great. Thank you, GingerANSWER:
What a lovely and generous idea. We can think of several shrubs that could be adapted to container use, would offer shelter, and nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies. If you have not already done so, we suggest you read our How-To Article Container Gardening with Native Plants. Also, follow the links on each plant we list below to learn its expected size, etc. You may have to do some pruning to keep them within the bounds you want, so be sure you determine when it's safe to prune in terms of the blooming branches. Some of the shrubs we list are deciduous, but since most of our hummingbirds are migratory, the lack of leaves should not be a deterrent. All of these shrubs are native to Travis County, and should be dependable.
Shrubs for attracting hummingbirds in Briarcliff TX
Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii (Wright's desert honeysuckle) - deciduous, blooms red, orange June to October, sun, attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
Erythrina herbacea (redcardinal) - deciduous, blooms red March to November, , sun, attracts hummingbirds. WARNING: Seeds are poisonous, should not be used where children could have access.
Lantana urticoides (West Indian shrubverbena) - semi-evergreen, blooms red, orange, yellow April to October, attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, sun
Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas barometer bush) - evergreen, blooms white, pink, violet sporadically year-round, depending on rain, sun, nectar for insects, and cover
Salvia greggii (autumn sage) - evergreen, blooms white, red, pink March to May, sun, nectar source for bees and butterflies
Senna lindheimeriana (velvet leaf senna) - dedicuous, blooms yellow August to October, sun, attracts birds, butterflies
Pictures from our Native Plant Database
More Wildlife Gardens Questions
Will hybrid Tecoma stans attract hummingbirds from Glendale AZ
July 07, 2012 - We bought a bells of fire plant; would like to know if hummingbirds like them?
view the full question and answer
Horse-friendly plants for Powell OH
September 24, 2010 - I am looking for horse friendly plants, i.e., shrubs, trees, bushes, etc. that can be planted in wet area in Ohio. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
view the full question and answer
Native landscaping and wildlife gardening in Clifton, TX
November 29, 2004 - I am moving to Clifton, TX, and I will have an empty lot in the town along with my own home/lot. What kind of soil can I expect? I want to grow a wildflower site to just sit and enjoy and feed the a...
view the full question and answer
Is Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay) a major nectar source for honeybees?
January 31, 2015 - Is the Sweetbay Magnolia a major nectar source for honeybees?
view the full question and answer
Plants for hummingbirds and butterflies in Galveston County TX
September 09, 2014 - I am looking for native plants for a butterfly and hummingbird garden. I plan on putting the hummingbird garden in part shade and would like some Fall blooming plants to attract them during migration....
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |