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
Saturday - October 03, 2009
From: Cypress, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Herbs/Forbs, Vines
Title: Texas natives for a small garden with red flowers
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have a garden that is 4' deep, what can I put there that is a Texas native, I would really like some color (preferably red)also it needs to be able to grow tall (8 - 10')ANSWER:
Most plants that are going to grow 8 to 10 feet tall are going to be woody plants, i.e., shrubs or small trees. Here are a few that have red blossoms and will do well in Harris County:
Aesculus pavia (red buckeye) grows up to 15 feet.
Erythrina herbacea (redcardinal) grows to 6 feet with beautiful red blossoms.
Cercis canadensis (eastern redbud) grows up to 30 feet.
Ilex decidua (possumhaw) produces red berries.
If you have a place for a vine, there are two that are evergreen and produce red flowers. On a trellis you could grow them to 8 to 10 feet.
Lonicera sempervirens (trumpet honeysuckle)
Bignonia capreolata (crossvine)
There are a few perennial non-woody plants with red blossoms that grow relatively tall. Here are three:
Ipomopsis rubra (standing-cypress) up to 6 feet tall.
Lobelia cardinalis (cardinalflower) up to 6 feet.
Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (wax mallow) can grow up to 9 feet tall.
Now, it is possible that you were looking for red fall foliage. If that is the case, you should send in another question to Mr. Smarty Plants and we will have another go at your request.
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Landscaping in the Southern California desert.
October 16, 2007 - We are located in southern California in Lake Havasu. I'm trying to landscape sloping areas. I have arrow weeds (Pluchea sericea) and want to get rid of them permanently. How can I achieve this or...
view the full question and answer
Color year round, welcome to Austin Texas.
December 04, 2011 - I am new to Austin and want to plant colorful flowers for fall and winter that get a "wow" reaction. I have not seen much at the local nurseries. Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated!
view the full question and answer
Pictures and information on Scutellaris laterifolia, Blue Skullcap
June 19, 2006 - I am trying to find information on Scutellaria laterifolia (skullcap), of the plant family "labiatea".
Do you have any info or pictures?
Thanks.
view the full question and answer
Plants for shade, poor soil in Park Ridge NJ
June 17, 2010 - Hello! I live in far northeast New Jersey, by the New York state border. I am looking for plants for areas of my lawn that nothing currently grows in - due to shade and poor soil quality - very rocky,...
view the full question and answer
Shady Perennial Groundcover Suggestions for Indiana
April 21, 2013 - Could you please recommend perennial groundcovers for Indiana that are low and leafy, self-spreading, non-invasive, deer resistant, and moisture tolerant; and that are good for erosion control on a sh...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |