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 06, 2010
From: Burkburnett, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Small shrub for shady area
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I would like to find a shrub to plant on the north, northeast side of my house, but it will be in mostly shade. It needs to get between 21/2' to 4' tall. Do you have any suggestions please?ANSWER:
These plants will all grow in part shade (2 to 6 hours sun per day) and some will grow in shade (less than 2 hours sun per day).
Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii (Wright's desert honeysuckle) can be pruned to the size you desire.
Callicarpa americana (American beautyberry) can be pruned each winter to keep in your size range.
Chromolaena odorata (Jack in the bush) will die back to roots in hard winter.
Ilex vomitoria (yaupon) will grow in shade, part shade and sun. There are dwarf varieties and it can be trimmed into a shrub of the desired size. Also, it is evergreen.
Mahonia trifoliolata (agarita) is evergreen and but it does have sharp spines on the end of its leaves.
Salvia regla (mountain sage) grows in shade and part shade and recommended to be pruned to encourage busy growth.
Glossopetalon planitierum (plains greasebush) grows in part shade and is low-growing.
Rhus microphylla (littleleaf sumac) grows in part shade, can be pruned and is fast-growing.
Zinnia grandiflora (Rocky Mountain zinnia) is very low-growing (6-8 inches) in part shade.
Here are some photos of the above from our Image Gallery:
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Ornamental plants for under live oaks
September 08, 2008 - What ornamental plant will do well under Live Oak trees?
view the full question and answer
Replacement for grass under non-native weeping willow from Yorba Linda CA
April 24, 2012 - What would be a good replacement for the grass currently growing under a weeping willow? Something requiring low maintenance, the problem is with mowing over and around the roots.
view the full question and answer
Plants for narrow moist shade in Dallas
October 05, 2009 - We are looking for plants in a narrow strip next to our house. It is a shady area that holds a lot of water. We would love plants that would help take water out of the soil. Do you have any suggest...
view the full question and answer
Deer resistant, drought- and shade-tolerant plant for Pennsylvania
August 14, 2012 - Hello,
I need a deer/drought resistant, shade tolerant, rocky soil perennial. I would like it to have some winter appeal. I live outside of Philadelphia, PA.
Thank you so much for your time...
view the full question and answer
Grasses for shade in McKinney TX
August 19, 2010 - Dear Sir,
We have lived in the same house for 25 years and when we originally moved in we had St. Augustine sod installed and for several years it did very well until my trees started getting bigge...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |