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
Friday - March 26, 2010
From: Calera, AL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Erosion Control, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Plants with color for steep slope in Calera, Alabama
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have a large steep slope in my back yard that the developer called a privacy break. It has poor soil and gets full sun. I have planted muhly and maiden grasses but would like some color. The slope is very hard to walk on and need something with low maintenance. I live in Calera Alabama. Can you please help me?ANSWER:
Here are some plants that are native to your area that produce colorful blooms in full sun that should do well on your slope:
Gaillardia pulchella (firewheel)
Oenothera speciosa (pinkladies)
Monarda citriodora (lemon beebalm)
Rudbeckia hirta (blackeyed Susan)
Chamaecrista fasciculata (partridge pea)
Glandularia bipinnatifida var. bipinnatifida (Dakota mock vervain)
Liatris elegans (pinkscale blazing star)
Here are photos of the above plants from our Image Gallery:
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Low growing, flowering evergreen plants for Pflugerville TX
March 30, 2010 - I am wondering if you can suggest some low growing, flowering evergreen plants for my garden.
view the full question and answer
Hummingbird Bushes for Broken Arrow OK
August 27, 2014 - I am looking for bushes that attract hummingbirds. I live in Broken Arrow, OK. Can you recommend some?
view the full question and answer
Plants for farm animals from East Greenwich RI
May 03, 2014 - What type of perennial flowers and shrubs are safe to plant around farm animals (dogs, horses, chickens, turkeys) in New England climate?
view the full question and answer
Suggestions for native perennials in Staten Island, NY
April 03, 2008 -
My back yard garden has a good base of evergreen shrubs and perennials all doing well in clayish soil and I am ready now to add color and texture in an area with partial sun. Can you suggest hardy...
view the full question and answer
Seasonal tasks for Big Red Sage and Tall Aster in Marble Falls TX
January 09, 2012 - I transplanted some Big Red Sage and Tall Aster into my raised bed garden in early summer this year. They've sent up lots of rosettes. Do I need to protect them from freezing in winter? Do I need to ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |