Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Monday - July 26, 2010

From: New Braunfels, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Native shrub for shade in New Braunfels, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Recently moved to New Braunfels and purchased a house whose backyard consists of giant oaks. Unfortunately there is a chain link fence along the back of the property. I would like to plant a native fast growing shrub to hide the fence. The problem is the area is quite shady. Haven't gotten any advice from local nurseries.

ANSWER:

Here are a few native shrubs that will grow well in the shade (less than 2 hours sun per day) and part shade (2 to 6 hours sun per day).  When you open the page for each species, you should check the GROWING CONDITIONS to see that they are compatible with your site.

SHADE

Rhus aromatica (fragrant sumac) grows in sun, part shade and shade and is deciduous. 

Ilex vomitoria (yaupon) grows in sun, part shade and shade and is evergreen. 

Cornus drummondii (roughleaf dogwood) grows in part shade and shade and is deciduous.

Lindera benzoin (northern spicebush) grows in sun, part shade and shade and is deciduous.

Sabal minor (dwarf palmetto) grows in sun, part shade and shade and is evergreen. 

PART SHADE

Morella cerifera (wax myrtle) grows in sun and part shade and is evergreen.

Cotinus obovatus (American smoketree) grows in sun and part shade and is deciduous.

Rhus virens (evergreen sumac) grows in sun and part shade and is evergreen.

Ilex decidua (possumhaw) grows in sun and part shade and is deciduous.

Callicarpa americana (American beautyberry) grows in part shade and is deciduous.

Here are photos from our Image Gallery:


Rhus aromatica

Ilex vomitoria

Cornus drummondii

Lindera benzoin

Sabal minor

Morella cerifera

Cotinus obovatus

Rhus virens

Ilex decidua

Callicarpa americana

 


 

 

 

More Shade Tolerant Questions

Choice of shade trees from the City of Austin
March 29, 2011 - I have a choice of three shade trees from the city of Austin. They are Live Oak, Elm, Cedar. Although I am happy to have a free tree, I think the choices are not the best for my home. I have a small ...
view the full question and answer

Deer resistant privacy fence for shade in Hill Country
April 28, 2009 - I am looking for a shrub to plant along a privacy fence that gets 8+ feet tall, fast growing, preferably native, deer resistant, and can tolerate mostly shade. I reside in the Hill Country area. Tha...
view the full question and answer

Native understory plants for shade under live oaks
June 09, 2008 - I have large live oak trees in my front yard. I would like to start North Central Texas native landscaping under them, where no grass will grow. Do you know of some plants that would do well in ful...
view the full question and answer

Shade tree for cemetery in Wilmington DE
September 13, 2009 - We are looking for a shade tree for a cemetery in Delaware. The tree will be planted only a few feet from some existing gravesites. What trees would you recommend that will not interfere with the ...
view the full question and answer

Native wildflowers for shade in Boone NC
July 05, 2011 - I have a totally shaded area with tall trees and want to plant some native shade wildflowers beneath the trees. It is fairly level. I'd like perennial flowers. I noticed Flaming Azalea was one opti...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.