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
Wednesday - July 28, 2010
From: Newport, NC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Container Gardens
Title: Salt and wind tolerant plants for small containers in NC
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
We need two plants that will go in raised planters. Will be in full sun with lots of wind. Salt water nearby. Will have to keep plants sorta short I guess. We cannot find anything, although we see salt resistant, but they grow too big for a planter which is 12" tall, 9" deep, 11" across the top and tapers down to about 6". CAN YOU HELP SUGGEST ANYTHING. We are old and stupid!! Thanx!ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants consulted two lists of salt tolerant plants, Salt Tolerant Plants for Florida from the University of Florida IFAS Extension and Salt Tolerant Plants from North Carolina Cooperative Extension, and found the following plants that have at least moderate salt tolerance and are reasonably short to withstand the wind. You might find others on the list that you like, but please be aware that many of the plants in these two lists are introduced plants that aren't native to North Carolina nor to North America. If you see a plant that interests you on the list that I didn't recommend, please check in our Native Plant Database. If you find it there, you can be assured that it is native to North America and you can check the DISTRIBUTION section on the species page to see if it is native to North Carolina.
LESS THAN 1 FOOT HIGH:
Phyla nodiflora (turkey tangle fogfruit)
Dichondra carolinensis (Carolina ponysfoot)
Portulaca pilosa (kiss me quick)
FROM 1 FOOT TO 3 FEET
Teucrium canadense (Canada germander)
Muhlenbergia capillaris (hairawn muhly)
Panicum amarum (bitter panicgrass) and here are photos.
Gaillardia pulchella (firewheel)
Opuntia humifusa (devil's-tongue)
Zamia pumila ssp. pumila (coontie) and here are more photos and information.
Here are photos from our Image Gallery:
More Container Gardens Questions
Hot Sunny Planter Suggestions for Florida
March 05, 2013 - We have a large, raised, concrete planter (about 15' L x 2' W) separating us from our condo neighbor in Clearwater, FL. We would like suggestions for shrubs that tolerate full sun and hot conditions...
view the full question and answer
Container plants for Arlington TX
February 10, 2012 - Mr. Smarty Plants, I just moved to Arlington, TX. I am trying to create a container garden on my apartment balcony. What flowers, herbs, vegetables, and fruit combinations can I put together that wil...
view the full question and answer
Container plant for poolside in Southern California
November 24, 2013 - Hi Mr. Smarty Plants- PROBLEM: Southern CA,-- FOUR 10gal containers poolside, FULL SUN all day in summer. Had Phormiums that did well for 4 years. Didn't make it through this summer:-( Need something...
view the full question and answer
Moving potted plants from California to Georgetown TX
February 10, 2012 - Hi, I am moving from Gilroy CA to Georgetown TX, I have many potted plants I would love to take with me but I am not sure what would survive in my new location. These plants have been cared for so ma...
view the full question and answer
Sides for raised gardens
May 01, 2008 - I am wanting to put in raised gardens. What is the best product for the sides? Wood? If so, what kind?
Thank you
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |