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
Tuesday - June 06, 2006
From: Salt Lake City, UT
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening, Cacti and Succulents
Title: Boundary plants to control cats
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Is there a plant especially ANNOYING to cats that I could plant along my fence line to keep him away from the street beyond? It would have to be hardy enough for hot temps & full sun. Thanks!ANSWER:
Here are some suggestions from Animal Care Services in Berkeley, CA for repeling cats. They, along with several other sources, recommend the herb, common rue (Ruta graveolens) for repeling cats. However, I would be very doubtful that it could keep your cat from going out into the street. A solid hedge of very prickly cactus might be a deterrent, but I wouldn't count on it either. You might consider an invisible electric fence to keep him in the yard and away from the street.
More Privacy Screening Questions
Native plants for a barrier hedge
October 13, 2008 - Is there a native hedge I can plant to provide privacy? I have hostile neighbors behind me and would rather plant a hedge than put up a fence. I looked through the Virginia native species and didn'...
view the full question and answer
Screening trees for PA
March 13, 2011 - We are looking to plant some privacy trees in back of our home. Since our neighbor is directly behind us but we don't want to plant something distasteful to our neighbor. Do you have a recommendation...
view the full question and answer
Looking for plants for a privacy hedge, besides Ficus nitida, in Norco CA.
February 02, 2011 - I am looking to plant a hedge for privacy along my property line. We have horses so I need to make sure that what I plant is not toxic. Would Ficus nitida 'Little Gem' be a good choice? I...
view the full question and answer
Deer-resistant screening tree/shrub
April 17, 2008 - Can you recommend a deer resistant screening tree/shrub? We would like to use privet but are not sure which variety or if the deer will really stay off it, we've had conflicting views!
We live on th...
view the full question and answer
Screen Tree for Lockhart, TX.
March 30, 2015 - What is a good screening tree for a ranch in the Lockhart area that won't get much water.
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |