Native Plants
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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.
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Tuesday - August 23, 2011
From: Indianapolis, IN
Region: Midwest
Topic: Drought Tolerant, Groundcovers
Title: Drought tolerant plants for IN
Answered by: Anne Bossart
QUESTION:
What are some plants that would do well in an east facing area near my front door? I live in Indianapolis IN. I need something that is drought resistant and will fill in a 4x3 foot walled off area that is in the nook created by my steps leading up to my bi-level home. Thank you for your help.ANSWER:
In a small space like that you will want to keep it fairly simple but will want something that will be attractive as you enter your home. I would recommend choosing one shrub and then underplanting it with short perennials or ground cover.
Although you will ultimately be limited by what plants are available in your local nurseries, you can begin the selection process by visiting our Native Plant Database. Do a Combination Search and select: Indiana, the plant type (shrubs and herbaceous perennials) and your conditions and your size requirements & preference. The list has links to detailed information pages with images.
Some plants that meet these criteria are:
Shrubs
Physocarpus opulifolius (Atlantic ninebark)
Rhus aromatica (Fragrant sumac)
Symphoricarpos orbiculatus (Coralberry)
Vaccinium corymbosum (Highbush blueberry)
Viburnum acerifolium (Mapleleaf viburnum)
Perennials (less than 1 foot tall)
Fragaria virginiana (Virginia strawberry)
Hepatica nobilis var. obtusa (Roundlobe hepatica)
Maianthemum stellatum (Starry false lily of the valley) (this can be a bit taller than one foot)
Mitchella repens (Partridgeberry)
Viola pedata (Birdfoot violet)
Cornus canadensis (Bunchberry dogwood) (one of my all time favourites, but it requires more moisture)
Here are some photos from our image gallery:
From the Image Gallery
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