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

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
More Drought Tolerant Questions
Connecticut Plants for a Steep Slope
September 09, 2015 - I am looking for the best plants to retain a steep, dry, fully shaded slope in zone 5, Connecticut. It must be deer resistant. Plant height is not a factor.
view the full question and answer
Flowering Deer Resistant Ground Cover for Dry Rocky Soil: Alabama
March 26, 2012 - My question has been partially answered in the FAQ but I live in Birmingham where the soil is clay and rocky so it's a little different. I want to plant on a rocky slope (small rocks like the size of...
view the full question and answer
Replacing Drought-Stricken Cedars
January 16, 2012 - Hello, I live in Williamson County on a couple acres. We have several dead cedars as a result of drought; we're reluctant to cut them down because many of them provide a friendly barrier between us...
view the full question and answer
Groundcover for clay soil in Southern California
August 08, 2012 - I live in Southern California and have hard packed clay soil in my yard. Could you recommend ground cover that would be green, low to the ground, require little water and survive in clay? I can't a...
view the full question and answer
Finding a manzanita species suitable for Fort Worth, TX
April 28, 2015 - Which manzanita shrub would thrive best in the Fort Worth, Tx. area? I was thinking of planting it in a large pot. Thank You!
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |