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
Sunday - April 01, 2012
From: Houston, TX 77030, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Vines
Title: Native vine to replace non-native Ficus pumila creeping fig
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
What is a good evergreen alternative to ficus pumila to cover a rough-textured concrete wall in Houston TX?ANSWER:
This is a very good thing you are doing—replacing the non-native climbing fig. Here are three native evergreen vines that should work well. You could use them singly or in combination:
Lonicera sempervirens (Coral honeysuckle)
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Pruning Bittersweet Vine
December 29, 2009 - I am interested in learning how to prune my American bittersweet. The vine has enjoyed it's second summer in my backyard. I would like learn how to prune it, not only for size, but to help keep the...
view the full question and answer
Vine in New Braunfels for Baytown, TX
July 25, 2009 - I have seen a vine in New Braunfels that looks nothing like the trumpet vine or trumpet creeper; however, the flower is almost identical. The flower is more pink though, and the leaves look more like...
view the full question and answer
Identification of vine with large leaves and blue-black berries
January 15, 2013 - I visited a creek with a limestone seep spring that supplies it. Around the creek is growing some kind plant that has leaves that are very similar to a briar, or snailseed. However, the leaves of the ...
view the full question and answer
Vines for a Chicago Pergola in Zone 5
November 28, 2015 - I'm looking for some recommendations of vines for my south-facing pergola. I live in a northwest suburb of Chicago, in Zone 5 with heavy clay soil.
view the full question and answer
Native vine to cover brick column in Houston
October 28, 2009 - I have a brick column (~20ft tall) in the entry way to my house in Houston, TX. I am looking for a beautiful native vine that'll cover the column and soften the look of the house. I don't want to us...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |