Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
1 rating

Tuesday - April 10, 2012

From: Spicewood, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Planting, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Need plants for new wrought iron planter in Spicewood,TX.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

I live in Spicewood, Texas, and have just purchased some really nice wrought iron window boxes for my patio railing. What would be the best and prettiest plants to use? Thank you

ANSWER:

Well first, I’m going to refer you to our “How To Article” on Container Gardening. This article will guide you through the joys (and problems) of growing plants just outside your door. You’ll have control of the soil composition, and the water they will receive. The other variable will be the amount of sunlight they receive, depending of the orientation of your patio.

For plant selection, let me show you how to use our Recommended Species List. Go to our Native Plant Database. Scroll down to the Recommended Species Box and click on the “View Recommended  Species Page” button. Click Central Texas on the map,  and you will get a list of 156 commercially available native plant species suitable for planned landscapes in Central Texas. You can look through the list, but that’s too many plants to deal with now. Go to the Narrow Your Search box and make these selections: select Texas under State, herb under General Appearance, and Perennial under Lifespan (we can change that later). Check Sun (or the condition that exists on your patio) under light Requirement, Moist under Soil Moisture, and 0-1 & 1-3 under height. Click on the Narrow Your Search button and your list shrinks to 16. You can get different lists by changing your selections. Go through the list, and when you click on the Scientific Name of each plant, its NPIN page will come up that tells the plant’s characteristics, growth requirements, and has images in most cases.

Using this information can help you find just the plants for your new planters. Going to our Suppliers Directory will help you find businesses that carry native plants.

Clicking on this link will give you the particulars about our upcoming Spring Plant Sale, April 13 - 15, 2012.

 

More Herbs/Forbs Questions

Failure of TX bluebonnets to thrive
May 28, 2015 - We have had extraordinary luck with bluebonnets growing in our driveway of decomposed granite--until last year and this year. The bluebonnets seem to be drying up and wilting away. The ones in other a...
view the full question and answer

Choosing the right Coreopsis species for Tennessee
November 28, 2015 - I live in Bristol Tennessee and have replaced most of my lawn with native plants. I have been trying to learn more about the Coreopsis genus. In TN, we have C. auriculata, grandiflora, lanceolata, m...
view the full question and answer

Difficulty with Clay Soil from Palm Bay, FL
August 22, 2012 - I had a very nice little native shady area behind my house for over 40 years, but now it has been cleared except for a 100 foot tall live oak in the center of this raised mound (50' x 80'). I've be...
view the full question and answer

Standing Cypress Plants in San Antonio, TX
June 26, 2013 - I purchased seeds for standing cypress 2 years ago and this spring they look beautiful. What is the best way to harvest the seeds? Also, will the current plants come back next spring or will I have to...
view the full question and answer

Death of Texas Betony and Blackfoot Daisy from Austin
April 18, 2013 - I have one small area that there are two plants - Texas Betony and Blackfoot Daisy withered and died eventually. Same kinds of plants are doing fine close by. It is my front yard close to walk way.I w...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.