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 - July 23, 2013
From: Grapeland, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant, Herbs/Forbs, Shrubs
Title: Plants for shaded area in East Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I live in East Texas and have an area that is shaded most of the day - it only gets sun in the middle of the day but it is direct. What would be best? I would prefer something that won't freeze, but it is a fairly well protected area. Annuals or small shrubs would fit here. There is a well established passion vine on the fence close by.ANSWER:
On our Recommended Species page you will find a map of the United States with the states outlined so that you click on them to find lists of recommended native plants that are commercially available for landscaping in each state. Although you consider yourself in East Texas, our map puts your county (Tarrant) in North Central Texas. If you click on that area (North Central Texas) you will get a list of plants that are commercially available for landscaping for your area. You can use the NARROW YOUR SEARCH option to choose the criteria you want. For instance, under Light Requirement, choose "Shade–2 hrs or less" and under General Appearance you could choose "Herb", "Subshrub" or "Shrub". Here are some possibilities that I found doing this search:
Aquilegia canadensis (Eastern red columbine) is a perennial herb.
Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal flower) is a perennial herb.
Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed susan) is an annual herb.
Salvia regla (Mountain sage) is a small deciduous shrub.
Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon) is an evergreen shrub/small tree. There are dwarf varieties and it can be pruned to size.
Rhus aromatica (Fragrant sumac) is a deciduous shrub. There are dwarf varieties of this shrub, too.
If your site qualifies as partial shade (2 to 6 hours of sun per day), there are many more choices, such as:
Asclepias tuberosa (Butterflyweed) is a perennial herb.
Conoclinium coelestinum (Blue mistflower) is a perennial herb.
There are also more herbs and shrubs for partial shade.
For each of these species you should read the GROWING CONDITIONS on their species page to see if they agree with the conditions at your site.
You can find nurseries in your area that specialize in native plants in our National Suppliers Directory.
From the Image Gallery
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Container plants for cool weather in Cypress TX
October 02, 2011 - I am a novice gardener and I am looking for some ideas on potted plants for the fall/winter. They would be covered by a roof, but still susceptible to the elements. What can be planted now that will...
view the full question and answer
Native perennial winter plants for Waco, TX
November 03, 2004 - I live in the Waco area, and would like to know winter plants that I could use that would come back each year, flowering or otherwise.
view the full question and answer
Alternative to swamp sunflower for Austin
June 15, 2011 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
I love this forum and have learned so much from it!
Do you know of an alternative to Helianthus angustifolius L. (Swamp sunflower) that requires less water and would be m...
view the full question and answer
Color year round, welcome to Austin Texas.
December 04, 2011 - I am new to Austin and want to plant colorful flowers for fall and winter that get a "wow" reaction. I have not seen much at the local nurseries. Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated!
view the full question and answer
Perennial for cemetery plot in Massachusetts
August 03, 2010 - What perennial would work well in a cemetery plot that has very dry sun?
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |