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
Friday - June 05, 2015
From: Leander, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like, Shrubs
Title: Foundation Plants for Leander, TX
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
Looking for suggestions for a narrow bed 2-3 ft. wide, 32 ft. long against my house. Full evening sun with morning shade. Considering Salvia greggii with some type of companion plants/grasses but unsure. Don't mind having something that needs to be trimmed to fit space needs. Prefer something evergreen to cover the foundation.ANSWER:
Either Gulf Muhly, Muhlenbergia capillaris, or Pine Muhly, Muhlenbergia dubia, would be good choices for grasses to plant in that bed. Dwarf yaupon, Ilex vomitoria, or one of the dwarf cultivars of Cenizo, Leucophyllum frutescens will work if you prefer to use shrubs. All of these plants can be found at many of the locally-owned nurseries in your area. Once established they will all provide yearround coverage of your foundation if spaced adequately.
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Reducing Allergens in Yards and Gardens
January 31, 2012 - What are some allergen-free native plants to Central Texas that thrive in the soil and can survive in the weather?
view the full question and answer
Plants for slope in central Alabama
July 26, 2011 - Our home is atop a 20-25' eastern facing sandy loam slope in central Alabama. It was previously covered w/ kudzu. After 3 yrs. of eradication of the kudzu we are ready to plant with native grasses/pl...
view the full question and answer
Effect of heavy rains on Lindheimer Muhly
May 04, 2015 - It is April 2015, in San Antonio we've had very heavy rains recently. My Lindheimer muhly, which was looking beautiful, has now turned brown all over. Is this normal or is this a problem?
view the full question and answer
When to stop mowing Habiturf for seeding from Austin
November 14, 2012 - I planted a native Habiturf lawn in my back yard last spring/summer and it is doing very well. The how-to mentions allowing the turf to seed out once per year to help maintain the lawn. Is there a bes...
view the full question and answer
Central Texas native plants good for cut flowers in Austin
March 15, 2010 - What are the best native plants to Central Texas that can be used as cut flowers for indoors in the home? I have a large garden that will be partly vegetables, partly for cut flowers. Thank you for ...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |