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
Thursday - June 18, 2015
From: Pilot Point, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Water Gardens, Grasses or Grass-like, Herbs/Forbs, Shrubs
Title: Evergreen perennials for a pond bank in Texas
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
We want evergreen perennial plants for the banks of our small pond. The banks are eroding and we need to help keep them strong. We have ducks in the pond and lots of turtles. We would love something also blooms.ANSWER:
I will start by giving you a website showing wetland plants for Central Texas. Most of these would also be suitable in your area. Many are perennial but not evergreen. But some, such as Muhlenbergia lindheimeri (Lindheimer's muhly), are attractive in winter. For plants somewhat higher (and drier) on your pond slope, check out the species recommended for your location on our Plant Database. My specific suggestions include the evergreens Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain laurel), Prunus caroliniana (Cherry laurel), Mahonia trifoliolata (Agarita), Ebenopsis ebano (Texas ebony), Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina jessamine), Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon), Lonicera sempervirens (Coral honeysuckle), any of the native iris species and Morella cerifera (Wax myrtle). Many of these species should be available in these nurseries near Denton.
Good luck with your planting!
From the Image Gallery
More Water Gardens Questions
Best time to plant wetland plants in NY
April 19, 2010 - Hello Mr. Smarty Plants -
I'm working on a fresh water, shoreline wetland creation project in New York State. I've created two zones of native wetland plantings, an emergent shallow marsh zone ...
view the full question and answer
Plants for floodplain in Fairfield, New Jersey
March 21, 2010 - I have an easy question for you... I hope... We just moved into the floodplains of NJ in Fairfield and are interested in some plants. We would like to know what plants are best suited to grow in flood...
view the full question and answer
Need water absorbing plants in Syracuse, NY
August 18, 2010 - I'm Looking for water absorbing plants and shrubs -not so much trees. My rain barrels and downspouts are still creating too much run off. I want to line a walkway and keep rainwater run-off from drai...
view the full question and answer
Propagation information from Queens NY
October 04, 2012 - Hello. I would appreciate information on when to plant the following plants. I found on the USDA website that all these plants could withstand the cold. ALthough they can withstand harsh weather, ...
view the full question and answer
Plants for a pond bank in Gladwin MI
September 13, 2009 - Our acre-size pond bank is sloped and high maintenance--needs mowed. We have lots of deer. We would like to plant a low-lying ground cover to eliminate mowing the bank--any suggestions?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |