Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_42.gif)
Wednesday - March 17, 2010
From: Little Chute, WI
Region: Midwest
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Native trees or shrubs for containers on roof in Wisconsin
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Looking for native trees/shrubs to be planted in containers on a flat roof w/south-southeast exposure. Gets pretty warm in the summer and pretty cold in the winter. How big would the container have to be?ANSWER:
First, let me refer you to our article, Container Gardening with Native Plants. You will see in the article that the recommendation for the size of the pot is:
"Select a container that will accommodate the full sizes of the plants it will house. It should provide ample root space and have a substantial base to offset top-heaviness (both visually and in terms of stability)."
Winter weather in Wisconsin, however, presents an addtional consideration for the size of the pot you can use. I believe you can handle the summer heat as long as you pick plants that are happy growing in full sun and you give them adequate water. However, the winters are another matter. Roots in a container will not have the same protection from freezing that roots buried in the ground will have. With container plants you will need to move them to a protected environment to protect their roots as the winter temperatures drop well below freezing. Consequently, you will need to select plants that fit into containers that you will be able to move to a protected place. You can read advice on preparing container plants for winter weather in the article, Maintaining Winter Gardens in Gladwin, MI, from the National Gardening Association.
Below are shrubs that are Wisconsin natives that grow in full sun. If the your area is in shade (less than 2 hours sun per day) or part shade (2 to 6 hours of sun per day), you can find recommendations for other plants in our Wisconsin Recommended list. You can use the NARROW YOUR SEARCH option to limit the list to only 'Shrubs' by choosing that selection under GENERAL APPEARANCE.
Amorpha fruticosa (desert false indigo)
Cornus racemosa (gray dogwood)
Dasiphora fruticosa ssp. floribunda (shrubby cinquefoil)
Physocarpus opulifolius (common ninebark)
Symphoricarpos albus (common snowberry)
Shepherdia canadensis (russet buffaloberry)
Yucca filamentosa (Adam's needle) and here is more information.
Here are photos of the above plants from our Image Gallery:
More Shrubs Questions
Shade tolerant low shrub for Houston
September 28, 2013 - Please suggest a shade loving shrub that doesn't get more than 3' tall for a foundation planting along a front porch in Houston, TX. I prefer native, drought resistant if possible. No nursery person...
view the full question and answer
Draought-tolerant screening shrub for Shasta County, California
July 08, 2015 - It has been suggested to me that I plant phodocarpus 'maki' along my fence for needed privacy due to it's dimensions. I need something that does not grow too wide. I would not be pruning them as I ...
view the full question and answer
Identification of bush with red berries
March 11, 2013 - bush? grows along fence lines in rural areas; sheds foliage in fall; berries appear; colors vary from red to orange, depending on soil?
view the full question and answer
Dogwood under a black walnut in Mt.Pleasant MI
August 01, 2010 - Can I grow red or yellow twigged dogwood near a black walnut?
view the full question and answer
Shrubs and ground covers for slope in Southern California
March 13, 2010 - Need suggestions for shrubs & ground covers for a west facing, 45 degree angle, sunny slope with compacted, poor draining soil. We live 2-3 miles from the ocean. Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |