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_00.gif)
Monday - March 22, 2010
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Small, drought and shade-tolerant perennials for Austin, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
We need suggestions for small, drought- and shade-tolerant perennials to be planted in Austin, Texas, please.ANSWER:
Please visit our Recommended Species page where you will find under the "Just for Central Texans" a topic called "Dry Shade Plants for Central Texas". I think that pretty well describes what you are looking for. Here are a few examples from that list that should do well for you, plus there are many more on the list to consider.
Carex cherokeensis (Cherokee sedge)
Chasmanthium latifolium (Inland sea oats)
Conoclinium coelestinum (blue mistflower)
Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (wax mallow)
Packera obovata (golden groundsel)
Salvia roemeriana (cedar sage)
Here are photos of the above plants from our Image Gallery:
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Illinois native grasses for shade
June 27, 2013 - Hello, my grass has died in a very shady area (standard buffalo grass), and I took this as an opportunity to plant some native grass varieties. I originally thought of buffalo grass, but learned that ...
view the full question and answer
Need plants with red flowers to grow in shaded area in yard in Austin.
May 04, 2010 - I have a shaded area where all the shrubs die. I would like to plant some flowers there instead of shrubs. What red flower plants can sustain a lot of shade.
view the full question and answer
Drought & Deer Resistant Shrub for Shade in Medina, TX
June 14, 2013 - We are dedicated to native plants in Medina, but are desperate to find a drought and deer resistant shrub for shade. Would we be too far off base with an oleander bush? We know birds and most butterfl...
view the full question and answer
Edible plants in shade in Enville TN
June 15, 2009 - I have a flower bed against the back of my house with nothing in it. We moved into this house late last year and I was planning on planting some tomato plants there until I discovered it never gets an...
view the full question and answer
Seed source for Carex texensis from Louisville KY
May 02, 2012 - Your reply to my question re a grass for my Kentucky home with cistern only water available was much appreciated, Carex texensis was recommended. I am unable to find this product for sale other than ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |