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_43.gif)
Tuesday - September 21, 2010
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Evergreen shrub for part shade in Austin
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am planning a pocket prairie on the north side of my house. Where I am struggling is finding an evergreen shrub that will grow about 6-8', be native and provide semi-privacy in front of a bedroom window. Although the prairie will get full sun, the shrub I need will only get about 3 hours of direct sun. Can you help?ANSWER:
Here are several native evergreen shrubs for the Austin area that will grow in part shade (2 to 6 hours of sunlight per day):
Prunus caroliniana (Cherry laurel) and here are more photos
Garrya ovata ssp. lindheimeri (Lindheimer's silktassel)
Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain laurel)
The maximum size for several of these is larger than you stated that you want, but all of these can be trimmed to size.
Here are photos from our Image Gallery:
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Flowers under pine trees from Elkhart Indiana
May 02, 2013 - I have a number of pine trees at the back of my lot and would like to plant flowers under the tree. What can I plant?
view the full question and answer
Plants for shade under pine trees in Grapevine TX
May 16, 2010 - What plants are good to put under pine trees in the shade? I live in the Dallas Fort Worth area? The previous owners stuck a Japanese Maple in there that seems to be ok and some sort of holly bush (n...
view the full question and answer
Need perennials for a long shady bed in Wantagh, NY.
May 25, 2010 - Looking for perennials to be planted in long narrow beds that receive mostly shade with late day sun. Reside in Long Island, New York. Thank you
view the full question and answer
Native plants for area shaded by crabapple in Philadelphia
September 19, 2008 - Can you recommend native plants about 4' tall to plant under a crabapple in the corner of a yard in front of a fence? Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Fast-growing vine for shade in Brooklyn
June 05, 2011 - I am looking for a flowering vine that is fast growing and will be able to flower this season if I plant it within next couple weeks (in June) here in Brooklyn. I want something that will grow up a pi...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |