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 23, 2015
From: New Braunfels, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Wildflowers
Title: Companion plants for non-native Santolina virens
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Can you recommend companion plant options for Santolina virens? The companion plant would be planted randomly and interspersed with the santolina and needs to be no taller than 12 inches because of the bed location and size. Plants available at your plant sale would be preferble as we are members and will be there in April.ANSWER:
Santolina virens (Green Santolina) is native to the Mediterranean region and is not native to North America; however, it is not invasive. Here are a few possibilities that are on the Spring Sale [Friday, April 10 (members only) and Saturday, April 11 from 9am-5pm and Sunday, April 12, 2015 noon to 5pm] list that should go well with it:
Glandularia bipinnatifida (Purple prairie verbena) grows less than a foot high and can have blooms almost any time of the year.
Phlox divaricata (Wild blue phlox) is evergreen and attracts butterflies.
Melampodium leucanthum (Blackfoot daisy) usually grows to 6 inches or less and blooms for a long time.
Salvia engelmannii (Engelmann's sage) usually grows to less than 1 foot tall.
Scutellaria wrightii (Wright's skullcap) grows to less than 1 foot tall.
Phlox drummondii (Annual phlox) is usually 6 to 12 inches tall, but can grow a bit taller.
Phyla nodiflora (Texas frogfruit) grows 3 to 6 inches high and is semi-evergreen.
From the Image Gallery
More Wildflowers Questions
Propagation of wildflower seeds
November 13, 2008 - I recently planted seeds for bluebonnets, winecups and pink evening primrose. The bluebonnets have germinated and are growing, but no sign of the other two.
Do the winecups and pink evening primro...
view the full question and answer
Wildflower driving tours in Texas
March 06, 2005 - I am looking for suggested wildflower driving tours in Texas. Do you perhaps have a listing of suggested driving routes one might take for a day or two in order to view the Springtime wildflowers? A...
view the full question and answer
Moving Iris bulbs
April 15, 2011 - I will be moving and want to take my Iris bulbs with me. Can I dig them up now that they are in flower?
view the full question and answer
Winter preparation for wildflowers
October 22, 2009 - My first attempt at my wild flower garden is successful. I planted a box of perennial seeds, so I don't know what type of plants I actually have. My concern is what to do once the temperature drop...
view the full question and answer
Planting wildflowers on company property from Aquasco MD
April 04, 2014 - Our company wants to plant wildflowers on our property. How do I know how much seed, what type of seeds, how to care for, how to plant, basically everything? Finally, we hope to find use some deer-r...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |