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)
Friday - March 30, 2007
From: austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Deer resistant plants for large pot in light shade in Austin
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
For an Austin yard, please suggest a shrub or a mixture of plants for a 15 gallon clay pot. The area has dappled light and deer. I would prefer a deciduous plant if possible.ANSWER:
Deer rarely eat plants in the mint family, Family Lamiaceae. Here are a few suggestions from the mint family. The first two, Salvia coccinea (blood sage) and Salvia roemeriana (cedar sage), do well in partial shade.
These next two, Salvia farinacea (mealycup sage) and Salvia greggii (autumn sage), do best in full sun, but will also grow and bloom in partial shade.
These next plants, although not in the Family Lamiaceae, also are highly deer-resistant. They are best in full sun, but will also grow and bloom in partial shade:
Lantana urticoides (Texas lantana)
Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii (flame acanthus)
Although only moderately deer-resistant, the following plants should work well if planted with the more deer-resistant plants above:
Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (wax mallow)
Aquilegia canadensis (red columbine)
Aquilegia chrysantha var. hinckleyana (Hinckley's golden columbine)
You can find more recommendations for deer-resistant plants in Camouflage Gardening by Patti Simons from the Native Plant Society of Texas.
All of the plants mentioned above will be for sale at our upcoming Spring Plant Sale.
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Ground cover for shade that is drought tolerant
August 02, 2010 - Can you suggest a ground cover or plant that loves shade and is drought tolerant in the Austin Region? If the two do not coexist can you suggest a ground cover for shade.
view the full question and answer
Plants under Oak Trees in Austin TX
December 10, 2012 - Half of my small yard is in the shade of one big live oak and one kumquat. Nothing I plant grows in this shade. The other half of my yard gets sunlight. It is planted with Jasmine grass which grows w...
view the full question and answer
Alternative for sedges for turf-like lawn in shade
October 25, 2013 - When it comes to a turf-like lawn in shade, is it pretty much sedges or nothing among native options? By the way, I write from up north here in Iowa.
Thanks!
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
Shade tolerant Wildflowers for Oklahoma City
April 16, 2012 - I live in Oklahoma City. I'm not in town very often, and am seeking low maintenance plants. I have MANY trees in my backyard, which makes it quite shady. I have raised beds amongst my rock garden ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |