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)
Thursday - May 03, 2007
From: Dallas, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Native evergreen shrub for Dallas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Mr. Smarty Plants, I live in Dallas and I am trying to look for a native evergreen shrub that blooms and works well in full to partial sun. I thought about "lantana" and/or a "firecracker", but some sites say they are or are not an evergreen, some say they do well or do not do well in freezing temps. Can you help me out with this or give some other suggestions? ThanksANSWER:
Lantana urticoides (Texas lantana) is not evergreen. When the temperature drops below freezing its leaves will freeze and turn brown.Although Bouvardia ternifolia (firecrackerbush) is evergreen, it is native to west Texas (Big Bend area) and is not likely to do well in Dallas. It is rated for USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9-11 (average minimum temperature for Zone 9 is 20-30 degrees F) and Dallas is in Zone 8 (average minimum temperature is 10-20 degrees F).
The following four shrubs/small trees are evergreen and are native in or near Dallas County. Although they don't have spectacularly showy flowers, they do have colorful berries that attract birds.
Prunus caroliniana (Carolina laurelcherry)
More Shrubs Questions
Evergreen shrubs for New Jersey
September 01, 2009 - Need suggestions for Zone 6; Up to 2-3'H compact; evergreen foundation plants; deer resistant; sunny-partial shade; clay soil conditions.
Appreciate your input.
view the full question and answer
Is Savannah Holly poisonous to burn in Hanahan, SC.?
August 20, 2011 - Can you please tell me if the wood from a savannah holly bush is poisonous to burn?
view the full question and answer
Problems with Savannah Holly plants in Friendswood, TX.
June 17, 2009 - I have planted 4 savannah hollies in front of my house, two on the left of the door and two on the right. If you are standing in front of my house and looking at the door, the sun rises at the back l...
view the full question and answer
Low growing, flowering evergreen plants for Pflugerville TX
March 30, 2010 - I am wondering if you can suggest some low growing, flowering evergreen plants for my garden.
view the full question and answer
Hot Sunny Planter Suggestions for Florida
March 05, 2013 - We have a large, raised, concrete planter (about 15' L x 2' W) separating us from our condo neighbor in Clearwater, FL. We would like suggestions for shrubs that tolerate full sun and hot conditions...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |