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 - February 24, 2015
From: Charleston, SC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Plant Lists, Herbs/Forbs, Wildflowers
Title: Short, Shady Plants for South Carolina
Answered by: Anne Van Nest
QUESTION:
I have a shady part of my mother's garden that doesn't drain very well. Do you have any suggestions as to what type of flowers or plants (preferably native to S.C.) that aren't red that might grow here? I'd like it to be rather short and fairly self-sustaining, if that isn't to much to ask!ANSWER:
There are a good number of short native plants that grow in moist shade in South Carolina for you to consider. The challenge will be to find the most self-sustaining suggestion for your mother's garden. To start, head to the Native Plant Database and select: South Carolina, Herb, Perennial, Shade, Wet and 1-3 Feet for the search criteria.
Some of the plants that fit this criteria (and hopefully are fairly self-sustaining) include:
Actaea pachypoda (white baneberry) Note: The fruit is poisonous.
Arisaema triphyllum (Jack in the pulpit)
Athyrium filix-femina (common ladyfern)
Caltha palustris (yellow marsh marigold)
Enemion biternatum (Eastern false rue anemone)
Lobelia siphilitica (great blue lobelia)
Lysimachia ciliata (fringed loosestrife)
Zephyranthes atamasca (atamasco lily)
You may also want to search for shrubs or subshrubs in the Native Plant Database too.
From the Image Gallery
More Plant Lists Questions
Drought resistant flowering plants for Spring, TX
January 25, 2012 - Hi Mr. Smarty Pants. I live in Spring Tx. and wanted to plant a garden in my front yard. I'm looking for flowering plants that are colorful, easy to manage, and drought resistant but so far can't fi...
view the full question and answer
Ants and garden plants for Austin
November 03, 2012 - I am needy of companion plants that compliment and work well with the Lantana, Mexican Heather , and in the new beds that I am preparing where I was thinking in part to have passion flower (though is ...
view the full question and answer
Hardy perennials for Chicago
June 15, 2007 - I have a duplex condo in Chicago. My basement or 1st floor is at sub-sidewalk level. This "patio" faces east and gets about 4 hours sun a day. It is about 8 feet high and covers an area 15x9. I'd l...
view the full question and answer
Rabbit-proof Plants for Florida Swimming Pool Area
February 22, 2016 - I plan on planting white star jasmine and purple bocouilla plants around a south-facing swimming pool in Naples, Florida. I was told rabbits might eat them which we do have. Should I be concerned, and...
view the full question and answer
Plant to trail down concrete block retaining wall in Maryland
September 15, 2012 - Hello,
Your website is an excellent resource. Thank you very much!
My girlfriend recently bought a house that has a concrete block retaining wall in the front yard. We want to improve the app...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |