Native Plants

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Monday - June 08, 2015

From: Seguin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant, Shrubs
Title: Advice for Texas Mountain Laurel in shady, narrow bed.
Answered by: Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

My house faces N/NE and gets a lot of shade. I would like to plant a Texas Mountain Laurel in my narrow front bed, but what is the best way to amend my clay soil since it prefers rocky soil? What would pair well with it? Or are there other plants you would recommend instead? I couldn't find a similar q&a so I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you!

ANSWER:

We cannot recommend Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora) for that location. A narrow bed is going to be too small of this species, which can grow to 20 feet (or more) in height and spread to that width. Moreover, while it will grow in shady locations, it tends to become thin, leggy and unattractive and does not flower well.