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_22.gif)
Thursday - March 24, 2016
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Planting, Privacy Screening, Shade Tolerant, Herbs/Forbs, Shrubs
Title: mixed species privacy hedge in Central Texas
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I need to plant a privacy hedge along a fence line. I am in east Austin, blackland prairie soil. The soil is rich, usually at least moist but not soggy, and I find lots of worms when I dig. The fence is shaded for most of the day. I want a mix of species rather than a monoculture, the more diversity the better. I'd like some of them to be evergreens and tall (for the privacy part). I especially want plants that can help the wildlife and/or provide food and medicinals. Natives are best because I don't plan to do much maintenance. Can you recommend some species that would grow well together in the shade? Thanks!ANSWER:
Most of the tall, evergreen plants suitable for your area are relatively slow growing. Probably the best choices include Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon ), Morella cerifera (Wax myrtle ), Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain laurel) and Juniperus virginiana (Eastern red cedar).
For smaller species I suggest that you visit our Native Plant Database page and, a bit down the page on the left side click on Combination Search. Fill in the information that fits your requirements and you will get a list of suitable species to consider. I particularly recommend Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (Turk's cap or turkscap) and Mahonia trifoliolata (Agarita), shade-tolerant species that grow especially well in Austin.
Most of the plants you choose should be available at one of the local plant nurseries. Google on Native Plant Nurseries - Austin, TX.
From the Image Gallery
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Pollinator garden for Belen NM
May 16, 2012 - Trying to set up a flower garden to attract bees and butterflies. Can you tell me what would be best to grow. I live in Belen, NM.
view the full question and answer
Fertilizer producing leaves over flower production in Austin
June 27, 2010 - Can you please list which Central Texas perennials' will favor leaf growth over flower production when fertilized? I have many in the "Grown Green" booklet and need to know which flowering plants s...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification in Norman, OK
October 10, 2013 - I have two large plants in my back yard that just sprang up on their own this year. They are beautiful and the butterflies and bees love them. I think they are a type of milkweed, but they don't lo...
view the full question and answer
Improving Bluebonnet seed contact with soil
November 06, 2015 - I have a five acre field in Blanco County, much of which is covered by bluebonnets. There are several species of native grasses as well. Would it be beneficial to disk or otherwise disturb the soil ...
view the full question and answer
Tropical plants for a pool-side planter in Cape Coral FL
April 19, 2010 - I live in Southwest Florida and have a pool inside a cage with a pool planter built into the deck around part of the pool. What kind of tropical plants can I put in the planter that are not root inva...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |