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_40.gif)
Wednesday - April 16, 2008
From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Perennial phlox for partial shade
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I am planting a butterfly garden in a plot that gets sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon. I read that phlox does well in partial-shade areas, and was wondering which native, perennial phlox would be best.ANSWER:
There are approximately 50 plants of the genus Phlox in our Native Plant Database. Unfortunately, only seven of those are naturally distributed in Texas, and three of those are annuals. However, all are considered attractive to butterflies, and all are considered moist woodland plants, so they should do very well in Houston. We are going to list the annuals, as well, even though you asked for perennials. The annuals will reseed themselves if they're happy in their location, and will give you more variety in your selections.
ANNUALS
Phlox drummondii (annual phlox)
Phlox drummondii ssp. drummondii (annual phlox)
Phlox glabriflora (Rio Grande phlox)
PERENNIALS
Phlox divaricata (wild blue phlox)
Phlox divaricata ssp. laphamii (Lapham's phlox) - Images of this plant
Phlox nivalis (trailing phlox)
When you are ready to begin your phlox garden, here is a list of Native Plant Suppliers for the Houston area.
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Plants for a shaded flower bed in OK City
May 29, 2011 - Here in Oklahoma City we have a flower bed west of our house, shaded all day by the house next door except for 2-3 hours of direct sun from the west. I have struggled with what bushes to plant there....
view the full question and answer
Part sun and part shade
October 19, 2004 - What is the difference between part sun and part shade?
view the full question and answer
Drought-tolerant plants for deep shade in Florida
June 23, 2012 - I am looking for indigenous, drought tolerant, leafy dense plants (kind of hosta like) that will grow in deep shade (under a tree that gets little sun) in Jacksonville, Florida.
view the full question and answer
Shade trees for horses in Merced, CA
January 21, 2011 - I would like to plant some trees to provide shade for horses in the pasture. What native trees are drought resistant (water may be spotty in the summer) yet safe for the animals? I live in the Calif...
view the full question and answer
Deer-resistant plants for under cedar and oak trees in Austin
June 22, 2010 - I have about 1.5 acres in southern Travis county. It's full of mature live oaks and cedar trees, and the soil is full of limestone. I've been gathering the limestone and using them to create raise...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |