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_31.gif)
Wednesday - March 11, 2009
From: Austin , TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Small shrub to plant in Austin Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Hi.. I live in Southwest Austin and I am looking for a shrub that I can plant against the back of my house, which faces the north. I want something native, fairly low maintenance and not too large, as I would like them to be under the windows. I have several oaks in my backyard I get part-shade/part-sun. Thanks, CindiANSWER:
Here are some recommendations for low-growing shrubs that are suited to the Austin climate and soils:Morella cerifera (wax myrtle) is evergreen and you can find dwarf cultivars that would not grow too tall.
Calylophus berlandieri ssp. pinifolius (Berlandier's sundrops) has lovely yellow blossoms. It will die down in the winter and come back from the base in the spring.
Chrysactinia mexicana (damianita) is low-growing (1-2 feet) and evergreen.
Lantana urticoides (West Indian shrubverbena) grows 3 to 6 feet, but can be pruned to size.
Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii (Wright's desert honeysuckle) grows to around 3 feet and can be pruned to size.
Dalea frutescens (black prairie clover) grows up to 3 feet high.
Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas barometer bush) is evergreen and there are dwarf cultivars that reach about 3 feet.
Here are two possibilities that aren't really shrubs, but both are evergreen and normally grow less than 3 feet tall.
Nolina texana (Texas sacahuista)
More Shrubs Questions
Growing Sophora gypsophila from seed
April 23, 2008 - Sophora gypsophila B.L. Turner & Powell
Do you have any information on growing this small tree from seed? I have a few seeds and would like to try. What conditions break seed dormancy? I have grown ...
view the full question and answer
Savannah Holly True to Seed?
July 03, 2016 - I read your information on Savannah holly. Does this mean that none of the berries will produce a Savannah holly (Ilex x attenuata) but will either be Ilex cassine or Ilex opaca seeds?
Thanks so much...
view the full question and answer
Native climbing rose for Austin
April 25, 2010 - Is there such a thing as a native climbing rose that would do well in Austin?
view the full question and answer
When to Prune Desert Willow in Texas?
March 18, 2016 - I just learned I should have pruned back my desert willows. It's early March in North Texas. Is it too late to prune now? They are not leafing out yet.
view the full question and answer
Need a good plant for Clayton, NC.
August 23, 2012 - What would be a good plant for Clayton,NC for this time of year. I would like for it to come back every year so I don't have to replant. I have several full sun areas that I need to cover in the fron...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |