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_00.gif)
Tuesday - April 28, 2009
From: Georgetown, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Deer resistant privacy fence for shade in Hill Country
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I am looking for a shrub to plant along a privacy fence that gets 8+ feet tall, fast growing, preferably native, deer resistant, and can tolerate mostly shade. I reside in the Hill Country area. Thanks for your advice.ANSWER:
The shrub that fits all your requirements doesn't exist, sorry. We can come close with several shrubs, but before you commit a lot of money and effort to planting, make sure you know if the plants you choose will be able to survive. To begin with deer resistance, deer will eat almost anything if their natural forage has been reduced due to drought or disturbance of the area by urbanization. They are said to dislike aromatic plants, and avoid thorny plants, but not all of those are suitable for your area. The second problem is the shade. We are assuming that this shade is from trees in the area along your property line. All shrubs are going to need some sun. If they are identified as being for "part shade" that means they need 2 to 6 hours of sun daily. You need to be aware, also, that many trees exhibit allelopathic qualities, in which they exude substances that serve to discourage competition beneath them. And, finally, are you going to be able to water the plants when they are newly planted, and for several months, especially if our Central Texas drought continues? Any plant needs extra water and attention when it has just been put into the ground. We will, of course, recommend only shrubs native to Central Texas, which are best suited in terms of climate, rainfall and soils. If you still feel your privacy shield will be able to thrive in the conditions you can provide it, here are some suggested shrubs. You can follow the plant links to the individual page on each plant to see what other requirements that plant has. We will do our search in our Deer Resistant Species database, in hopes that will come closer to what you need.
Shrubs for privacy shield in Central Texas
Larrea tridentata (creosote bush) - evergreen, 3 to 5 ft., blooms yellow March to September, deer resistance high
Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas barometer bush) - evergreen, 3 to 6 ft., blooms white, pink, violet January to December, sun, part shade, deer resistance high
Mahonia trifoliolata (agarita) - evergreen, 3 to 6 ft., blooms yellow February to April, deer resistance high
Rhus aromatica (fragrant sumac) - deciduous, 6 to 12 ft., blooms yellow April to June, deer resistance high
More Shade Tolerant Questions
An evergreen, deer-resistant shrub for Memphis
July 24, 2013 - I need an evergreen, deep to partial shade, deer resistant shrub or tree. Does such a plant exist?
view the full question and answer
Flowering Shrub for Houston, TX
April 24, 2014 - I live in Houston, Texas and would like to plant a flowering shrub 3-6 feet in height. It will get sun to part sun, 2-6 hours daily. I have had azaleas in this area and am now looking for something to...
view the full question and answer
Plants to disguise plastic rainbarrels in dry shade
April 29, 2008 - What plants would you recommend to disguise blue plastic rainbarrels in dry shade?
view the full question and answer
Suggestion for plants to replace grass in semi-shade in NY
February 01, 2008 - I have an area that is in semi-shade but gets about 4-5 hours of sunlight in the summer. Instead of grass I would like to perhaps use wild flowers or even prairie type grasses. Any suggestions??
view the full question and answer
Flowers or plants for no-sun area in Nova Scotia
March 14, 2009 - What kind of flowers or plants can I plant in my rock garden that gets virtually no sun? I have wasted so much money on plants that were guaranteed to grow.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |