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 - August 14, 2012
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Container Gardens, Cacti and Succulents, Shrubs
Title: Plants for big pots by pool in Austin
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Could you please suggest some plants to put in big pots out by my pool? They will get lots of heat and sun. Thanks.ANSWER:
I'm not sure how big "big" is. Are the pots 10 gallon pots, 50 gallon pots, 100 gallon pots? It is important that you match the size of the pot to the size of the plant you want to grow in it. You should read our How-to Article, CONTAINER GARDENING WITH NATIVE PLANTS, for important advice on growing plants in containers. I also suggest that you read the answer to a previous question about plants for a 100-gallon pot by pool in Ft. Worth. Not only will the plants for your pots need to survive the heat and the sun in the summertime, but they will also need to withstand the winter cold temperatures. With these cautions in mind, here are several plants of various sizes that should fill the bill:
Hesperaloe parviflora (Red yucca) is evergreen and both heat and cold tolerant. The flower stalks are 5 feet tall.
Nolina texana (Texas sacahuista) is evergreen and both heat and cold tolerant. It is 1.5 to 2.5 feet tall.
Sabal minor (Dwarf palmetto) is evergreen and both heat and cold tolerant. It can grow 6 to 10 feet tall.
Chrysactinia mexicana (Damianita) is a smaller (1 to 2 feet) evergreen plant that is very drought-tolerant.
Dasylirion texanum (Texas sotol) is evergreen and both heat and cold tolerant. It is 1.5 to 2.5 feet tall for leaf structure and the flower stalk can be 9 to 15 feet tall.
Leucophyllum frutescens (Cenizo) is evergreen and grows to 5 feet.
From the Image Gallery
More Shrubs Questions
Native trees and shrubs for Austin
June 11, 2008 - Hello,
I'm searching for a small or medium-sized endemic or native tree (or tree-like shrub) to feature in the front yard of my South Austin bungalow. I want something that provides dappled shade so...
view the full question and answer
Smoky Mountains Shaded Slope Plant Suggestions
April 29, 2013 - We live in a very shady spot in Great Smoky Mountains in Western North Carolina. We would like to plant vegetation on a sloped area behind our cottage to stop erosion after building an addition. Our h...
view the full question and answer
Native shrubs or ground cover for north-facing landscape in Ft. Worth
March 23, 2010 - Need native plant ideas for a landscaping bed against the house facing north. Already has 1 Beautyberry but two others died of root rot last year due to incredibly high water table in our area. Old ...
view the full question and answer
Hillside Erosion in Pace FL
July 17, 2015 - I have a hillside that slopes down about 10 feet to a spring fed pond. The pond drains into Escambia Bay. We have 2 dams with culverts to control the flow of water. Last year during a torrential ra...
view the full question and answer
Need options for smaller trees in neighborhoods in Austin, TX.
May 25, 2012 - Please discuss smaller tree options for typical Austin neighborhood yards. These houses are built close together on the sides, and only have smallish back yards. They just don't have space for big 50...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |