Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Friday - June 05, 2015

From: Leander, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like, Shrubs
Title: Foundation Plants for Leander, TX
Answered by: Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

Looking for suggestions for a narrow bed 2-3 ft. wide, 32 ft. long against my house. Full evening sun with morning shade. Considering Salvia greggii with some type of companion plants/grasses but unsure. Don't mind having something that needs to be trimmed to fit space needs. Prefer something evergreen to cover the foundation.

ANSWER:

Either Gulf Muhly, Muhlenbergia capillaris, or Pine Muhly, Muhlenbergia dubia, would be good choices for grasses to plant in that bed.  Dwarf yaupon, Ilex vomitoria, or one of the dwarf cultivars of Cenizo, Leucophyllum frutescens will work if you prefer to use shrubs.  All of these plants can be found at many of the locally-owned nurseries in your area.  Once established they will all provide yearround coverage of your foundation if spaced adequately.

 

More Shrubs Questions

Are Desert Willow Leaves Fragrant?
June 11, 2015 - I have a pink Desert Willow and have noticed that the leaves are fragrant; no flowers are yet present. I cannot find any sites that agree with this finding? Is this unusual?
view the full question and answer

Stopping erosion on bank of a Florida retention pond
July 21, 2015 - I live on a retention pond, which has had all vegetation killed by the lake doctor. As a result the bank has eroded so there is a drop off directly to the water rather than a sloping bank. What plan...
view the full question and answer

Replanting yaupon in Blanco TX
January 16, 2013 - How do I replant Yaupon in its native area Blanco TX?
view the full question and answer

Information about blackleaf elderberry
July 03, 2008 - I was given a blackleaf elderberry. Do I plant this tree in shade or sun? Also, does it require a lot of moisture? Thank you.
view the full question and answer

Will a Honeysuckle Shrub Damage a House Foundation?
May 31, 2013 - I'm thinking about buying a honeysuckle bush. I would like to plant it close to my house. Can the roots of this bush cause any damage to the foundation to the house?
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.