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_10.gif)
Monday - June 22, 2015
From: Lubbock, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Lists, Container Gardens, Xeriscapes, Drought Tolerant, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Container Plants for Lubbock, Texas
Answered by: Anne Van Nest
QUESTION:
Hello! I am looking for plants suitable for container gardening for a west facing porch in Lubbock. Plants need to be super tough to endure the baking sun, constant wind, dry air, extreme temperatures in the different seasons, and reflected light in this location. All suggestions welcome!ANSWER:
You are correct that plants have to be super tough to survive the extreme heat, drought and temperatures for containers on your west facing porch.
To find some possible plants, take a look at the Native Plant Database and search for Texas, Herb, Perennial, Sun, Dry and 0-3 feet in height. This will generate a large list of plants but not all will be suitable for containers. You may have to try several plants to find out what will work best in your situation.
So some plants to consider are:
Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow) Trim to keep compact.
Asclepias tuberosa (Butterflyweed)
Dichondra argentea (Silver Ponyfoot)
Engelmannia peristenia (Engelmann's Daisy) Has a tap root so needs a deep pot.
Glandularia bipinnatifida var. bipinnatifida (Prairie Verbena)
Lenophyllum texanum (Coastal Stonecrop)
Melampodium leucanthum (Blackfoot Daisy)
Salvia coccinea (Scarlet Sage)
From the Image Gallery
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Blue plants or flowers in Baltimore, MD
July 27, 2007 - I have a taxi company in the city called Bluecab. The headquarters is in an industrial area and the soil is tough and well, industrial. There will be no watering or maintenance done. Looks like a car ...
view the full question and answer
Care of Florida Blue or Lisiantus in Houston
October 24, 2005 - I'm in Houston, Texas and I'm growing, for the first time, Florida blues, Eustoma, purple. Since I am from California I'm not familiar with this plant. It's beautiful. How do I care for them i...
view the full question and answer
What are the grey-green plants on oak trees in San Marcos, TX?
March 12, 2011 - The oak trees in the neighborhood in San Marcos, TX, are covered with clumps, or balls, of gray/green fluffy-looking plants. they remind me of bromeliads. You can pull and knock them off; after wind ...
view the full question and answer
Shade ground cover under honeysuckle from Wichita KS
February 21, 2012 - Hi! I know this is a bit odd, but I am trying to find a nontoxic, good ground covering plant that can live in the shade while competing with the roots of a whole bunch of honeysuckle. I have a few ide...
view the full question and answer
East Texas Natives and Botanical History
May 05, 2011 - I am looking for flowers &/or flowering shrubs that are native to east Texas, especially that would have been in this area over 100 or more years ago.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |