Native Plants
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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Saturday - October 03, 2009
From: Cypress, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Herbs/Forbs, Vines
Title: Texas natives for a small garden with red flowers
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have a garden that is 4' deep, what can I put there that is a Texas native, I would really like some color (preferably red)also it needs to be able to grow tall (8 - 10')ANSWER:
Most plants that are going to grow 8 to 10 feet tall are going to be woody plants, i.e., shrubs or small trees. Here are a few that have red blossoms and will do well in Harris County:
Aesculus pavia (red buckeye) grows up to 15 feet.
Erythrina herbacea (redcardinal) grows to 6 feet with beautiful red blossoms.
Cercis canadensis (eastern redbud) grows up to 30 feet.
Ilex decidua (possumhaw) produces red berries.
If you have a place for a vine, there are two that are evergreen and produce red flowers. On a trellis you could grow them to 8 to 10 feet.
Lonicera sempervirens (trumpet honeysuckle)
Bignonia capreolata (crossvine)
There are a few perennial non-woody plants with red blossoms that grow relatively tall. Here are three:
Ipomopsis rubra (standing-cypress) up to 6 feet tall.
Lobelia cardinalis (cardinalflower) up to 6 feet.
Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (wax mallow) can grow up to 9 feet tall.
Now, it is possible that you were looking for red fall foliage. If that is the case, you should send in another question to Mr. Smarty Plants and we will have another go at your request.
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Locating ruda plants in Florida
January 24, 2009 - Where I can find or who sells Ruda plants?
in the Miami, Florida area ?
view the full question and answer
Turf grass for part-time home from Louisville KY
April 28, 2012 - We have a small yard at a remote location with cistern water, and need a turf grass for a yard, clay soil, which I am willing to amend. It will receive sporadic attention as my husband and I do not l...
view the full question and answer
Lilies not blooming from Austin
May 03, 2013 - Last December 8, you published a letter in the Statesman that I had written to you regarding Rain Lilies, Oxblood Lilies, and Copper Lilies. The were sprouting in my garage in a bag. You recommended...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification
September 09, 2011 - In North Central Texas recommended plants, there are three coneflowers listed:
Echinacea angustifolia-Black sampson
E. purpurea-Purple coneflower
E. purpurea-Eastern purple coneflower
Is the Eas...
view the full question and answer
Are there drug cartels on the bluebonnet trails from Lake City FL
February 08, 2012 - We plan to fly to TX to see bluebonnets but do not know if the weather and forest fires have destroyed them. If not, can you estimate the peak bloom time?
We are 75 and 81 and move around rather s...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |