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.

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?

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

1 rating

Monday - November 16, 2009

From: Midland, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Evergreen shrubs for urns at entryway in Midland, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I am looking for plants for large urns at my entry .. prefer something evergreen. The urns are about 3' tall with an opening of 10-12" .. also prefer a plant that is not too bushy or whose roots will not become matted. Thanks for any help .....

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants can't provide you with an evergreen plant that meets all your specifications, but here are evergreen shrubs/small trees that are native to your area that would be attractive in your entry urns. Judicious pruning should turn them and keep them in the size and shape that you want. One note of caution about plants growing in containers outdoors is that since they don't have the insulation of the surrounding earth, their roots are more susceptible to freezing at extreme temperatures. Since these plants are native to your area, they will survive normal winter temperatures but if the freezing temperatures are very low or last for several days, you should take measures to protect your plants' roots.

Choisya dumosa (Mexican orange) and photos and more information

Condalia ericoides (javelin bush) and more information and photos

Condalia hookeri (Brazilian bluewood) and more information

Garrya ovata (eggleaf silktassel) and more information

Garrya wrightii (Wright's silktassel) and more information

Juniperus monosperma (oneseed juniper) and more information

Larrea tridentata (creosote bush) and more information

Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas barometer bush) and more information

Rhus virens (evergreen sumac) and more information

Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain-laurel) and more information

Vauquelinia corymbosa ssp. angustifolia (slimleaf rosewood) and more information and more with photos

PHOTOS OF SOME OF THE ABOVE PLANTS FROM OUR IMAGE GALLERY: