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

Saturday - October 24, 2015

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant, Shrubs
Title: Evergreen shrub for Austin TX shade
Answered by: Guy Thompson

QUESTION:

I live in Austin, TX. I'm looking for a 4 season shrub for a partially shaded area that gets about 3 hours of sun towards the evening. It's mostly partially shaded.

ANSWER:

Our website shows a list of native evergreen species that you may consider for your conditions.  My particular recommendations include Garrya ovata ssp. lindheimeri (Lindheimer's silktassel)Mahonia trifoliolata (Agarita)Morella cerifera (Wax myrtle)Sabal minor (Dwarf palmetto)Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain laurel)Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon) and Rhus virens (Evergreen sumac). Reading the descriptions of these plants will help you decide which fits your needs as regards size and appearance.  In case you need it, this online article contains tips about planting shrubs.

Most of these species should be available at your local plant nurseries. 

 

 

 

From the Image Gallery


Lindheimer's silktassel
Garrya ovata ssp. lindheimeri

Agarita
Mahonia trifoliolata

Wax myrtle
Morella cerifera

Dwarf palmetto
Sabal minor

Texas mountain laurel
Sophora secundiflora

Yaupon
Ilex vomitoria

Evergreen sumac
Rhus virens

More Shrubs Questions

Evergreen for privacy in PA
July 18, 2011 - We need to plant a privacy/sound barrier hedge/hedgerow and my husband says it must be evergreen. I am not familiar with which species would be native to our area and I just don't trust those big sto...
view the full question and answer

Patio Privacy Screen Suggestions for Central Texas
March 17, 2013 - I have just built a patio and want to plant some small trees, bushes or shrubs to form a visual barrier (rather than to erect a fence)to the neighbors yard.
view the full question and answer

Looking for shrubs to plant in Southern Illinois.
July 03, 2013 - Hi. I am in Southern Illinois. I'm needing small shrubs for a south facing area. It's a 14ft. long by 2ft. wide area. Although it's facing south, it's not real sunny. A huge tree and swing is...
view the full question and answer

Shrub to scrren house from dust from gravel road
July 28, 2013 - HI: We live in the foothills of Dobbins, California (2 hours North of Sacramento, Ca). I live on a gravel dirt road with traffic that goes about 45 miles an hour. When they drive by our house it lo...
view the full question and answer

Low growing native shrubs to go next to a rock pool deck
July 29, 2004 - I have a pool surrounded by a rock deck, & want to plant some low-growing shrubs next to the deck. However, I want to ensure the root system of the plant isn't invasive enough to crack the rock deck ...
view the full question and answer

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