Explore Plants
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.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Tuesday - September 01, 2009
From: Glen Allen, VA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Shrubs for house landscaping in Virginia
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I would like suggestions for types of shrubs to be planted in front of my house.ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants suggests that you visit the Recommended Species page on our webpage and select your state from the map or the pulldown menu. This will give you a list of commercially available native plants suitable for landscapes in Virginia. You can then use the NARROW YOUR SEARCH option to limit the results by choosing 'Shrub' from the GENERAL APPEARANCE option. You can also add your choice for other criteria (e.g., under LIGHT REQUIREMENT and/or SOIL MOISTURE). Since I don't know what the light and moisture parameters for your yard are, I will suggest a few shrubs with a variety of growing requirements. You can check those against your site's conditions. You can also see for yourself if there are other possibilities in the Recommended Species list.Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey tea) is a small (up to 3 ft.) with small white flowers in the spring.
Cornus alternifolia (alternateleaf dogwood) is described as a large shrub or tall tree (up to 35 ft.). It has white flowers that make berries that attract birds.
Kalmia latifolia (mountain laurel) is a large evergreen shrub (12-20 ft.) with pink flowers in the spring.
Lindera benzoin (northern spicebush) is a 6-12 ft.shrub with aromatic leaves.
Rhododendron calendulaceum (flame azalea) is 6-12 ft tall with showy orange flowers.
Robinia hispida (bristly locust) grows up to 8 feet tall with pinkish flowers in the spring.
More Shrubs Questions
Plants for a sunny, dry slope in NY
March 01, 2010 - Looking for plants, native to area, that are quick growing to a height of approximately 6" to 12" for a steep slope comprised of shale in a sunny location.
view the full question and answer
Stress in potted Tif blueberry plants
August 15, 2008 - Recently purchased Tif Blue Blueberry plants (about 3 ft tall)are showing signs of stress. They are in 10 gallon pots. Should they be transplanted? Medium? Fertilizer? Location? Trimming?
view the full question and answer
Trees and other plants for privacy along lake shoreline
March 09, 2013 - We are purchasing a new home that has a 2 acre lake. We would like to add some plants/trees for privacy around the shore line. Can you suggest something that would fill in nicely and is strong enoug...
view the full question and answer
A 3-6 ft. high overwintering container plant
November 08, 2011 - I live in Austin, Tx. and am looking for a plant/shrub that I can keep in a ceramic pot through out the winter. It can grow to from 3 feet to six feel.
view the full question and answer
Tropical plants for a pool-side planter in Cape Coral FL
April 19, 2010 - I live in Southwest Florida and have a pool inside a cage with a pool planter built into the deck around part of the pool. What kind of tropical plants can I put in the planter that are not root inva...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
