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: Boise, ID
Region: Rocky Mountain
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Shrubs with sparse leaves and flowers for creek in Idaho
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am looking for several shrubs that have spindly limbs and sparse leaves with flowers. The idea is to place them in front of windows or other views to add a lacey/veiled effect for the observer. I live along a creek, zones 5-7 with naturally growing Ponderosa Pines. Deer do pass by but not often.ANSWER:
Usually, people are looking for dense shrubbery to hide eyesores. I can't remember someone asking for spindly limbs and sparse leaves before. Anyway, here are a few that I found that met your criteria for flowers—the sparse leaves and spindly limbs are probably a matter of individual perception, however, so you will have to decide if these meet your criteria. You can look yourself for more shrubs for Idaho landscaping by doing a COMBINATION SEARCH in our Native Plant Database and selecting Idaho from the Select State or Province option and 'Shrub' from the Habit (general appearance) option.Amelanchier alnifolia (Saskatoon serviceberry). Here is more information.
Ceanothus sanguineus (redstem ceanothus). Here are photos and more information.
Ceanothus velutinus (snowbrush ceanothus). Here is more information.
Philadelphus lewisii (Lewis' mock orange). Here is more information.
Purshia tridentata (antelope bitterbrush). Here is more information.
Rhododendron albiflorum (Cascade azalea). Here is more information.
Sorbus scopulina (Greene's mountain ash). Here is more information.
More Shrubs Questions
Fast-growing non-invasive shrub for privacy fence in Sugar Land TX
December 06, 2011 - I live in South Texas in Sugar Land. I was going to plant oleanders in my backyard along the fence as a privacy hedge, about 20 feet from my house. However, I was told they were a bad choice becaus...
view the full question and answer
Identification of lantanas safe for use in Florida
February 10, 2008 - Why do you list lantana camara as a native to the U.S. and as a native plant in Florida? It is a category one invasive exotic on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's list of invasive exotics. La...
view the full question and answer
Plants for a school garden in College Station TX
July 20, 2011 - I need to plant some things in my school garden. Green plants and plants with some color. Hardly ever rains here. Please give suggestions.
view the full question and answer
Screening Suggestions in Brooklyn, NY
March 08, 2013 - My neighbor directly in back of me has shrubs that are growing all over my fence. Also his 9-foot-tall shed facing me is rusted. What can I do to improve my view so that I can enjoy my backyard more?
view the full question and answer
Non-poisonous evergreen shrub for Houston playground
June 19, 2009 - I would like to know what type of small bush or shrub would be appropriate to plant in a children's playground in Houston, TX. It will be located in full sun. I would like it to retain its leaves yea...
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. |
