Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ever wondered what the best flowers and plants are for your garden? Search our extensive database of frequently asked questions - and their answers! 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 a Plant Identification, submit your photo to the Green Guru.
rate this answer
Monday - November 02, 2009
From: Paris, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Native Plants
Title: Groundcover for shade in Paris, Texas
Author: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have a south exposure with 2 large sycamore trees. Noon sun in patches and mainly dappled shade but not dense. I'm consideering planting asian ivy. The soil is "sandy loam" but it's very sandy and heavy. St. Augustine grass grows but I don't want it. Are my chances good?ANSWER:
Since the mission of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's mission is "to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes," we are going to recommend that you NOT plant the non-native Asian ivy (Hedera colchica)
We are happy that you are getting rid of your St. Augustine grass, however, and we can offer you some native alternatives to Asian ivy. These are suggestions from the Wasowski's Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region for groundcovers that grow in the shade and in sand in your area of the state:
Calyptocarpus vialis (straggler daisy) forms dense green mats in the shade, grows to 8-10 inches, but can be mowed to 2-4 inches.
Geum canadense (white avens) can grow to over 18 inches, but can be mowed to 4 inches. If watered in the summertiime, it will remain evergreen.
Mitchella repens (partridgeberry) is evergreen and usually only 2 inches high. It needs water in the summertime to remain evergreen.
Phyla nodiflora (turkey tangle fogfruit) is usually 3-4 inches high and can remain evergreen in mild winters.
Rivina humilis (rougeplant) grows 1 to 1.5 feet high and can remain evergreen in mild winters.
Salvia lyrata (lyreleaf sage) is evergreen and can grow to 2 feet but can also be mowed to 4 inches after it has bloomed and its seeds have set.
Packera obovata [syn.=Senecio obovatus] (roundleaf ragwort) is evergreen and can grow up to 2 feet high, but can be mowed to 3 inches after it has flowered and the seeds have set.
Glandularia canadensis [syn. = Verbena canadensis] (rose mock vervain) grows 5-10 inches high in dappled or part shade.
Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern) is an evergreen fern 1-2 feet high that requires moist soil with good drainage—so sand should be ideal.
Thelypteris kunthii (Kunth's maiden fern) usual height is 1.5 feet, but can grow higher. It dies down and becomes dormant after frost. It can grow in the sun but requires more moisture when growing in the sun.
More on Native Plants from Mr. Smarty Plants
Question: November 20, 2009 - Are any of the plants recommended for green roofs more subject to fire during drought conditions? Our application will be on a rustic wood cabin, thus the importance of safety from fire.
view the full question and answer
Question: November 15, 2009 - Have you heard of the following plants: Butterfly Iris,Compact Nanpina, Red Dawrf Turks
I would like to know some details on the above plant: size, flowers?, draught tolerant, where to plant
Thanking you in advance for whatever information you can give me.
view the full question and answer
Question: November 14, 2009 - Have 3 seven leaf creepers that are planted in mostly shade. In Sept & Oct 2009 all 3 plants had dried up leaves which fell off; however, all three plants grew new leaves when we got rain and are coming back well. One plant, which gets more shade that the others, has leaves that have turned a paler green with some whitish brown spots. What is this and how do I treat it?
view the full question and answer
Bibliography
Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
