Native shrubs for afternoon sun?

17 years ago

I have been gardening with natives for several years now, but in the past I've had woodland gardens. I've recently purchased a house in Atlanta that gets full sun all afternoon, from about noon until the sun goes down. There are some spots that are partially shaded by a large magnolia, but still, this area gets HOT in the afternoon.

I am looking for native shrubs that can stand this sun and heat. I would prefer plants that do not get more than 10' tall maximum.

Any ideas?

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Comments (2)

midwesternerr
17 years ago
I'm not sure what kind of aesthetics you are looking for, but there are some sumacs in my area that grow well in hot,dry sun. Elderberries also seem to do well as long as they have some moisture in the ground. Heck, I think even a buttonbush could grow well if the area was moist.
loris
17 years ago
I'm not sure where you're located, but here in NJ I used the following, mostly cultivars, not straight species which I think would have been preferable.

Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet).

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo' (Common Ninebark. This is a strange one because this cultivar of our native plant was developed in Europe)

Cornus sericea (Red Twig Dogwood). Some of these grow very wide.

Fothergilla gardenii, even though it's not native in NJ

Itea virginica 'Little Henry' (Virginia Sweetspire)

I also considered but didn't use Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite'.

Most of my yard is acidic and moist, so if you have different conditions these may not work for you. You can use the link below, specify CT or US Native, and other traits such as height.

Here is a link that might be useful: UConn Plant DB search page
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How about dwarf yaupon holly? Some cultivars include: Ilex vomitoria 'Stoke's Dwarf' (which appears to be the smaller) and 'Nana' which is larger. 'Schillings Dwarf' is another one. This is a native shrub that is popular in nurseries and should do well in NC. Here is a link that might be useful: 'Nana'
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the issue is.. whether a newbie can ID transplant shock .... water properly.. and wait to see how it all works out next spring.. its October .... plants look like carp ... you transplanted.. or planted.. perhaps a few weeks earlier than i would have ... so there is some shock involved ... hence the leaf coloration ... all are deciduous ... meaning they lose their leaves ... which they will do in 2 to 3 weeks ... or so they will grow new roots all winter long... or until the soil freezes ... you MUST insure PROPER water... late into the fall.. without freezing them into an ice cube ... most shrubs are nearly bulletproof ... you risk killing them with too much love rather than benign neglect... AND MOVING THEM AGAIN... IS .... TOO MUCH LOVE .. PROPER water .. is all they need .. ask if you dont know what that means ... ken
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You can often find dwarf cultivars of plants now, just put in the scientific name in google and add the word "dwarf". Newly planted shrubs will of course need adequate water the first year and mulch to help retain the moisture. Here are some suggestions: Fothergilla, Clethra alnifolia, Morella cerifera (several dwarf forms), Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon holly), Viburnums, Aesculus pavia (red buckeye, can be considered a small tree), Chionanthus virginicus (can be considered a small tree), Ilex glabra. I'll try to think of some others.
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I have Compact Nandinas, Dwarf Yaupon Hollies, Wall or Upright Germander, Indian Hawthorns and Rosemary that all do really well in North-West facing beds. These choices are all evergreen, ~ 2-4' tall and the Rosemary and Germander will flower for you too. I am partial to rosemary as it smells wonderful, flowers and can be used in the kitchen!!
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Native shrubs for afternoon sun?

Comments (2)

midwesternerr

loris

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