Need gardening help

[WhoseHouse]

I want to plant some medium to large sized plants in pots for my patio. They will rarely, if ever, be in direct sunlight (they will be under a cedar arbor whose slats go north and south so the only time the sun can shine directly through is at noon, and the south and west sides of the patio are enclosed by the house).

I am wanting some leafy green plants and a taller small tree or something, for variety. I want ones that retain green leaves year-round if possible, and, since this is my first time, easy to keep alive.

Also, any recommendations for plant shopping in Austin would be appreciated!

 

[brntorng]

So much shade definitely reduces your choices. You don't mention flowering plants, but keep that in mind--color really adds to a landscape. Again, with the shade, your choices are limited. Don't necessarily think one pot--one plant. Think one pot--one arrangement of several plants, perhaps with different heights, textures, colors, etc. In the heat of the summer, these pots will typically require daily watering. Save yourself some work and perhaps your plants by installing a drip system on a timer. This is especially important if you're traveling during the summer.

Barton Springs Nursery in Westlake is my favorite for plant selection and advice, although there are others I shop (Gardens, Red Barn, Ted's Trees, Natural Gardener, Green 'n Growing) depending on what I'm looking for and what they have.

 

[wolfman]

How large are the pots? If they are really big you could plant a shrub like an azalea. I f you get azaleas, get an encore azalea, it will bloom 2 times a year instead of hte normal 1 tme. Liriope and Hydrangea grows well in the shade, but Im not sure if hydrangea loses leaves. Probably your best bet woul dbe to talk to someone in a nursery. You will have mixed luck if you go to a place like home depot.

 

[Holden]

philodendrum (sp)