Plants That Take Sun and Shade for the Southwest

15.05.2024 - 04:11 / finegardening.com

Name: Pycnanthemum albescens

Zones: 7–9

Size: 3 feet tall and wide

Conditions: Full sun to full shade; moist, well-drained soil

Native range: Southeastern United States

In summer, the upper leaves of this native begin to lighten, helping it embody its common name. This plant has small, inconspicuous flowers that are clustered densely together. The upper foliage, found just beneath the blossoms but often confused as part of them, are actually modified leaves called bracts. It’s the mattewhite frosted foliage, however, that is much showier than the blooms. When this mint is planted en masse, the soft, silvery hue becomes quite eye-catching, while the powerful minty smell is hard to miss. Many pollinators visit the flowers, including native bees and butterflies. Whiteleaf mountain mint also attracts insects that prey upon garden pests, adding to the many benefits it brings to the garden.

Name: Sabal minor

Zones: 7–11

Size: 5 to 8 feet tall and wide

Conditions: Full sun to full shade; tolerates a wide range of soil types

Native range: Southeastern United States

Dwarf palmetto is a stellar accent plant. The stately evergreen fronds grow in large mounded clumps near to the ground. Each wide, fan-shaped leaf stands out and adds unique texture and a tropical feel to the landscape. In early summer, creamy flowers appear on long stalks that extend beyond the foliage. Following the blooming period, dark fruits form and are enjoyed by many birds. Dwarf palmetto is highly adaptable; it can be sited in full sun to full shade, is cold tolerant, can grow in poorly drained soil, and is easy to care for. It needs ample water during the establishment period but then is quite drought tolerant. Dwarf palmetto looks great in a border or in