Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
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Yellowing leaves on non-native Hibiscus rosa-sinensis July 03, 2006 I purchased a chinese hibiscus hiros small tree and after 1 month the leaves keep turning yellow. What's wrong? It's in a large pot and never outside below 60 degrees. Thanks. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Alternatives for non-native, invasive Dianthus spp. July 02, 2006 We're landscaping our 1963 ranch house in Austin, and we're trying to balance low water and wildscape concerns. Being just across the street from Shoal Creek means we're staying away from anything ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Care of non-native Mandevilla July 01, 2006 I have purchased 2 Red Riding Hood Mandevilla's. The tag on it says it blooms spring to frost, full sun, ave size is 8 feet tall & spreading. I live in the Tampa FL area. Does this plant grow as a sh... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Non-native, invasive Arctium minus in New York June 13, 2006 For as long as I can remember, my family has been picking and eating a wild plant which we and other Italian families call " cardoons". I've often heard to it referred to burdock but no one knows t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Transplant of non-native Lathyrus tuberosus in North Carolina June 13, 2006 I have a tuberous sweetpea vine that grows wild on our property. When would be a good time to move this plant to a better location? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Best vegetables to grow in San Antonio June 06, 2006 What vegtables are the safest bet for growing in San Antonio? Thanks View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Care of non-native Easter lily, Lilium longiflorum June 03, 2006 I have a white lily that is in a pot and has already bloomed four flowers. will it bloom again? Can I replant this outside right now or what should I do with it? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Height of non-native gardenias May 29, 2006 How tall does a gardenia tree get? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Inadvisability of allowing native orchids to cross-breed May 17, 2006 Hello LBJ Native plants helper! This is the perfect place for me to ask a question that has been very perplexing to me. I live in Northern California and am doing research for naturalization of the te... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Invasive, non-native Paulownia May 03, 2006 Hi. We would like to plant a fast growing tree that will provide shade for our house. What do you think of the Paulownia tree (Empress Tree) as a possibility for the Austin area? If this is not a g... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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