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.
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Smarty Plants Question Topics
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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| Should wax myrtles (Morella cerifera) be pruned? April 26, 2007 We planted Wax Myrtles in our backyard as a wall for privacy from the lot behind ours. Should we prune or cut back the tops periodically to get more fully developed bushes or let them grow naturally? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Pruning for Spring January 21, 2007 When should I cut back (and how far should I cut back) the following plants in order to promote growth in the spring: Salvia gregii, Salvia leucantha, Ruellia (Mexican petunia), Plumbago, Sku... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Winter trimming and shaping of native perennials November 08, 2006 Granted, it's a bit early, but for planning purposes: What is the best care for shrub-like woody perennials, like Lantana, Copper Canyon Daisy, Salvia greggii, Chile Pequin, Eupatorium wrightii, Pav... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Pruning of Hamelia patens, Firebush June 23, 2006 I have a Hamelia Patens (Fire Bush) it says it will grow to 12 feet high and 5-6 feet across. Can I keep pruning it to about 5 feet without damaging the shrub? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Pruning time for Smoke Tree (Cotinus obovatus) February 13, 2006 Gentlemen: I have a Texas Smoke Tree (Cotinus obovatus). It's doing very well & I wish to prune it before its leaves come out. I understand there are a few trees you don't prune, among them birch. I... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Conditions for wisteria bloom on Ontario, Canada November 05, 2005 I live in Ontario Canada, and about 4 years ago I bought a shrub which was called wisteria. I loved this bush when I visited a cousin out in British Columbia. The problem is it has no trouble growing ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Smarty Plants on Fan Scarlet-Cardinal September 02, 2005 I have a lobelia x speciosa (Fan Scarlet-Cardinal) plant and was wondering if I should dead head it after blossoming so that the plant continues to flower. Can you help? Thanks! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Smarty Plants on pruning Clematis August 26, 2005 I would like to know about pruning clematis. The one I have is getting very large. Should I cut it back, and if so, in the Spring or Fall? I live in Michigan. Thank you. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Smarty Plants on mockoranges May 25, 2005 I live in Colorado where it is common to have 1 or 2 late frosts. I planted 4 littleleaf mockoranges (Philadelphus Microphyllus) 2 years ago and they are pretty much in full sun most of the day. I h... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Cutting back, pruning and dividing native plants April 21, 2005 I am wanting to cut back, or prune, and divide many of my native plants but don't know how. What should I do? I bought them all at the native plant sale at the center last fall. We have a family ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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