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.
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.
rate this answer
Wednesday - March 14, 2007
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Care of non-native Primrose jasmine
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have 4 large primrose jasmine shrubs that were transplanted about 4 years ago. They were cut back fairly harshly at that time. Since then, the centers remain very woody... no greenery... but the long flowing branches have grown out. I do have flowers on all 4 plants and am watching them closely for leaves. I would like to keep them and have them behave as a primrose jasmine should! Should I cut them back again? Any hope? Thank you.ANSWER:
Primrose jasmine, Jasminum mesnyi, is an introduction from China. Since our focus and expertise here at the Wildflower Center is on plants native to North America, it is not really in our purview. However, I can refer you to the following links with information about the care of primrose jasmine. According to these sources, Primrose jasmine can be pruned severely after the flowers have faded.
More Non-Natives Questions
What is wrong with cultivars of native plants?
May 26, 2009 - What is wrong with cultivars of native plants? My state native plant society won't allow cultivars at their annual sale, and the native plant nursery from which I order only offers the species. But a...
view the full question and answer
Prairie remnant threatened by non-native Queen Anne's lace in Dallas
June 09, 2010 - A blackland prairie remnant is being invaded by Queen Ann's Lace. What are the best, least chemical, methods of getting rid of it without damaging the native grasses and wildflowers?
Thank you!
view the full question and answer
poor blooming on (non-native) plumbago
June 14, 2011 - I recently purchased several blue Plumbago plants that were covered in blooms. We planted them in our front beds that receive about 5 hours of morning sun then afternoon shade. I have watered them eve...
view the full question and answer
Coffee grounds as mulch into vegetable beds
February 05, 2009 - Can you put too much coffee grounds as mulch into vegetable beds?
view the full question and answer
Trimming spineless yucca in Chicago
April 05, 2011 - I have a spineless yucca (indoors) which is 11 feet tall and thirty-five years old. When the yucca recently started to scrape the ceiling, I moved it away (roughly 20 feet) from the windows to an area...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |