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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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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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Thursday - July 10, 2014

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Problem with non-native Shasta daisies
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Our Shasta Daisy has bloomed quite prolifically this year. I don't know what to do with the spent blooms/stalks. Do I trim them down, save the seeds, plant the seeds? Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

ANSWER:

We wish we could be more helpful, but the focus of our research and the extent of our expertise are limited to those plant species native to North America.  Shasta daisy (Leucanthemem x superbum) is a hybrid developed by Luther Burbank from 3 species that are not native to North America—two European species and a Japanese species—and, thus, is out of our area of focus and expertise.  I suggest Googling the terms "Shasta daisy care" or visiting one of the many garden forums online with your question.

 

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