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
Saturday - February 28, 2015
From: austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pruning, Seasonal Tasks, Shrubs
Title: Need to control Turk's cap in front yard in Austin, TX
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I have several turks cap in my front yard- they grow well, but they grown huge-high and spread out. My neighbors' are much more compact! how can I keep them in control?ANSWER:
Its called pruning.
Turk’s cap Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (Turk's cap or turkscap)is a spreading shrub, often as broad as high, grows 2-3 ft., sometimes reaching 9 ft., so some amount of control is in order. This previous answer will give you some ideas about Turk’s cap, and this link to Purdue University Cooperative Extension can answer most of your questions about pruning in general.
You might also want to chat with your neighbors.
From the Image Gallery
More Shrubs Questions
Growing Texas mountain laurel in a pot
March 07, 2016 - I have a really good friend who Mom pass away just recently and they were the best of friends. She loved her mother dearly and did tons of stuff together. Recently I posted a picture of a Mountain L...
view the full question and answer
Deer-resistant trees for privacy in Texas
January 09, 2015 - I need to find a deer resistant tall shrub or tree to plant and hide the deer fence my neighbor just put up on our property line. My property has full sun in parts and mostly shady in other parts and ...
view the full question and answer
Plant for full sun behind waterfall
March 21, 2009 - I have a 24 inch waterfall around my pool. I need to plant something behind it. I have full sun and hot Texas weather. I will be watering everyday, so what do you think would grow well in this area?
view the full question and answer
Availability of Michigan Holly berries in Northern Michigan
November 17, 2012 - I live in Northern Michigan, and am new in the wreath making business. Last year I found Michigan Holly berries and used them for my wreaths. They have the most beautiful berries I have ever seen, a...
view the full question and answer
Deer Resistance and Erosion Control for St. Louis County MO
January 03, 2014 - I am looking for deer and rabbit resistant native plants for erosion control on a steep ravine slope with part sun and part shade in St. Louis County MO.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |