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
Friday - October 02, 2015
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Seasonal Tasks, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Rejuvenating old Lindheimer muhly clumps
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I've got two clumps of Lindheimer's muhly in full sun in the western (limestone) part of Austin. I'm thinking they've been there for the past 8 or so years. In the past two or three years, the grasses have not thrived. They don't get as big as they once did, and they don't bloom in the summer. I do (and have always) cut them back in early spring as they first begin to green up, and this year I pulled out a lot of old/dead grass from the clump when I cut them back. Is there anything I can do to restore vigor to these plants, or do they have a lifespan and need to be replaced? If I do replace them, is it wiser to replace with an utterly different plant?ANSWER:
There is a tendency for older clumps of Muhlenbergia lindheimeri (Lindheimer's muhly) to die back in the center. By pulling out the dead material in the center of the plant you should see a ring of living shoots remaining. These will grow and recreate a more-or-less normal looking clump. However, the recovery can be rather slow and uneven. You might consider removing the old plants (with a nod of gratitude for yeoman service) and purchase younger replacements.
Raking or pulling out dead leaves from the clump regularly each fall before you prune back to 1-2 feet should delay or prevent the dieoff of the central leaves.
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Will the native turf grass be a habitat for chiggers?
May 25, 2011 - "Researchers create perfect Texas lawn"—Article.
No mention was made of insect issues with this new type of lawn installation. Will 'chiggers/red bugs' still be an issue?
view the full question and answer
Looking for source of Carex texensis in Beaumont, TX
May 11, 2012 - Looking for Carex texensis, the only place I find it is in Tennessee or North Carolina. Should I buy it online from those places to put in Beaumont, TX?
view the full question and answer
Native Wildflowers and Grasses for Texas Acreage
April 15, 2015 - I recently purchased about 36 acres in Somervell County, Texas where cedar had been bulldozed and burned (many large spots). What would be the best native flowers or grasses to replant in that area? L...
view the full question and answer
Plants for bioswale in Vero Beach FL
September 28, 2009 - Can you recommend plantings for bioswales located in Volusia County area of Florida?
view the full question and answer
Shady Container Plant for Austin
August 20, 2014 - I am looking for a tall plant/small shrub/ornamental grass for a very large pot that is placed against the north wall of our Austin home. That spot gets some morning sun in the summer, but virtually ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |