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
Thursday - June 14, 2007
From: Helena, AL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Herbs/Forbs
Title: Houston plants adaptable to Birmingham, AL
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
I have recently moved from Houston to Birmingham Al. I had a wildflower garden in my back yard. Would the same flowers work here as well? I would love to have the same beautiful colors here.ANSWER:
Some of the same flowers that grew in Houston will perform beautifully in Birmingham - others, not so much. The climate in Birmingham is slightly damper, but the winters are significantly colder than you enjoyed in Houston. The consequence of this is that most tropical and some subtropical plants that thrived without freeze protection in Houston will be imperiled in Birmingham during frequent hard, winter cold-snaps.
Happily, many plants native to Houston are also native to Birmingham. Since these species are naturally adapted to both areas, they would be the ideal choices for your garden.
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Erosion tolerant plants for shade from Kerrville TX
August 06, 2013 - We have just cleared a lot of cedar out of a small draw and would like to know the best groundcovers, shrubs, etc. to plant to hold the soil. Deep shade most of the day.
view the full question and answer
Flower color under large pine tree from South Elgin IL
April 05, 2013 - I have a very large pine tree that I would like to plant some flowers under. I have hostas, stonecrop and fern, but like to add some color. What do you suggest? Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Can non-native coleus grow in mulch from San Antonio
May 12, 2013 - Can Coleus plants grow in Mulch only?
view the full question and answer
Landscaping around a pear tree in Tyler, TX.
September 22, 2010 - We have a large raised flower bed, approximately ten feet by ten feet, surrounding a mature flowering pear tree. Do you have any suggestions for landscaping with native plants in this bed?
view the full question and answer
White and Violet Flower in Missouri
March 17, 2016 - When I was small I came into contact with a plant that gave me cold sweats, chills and hallucinations. All I remember was it bore a single flower with a little white and a lot of violet. It had a dark...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |