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 - June 22, 2007
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Need for sunlight for Sophora secundiflora to bloom
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
My mountain laurel doesn't bloom. We live in Oak Hill and planted it about seven years ago. It bloomed one year at about age three or four. Since then nothing. What can I do? It only gets indirect sunlight. Is that the problem? Should I be pruning it?ANSWER:
The problem is most likely the shade issue. Sophora secundiflora (mescal bean) or Texas mountain laurel needs good sunlight to consistently produce lots of flowers. Pruning your Texas mountain laurel might be necessary for aesthetic reasons, but pruning will not induce more flowering. If it is possible to prune some of the trees shading your Sophora, you will probably enjoy more success from that effort.More Trees Questions
Native trees for Alameda County, California
May 14, 2010 - I looking for trees native to my area to plant on my property. I am located in Livermore CA.
view the full question and answer
Problem with Prosopis glandulosa (Honey mesquite)
February 27, 2014 - One of our mature Honey Mesquite trees is losing thumb sized branches high up in the canopy because something is stripping the bark. The branches are completely white for 8-12 inches. Of course the ...
view the full question and answer
Growing a Texas Mountain Laurel in Pennsylvania
May 20, 2012 - Can I grow a Texas Mt. Laurel in Lancaster, PA?
view the full question and answer
Plants for winter installation in Houston
January 01, 2009 - What plants can you plant in the winter, Houston, Texas?
view the full question and answer
Drought resistant flowering plants for Spring, TX
January 25, 2012 - Hi Mr. Smarty Pants. I live in Spring Tx. and wanted to plant a garden in my front yard. I'm looking for flowering plants that are colorful, easy to manage, and drought resistant but so far can't fi...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |