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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

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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Monday - April 14, 2008

From: Graham, NC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Vines
Title: Identification of vine with red flower
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I have a "vine" that flowers. When it "blooms", it begins with a reddish/yellowish/orange ball about the side of a dime. The ball bursts open and a small red bloom emerges. It looks like a carnation about the size of a nickel. I have asked several people but no one seems to know what it is. It has begun to spring leaves. The balls will follow in about a month. How can I find out what it is? and how to root a piece for another part of the yard?

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants loves to identify plants, but identifying plants by means of description alone is very difficult, if not impossible. If you would take photos (following the directions on our Ask Mr. Smarty Plants page in the lower right corner) and send them to us, we will do our very best to identify your vine.
 

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