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
Wednesday - April 13, 2005
From: Clovis, NM
Region: Southwest
Topic: Vines
Title: Smarty Plants on teddy bear vine
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am looking for a plant called teddy bear vine. The scientific name is Cyanotis kewensis. I had one a long time ago (20+ years) and I loved it, but I can't find another one or find out where it is from. I bought mine at K-Mart years ago. They have no records of what they got and where it was from that far back. Can you help? I tried the data base but nothing came back. The description is furry trailing vine with upturned stem tips. Leaves have purplish undersides and the flowers are violet-blue.ANSWER:
Cyanotis kewensis, the teddybear vine, is in the Family Commelinaceae (Spiderwort family). It and all other members of the Genus Cyanotis are natives of Asia and Africa. This is why you did not find it in our Native Plants Database. It is sold commercially, however, and appears to be available from the Desert-Tropicals.com home page. You can probably find more suppliers by doing a Google search on the Internet.More Vines Questions
Blooming challenges with oakleaf hydrangea and bittersweet vine in KY
October 03, 2010 - 1. I cut back my oak leaf hydrangea last fall and it did not bloom this past year. Problem?
2. I have 3 yr old male/female bittersweet plants growing heartily, but no berries. Problem?
Thank you!
view the full question and answer
Trellis plant for Southern California
October 29, 2009 - What is the best selection for a trellis plant? I live in Southern CA (zip 91701), and the area is on the southern part of our home with little or no shade.
Thanks!
view the full question and answer
Evergreen vine for screen
March 20, 2013 - We have pretty much "dead" red-tipped photinia bushes and old pine trees that have seen better days, on a steep hillside. We need to remove and replace with a more natural setting, with some terraci...
view the full question and answer
Native Vines for Pacific Northwest
June 30, 2010 - Hello,
I recently built a shed/pen for my large dog. I have a trellis horizontal above the fence to hide the shed from street. I live in Pacific NW. Do you have any suggestions on a nontoxic evergr...
view the full question and answer
Carolina Jasmine failing to turn green in Pleasant Garden NC
April 26, 2011 - We planted Carolina Jasmine last year and it did great. This Spring we only have about 2-3 small green leaves beginning on the vines. We did not cut them back in the Fall. Is it time for them to be tu...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |