Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
From: Lyndonville, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Container Gardens
Title: Container native plants for New York area
Answered by: Nan Hampton
Aquilegia canadensis (red columbine) , blooms February through July
Campanula rotundifolia (bluebell bellflower) blooms June through September
Dicentra cucullaria (dutchman's breeches) attractive foliage, blooms April and May
Gentiana puberulenta (downy gentian) blooms August through October
Hypoxis hirsuta (common goldstar) blooms May through June
Lupinus perennis (sundial lupine) blooms May and June
Maianthemum stellatum (starry false lily of the valley) attractive foliage, blooms May and June
Phlox divaricata (wild blue phlox) blooms March through May
Phlox subulata (moss phlox) a low-growing plant that blooms March through June
Rudbeckia hirta (blackeyed Susan) blooms June through October
Tiarella cordifolia (heartleaf foamflower) blooms April through July
Trillium undulatum (painted trillium) blooms April through June
Viola pedata (birdfoot violet) blooms March through June
Viola sororia (common blue violet) blooms March through May
Ants in outdoor plants in Austin
July 30, 2011 - Live in Austin. The problem is THIS. Ants have invaded our outside potted plants- mandevilla, begonia , lemon tree and violas. The colonies are devouring the roots it appears. Please give suggestions ...
view the full question and answer
Hearty, bushy native plants for windowboxes in Abilene, TX
October 08, 2005 - I live in Abilene, Tx and am a horrible gardener. I would love to have window boxes with some sort of hearty bushy plant. Any suggestions, I'm at a total loss...? Thanks!
view the full question and answer
Disappearing oranges from Satsuma orange in Austin
June 25, 2008 - I had many tiny future oranges on my Satsuma Orange Tree until a few days ago. Suddenly, all were gone except one. They weren't on the ground and the tree itself seems incredibly healthy. It is gr...
view the full question and answer
Can non-native Mayten tree be grown in 4 ft. container in Cypress CA
January 30, 2010 - We have a mayten tree that is about ten years old, in a planter about 4 ft. wide. We were told that the roots will not be a problem--true or false?
So far, no problem, but how about going forward?
view the full question and answer
Darkened leaves on blueberry bush
July 02, 2008 - I have a blueberry bush planted in a very large pot. It has been doing very well, producing berries and new growth.
All of a sudden the leaves have begun to turn dark.
I have it potted in good soil...
view the full question and answer
![]() |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |