Explore Plants
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.
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.
rate this answer
Wednesday - August 26, 2009
From: Cape Town , S. Africa
Region: Other
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Planting a non-native Solandra nitida in Cape Town, South Africa
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
How long does it take a Cup of Gold (Solandra Nitida) to flower when planted from a cutting. The site is against a North facing wall. It gets afternoon sun. Plant looks healthy and is approximately 4 years since planted. It is protected from southerly winds and is within two kilometers from the coast.ANSWER:
We're always pleased to hear from gardeners on another continent but, unfortunately, we can't help you, or at least not much. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas, and home of Mr. Smarty Plants, is committed to the care, protection and propagation of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which they are being grown. The Solandra nitida, also called Cup of Gold Vine or Chalice Vine, is native to Mexico, Central America and South America. Plants from those areas do not appear in our Native Plant Database and are out of our range of expertise. We did find this website from Top Tropicals that has some information. It is hardy to USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10 to 11, which means in areas which have an annual average minimum temperature of 30 to above 40 deg. F. The very southern tips of Texas, Florida and California might accommodate it, or it would have to be brought in as an indoor plant in cool weather. We understand it also grows in Hawaii, which is almost overrun with non-native plants, and it can apparently be quite invasive if it is growing in ideal conditions for it. You might try the UBC Botanical Forum, which caters to plant questions from around the world.
Pictures of Solandra nitida from Google.
More Non-Natives Questions
Non-branching mimosa tree
June 26, 2008 - I have a Mimosa Tree, just about 2 years old, grown from seed. The problem with it is that it has not branched out, it looks like one long branch growing out of the ground, about 5 feet if stood strai...
view the full question and answer
Problems on mock orange plant in England
August 20, 2008 - I have a small mock orange plant that is about 3 years old. It is currently in a 12 inch plant pot in full sun. It bloomed beautifully this year but the leaves on both the new and old growth are start...
view the full question and answer
Can trimmings from non-native globe willows be planted from Broken Arrow OK?
June 13, 2010 - We have 2 globe willow trees in our back yard. We trim low hanging branches. Can we take these cut branches, -plant them and have it grow into a new globe willow tree?
view the full question and answer
Eliminating KR? Bluestem from St. Augustine Yard in Spicewood, TX
April 28, 2012 - How can I eradicate bluestem grass invading my St. Augustine lawn?
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native Weeping Japanese Red Maple
October 04, 2008 - have a Weeping Japanese Red Maple. We bought if from a good nursery in the spring and planted it but now it is not red anymore. It is just greenish. Can you advise me what it is needing or any thing ...
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. |
