Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

DONATE TODAY

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Saturday - October 15, 2005

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Container Gardens
Title: Plant Care for Plumeria
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I have a plumeria that is getting too tall for my small patio. How I should cut it back and can start the cuttings into new plants? Does the original plant need any special care when it is cut back?

ANSWER:

Plumeria spp. or Frangipani are native to the Caribbean, tropical Pacific Islands, South America, and Mexico. Our interest and expertise at the Wildflower Center is native North American plants; however, we can guide you to sources that can help you care for this beautiful non-native. The Plumeria Society of America, Inc. is an excellent source for information on care. Among the titles offered in the Plumeria Care Bulletins are "Pruning and Shaping Your Container Grown Plumeria" and "Plumeria Cuttings: Making and Rooting".
 

More Non-Natives Questions

Why is non-native, invasive dandelion called a wildflower?
January 24, 2007 - Why is a dandelion a wildflower? {I read it in a book.}
view the full question and answer

Problems with non-native Japanese privet from Glendale AZ
December 26, 2012 - We have Japanese privet shrub and they seem to be suffering from a disease, need help.
view the full question and answer

Mosquito repellant plant?
January 18, 2009 - Is there such a thing as mosquito repellent plants? If so, what are they?
view the full question and answer

Information about non-native Feijoa sellowiana (pineapple guave)
April 01, 2010 - Does a pineapple guava thrive in Austin, zip 78735? What height does it grow and what watering is needed?
view the full question and answer

Non-native lavender for Texas in San Antonio
July 15, 2009 - I am looking for a lavender (English?) that will tolerate Tx summers, is evergreen, will tolerate some shade. I want to border a sidewalk with it. All help appreciated.
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.