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: Duncanville, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: How to grow a non-native rue plant in Duncanville TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
Conflict between non-native and invasive St. Augustine and Bermuda grasses
July 21, 2008 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
My neighbor and I have nice front lawns but his is St. Augustine and mine is Bermuda. Between our houses the two lawns meet and it is a constant battle to keep his St. Augustine...
view the full question and answer
Non-native upside down tomatoes in Edmonton AB
September 19, 2010 - Due to early frost, I have brought my upside down tomato plant into the house & have hung it in the basement. What type of grow lamp can I use? I just have the overhead light & standard lamps at my di...
view the full question and answer
Identity of rubbery-looking tree with long green thorns
March 21, 2012 - I am trying to identify a tree that has a green rubbery look with long, sharp, green thorns. This tree is on my property in Conroe, TX and the soil type is Gladwater clay frequently flooded.
view the full question and answer
Want to Grow Herbs in Pots on Balcony
November 26, 2011 - Nov. 20, 2011
I live in a large apartment with a front balcony. I was wondering what would grow well in pots and fresh herb this time of the year? And will lavendar work for a hanging plant as well...
view the full question and answer
Pruning of non-native weigela and roses
June 29, 2009 - I have a Red Prince wiegala (spelling?) and while most of the branches have leaves and red flowers, there are some branches that never produced any leaves or flowers. Should I prune them? If so, can...
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. |