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
Saturday - June 09, 2012
From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Herbs/Forbs
Title: Blue mistflowers not blooming in Houston
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
My blue mist flower plants are not blooming, but they did last summer. I have tried spreading manure, but it hasn't worked. What should I use to stimulate blooms. Thanks.ANSWER:
Well, the first thing you should do is wait until their bloom time, which, according to our webpage on Conoclinium coelestinum (Blue mistflower), is July to November. Perhaps you bought some already-blooming plants last year that were a little confused by being raised in greenhouses or force-bloomed.
Another thing is cut out the manure. That is a very strong fertilizer, and if it had not been seasoned enough before you spread it, could be burning the plant roots. Blue Mistflower is native to the Harris County area, and native plants seldom need fertilizers, because they are already accustomed by centuries of experience with the soils, climate and rainfall.
From the Image Gallery
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Looking for plants for phytoremediation in Columbus, TX
May 27, 2015 - Hello! I am looking for native Texan phytodegrading/rhizodegrading plants (basically I want phytoremediating plants that could be left in place and not have to be removed/disposed of after they had ta...
view the full question and answer
sources of milkweed in Bastrop, Texas
April 22, 2015 - Where can I buy milkweed in Bastrop County? Can I plant in containers in garden soil? Thanks
view the full question and answer
Availability of Texas Frogfruit
June 22, 2012 - Are there any nursery suppliers that supply Texas frogfruit?
view the full question and answer
Milky Substance on Salvia greggii
June 26, 2015 - The Salvia greggii that I have in the front yard has a milky substance on it ... and the plants are not doing well. Is this some kind of fungi or disease? What can I do to "cure" it? Thank you! Lia...
view the full question and answer
Plant Suggestions for Flower Boxes in NY
July 06, 2016 - I am doing a project for a friend that had some flower boxes built along his driveway. They are along a hill leading up to his porch. They are made of all wood and have a wooden wall along the not-hil...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |