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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - September 05, 2012
From: Sonora, CA
Region: California
Topic: Non-Natives, Trees
Title: Non native crape myrtle changing bloom colors in Sonora CA
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have a Red Rocket Crape Myrtle that was planted a little over a year ago. Last year the bloom was a beautiful deep red and this year it is a Mauvie pink. Is there something I can do to bring it back to its proper color?ANSWER:
To begin, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the growth, propagation and protection of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which those plants grow natively. Lagerstroemia indica (crapemyrtle) is native to Korea and China. The cultivar 'Red Rocket' is discussed in this article from Gardening 1,2,3 Getting a Handle on New Crapemyrtle, and credits Dr. Carl Whitcomb with doing extensive research developing the cultivar.
University of Florida Extension Red-Flowered Crape Myrtles has more information on this plant. Here also is a link to a page of pictures of Lagerstroemia indica 'Red Rocket'. If you run your cursor over a picture it will tell you the name of the cultivar. Some of them look mighty pink to me.
More Non-Natives Questions
Illegal to remove an orange blossom from ground in Florida from Atlantis FL
March 28, 2012 - Is there any law that prevents someone from removing an orange blossom from the ground in Florida?
view the full question and answer
How much water does St. Augustine require in Junction, TX?
February 12, 2012 - Can you point me towards a concrete study on how much water St Augustine requires to survive? Much appreciated - Native American Seed
view the full question and answer
Problem with non-native Shasta daisies
July 10, 2014 - Our Shasta Daisy has bloomed quite prolifically this year. I don't know what to do with the spent blooms/stalks. Do I trim them down, save the seeds, plant the seeds? Any help is appreciated. Thank y...
view the full question and answer
Non-native photinias in Monroe NY
April 11, 2012 - Two Questions:
Is the weather too cold to plant red tip photinias in Monroe NY?
What is a good alternative evergreen shrub to hide chain link fence?
view the full question and answer
Browning of non-native Plectranthus in Dallas
November 28, 2010 - I live in Dallas and planted 'Mona Lavender' which is now brown and limp after overnight temps in the low 30's. Is it dead or will it come back? Do I need to cover these plants during the winter m...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |