Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers Nan Hampton, Jimmy Mills and Barbara Medford to be the culpable and capable parties. Yet, others think staff members Damon Waitt, Joe Marcus and Philip Hawkins might play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
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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.
Questions From Near You
Garden City, KS
Will a chile pequin survive winters in Garden City, Kansas
Dear Mr. Smarty Pants,
I am trying to determine if a chile pequin (Capsicum annuum) can survive Kansas winters. My sister lives in Killeen, TX, and has a couple of these bushes in her yard. She broug...
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Garden City, KS
Withering plants recover with water
Why do withering plants stand up when you give them water?
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Dodge City, KS
Disappointing Fall color from sumac in Dodge City, KS
We have had a fragrant sumac bush growing in our front yard (faces south) for several years. While it is healthy and growing well, we are always disappointed in its lack of bright fall foliage. It d...
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Guymon, OK
Identification of plant known as mosquito plant (Agastache cana)
I received some seeds from an annual plant that came from Bowie, Tx. It has square stems, like mint plants, medium size leaves turns purple when in the sun and had a strong odor when brushed against. ...
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Perryton, TX
Vines for Texas Panhandle
I need a fast-growing vine for our pergola that does not attract bees or wasps. It will be in full sun in the panhandle of Texas--two hours north of Amarillo.
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Great Bend , KS
Dog wallowing in damp area in garden from Great Bend KS
I Have a wet area in my back yard that is close to my house. and off my patio there is a water hydrant,gas meter, electrical for my hot tub, my sprinkler valves and pump all there. My dog digs throug...
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Gage, OK
How to distinguish male and female grape vines in Gage OK.
Are there male and female plants for wild grapes? If so, how do we tell the difference?
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Rocky Ford, CO
Maintenance of Blue grama in early stages
I am seeding my large back yard with blue grama - 30-45 minutes of almost daily hand weeding for two months keeps me from falling too far behind on the green foxtail, bindweed, elm tree seedlings, pig...
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Hutchinson, KS
Dead portions on oak tree in Hutchinson KS
I have an oak tree on the property I just moved into. One tree is healthy, the other has a dead side or almost dead. It did have some new green leaves on the dead branches but not many. What should...
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Pampa, TX
Seed sources for Mexican Gama Grass
I'm trying to find a seed source for Mexican Gama Grass (scientific name is Tripsacum lanceolatum). Can you help me? Thanks.
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Pampa, TX
Transplanting honeysuckle
How do I transplant Honeysuckle?
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McPherson, KS
New growth on Amur Maple turning black in McPherson, Kansas.
Re: Amur Maple bushes
Approximately 2 yrs old, 4 ft tall. New growth at the end of some branches is turning black. Plants are mulched with grass clippings. We live in Kansas. Thanks for any info....
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Corpus Christi, TX
Adding Wildflowers to Corpus Christi
I have a dry sandy yard, full sun in Corpus Christi with lot's of stickers mostly, want to transform to wildflowers. When should I plant, how should I prepare soil, should I dig out stickers? Which w...
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Salina, KS
Plant with dark black/purple berries in a cluster
Today at our local dog park we noticed a bush/vine that's been growing up the fence is producing berries. It didn't flower at all. The berries look to have started out green and now are changing t...
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McLean, TX
Native perennials for Donley County, TX
What are the best perennials to plant in Donley County, TX?
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Newton, KS
Wintering of non- native jasmine in Newton KS
Hi Mr. Smarty Plants,
I received a gorgeous jasmine for mothers day and I planted it in my front yard in the flower area close to the house. Can I keep it there all winter or do I need to dig it up a...
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Newton, KS
Overseeding sprig planting of native grass in Kansas
Can I overseed a Sprig planting of native grass in Kansas in the Fall?
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Wichita , KS
Skunk cabbage to repel rabbits in Wichita KS
I would like to find a skunk cabbage plant or oil of skunk cabbage to drive away rabbits from my garden.. It does work for several yrs ago I purchased a plant from a garden shop but can not find it no...
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Wichita, KS
Colorful shrubs for Kansas
I would like to plant some bushes or shrubs on the front side of our house which faces east. I would like them to grow 5' tall and provide beautiful color or blooms. What would be best for my locat...
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Wichita, KS
Hardy Tree for Kansas
I'm hoping to find a tree that is hardy and will survive all rough seasons in Wichita, KS. The spot is in front of a northern exposure window.
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Wichita, KS
Plants for northern exposure in Wichita, KS
What are good plants for the north side of the house with acidic soil in Zone 6, Wichita, KS?
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