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
Blythe, CA
Large agave (century plant) flower stalk
HI.I live in Blythe, Ca. and have a GIANT of an agave in my back yard. It is now over 40'high and is blooming. I first noticed the stock growing at Easter when it was about 12' high. It is now t...
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Havasu Lake, CA
Landscaping in the Southern California desert.
We are located in southern California in Lake Havasu. I'm trying to landscape sloping areas. I have arrow weeds (Pluchea sericea) and want to get rid of them permanently. How can I achieve this or...
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Yuma, AZ
Viability of buffalo grass in Yuma, AZ
Will Buffalo Grass grow in Yuma, AZ, where the temperature can go as high as 120 degrees in the summer?
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Yuma, AZ
Should a bloom stalk be cut down in Yuma AZ?
I have a plant in my front yard that looks like an aloe vera. It doesn't have any thorns or needles but does have a tall stalk like stem coming from the middle of it. The "stalk" is now approx. 5'...
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Yuma, AZ
Texas mountain laurel roots and septic systems
I want to plant a Texas Mountain Laurel tree in our RV Resort. The park must approve new plantings, and they are concerned about any root system that might endanger their septic systems or pipes. They...
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Mohave Valley, AZ
Eliminating Arrow Weed from property in Mohave Valley AZ
How do I get rid of Arrowweeds on my property?
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Indio, CA
Removal of pods when pruning Tecoma stans
When pruning Tecoma stans for growth and shape control,should I cut off the pods?
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INDIO, CA
Should flower stems of Texas mountain laurel be removed after they bloom?
Should I trim off the old flower stems from this years bloom on a Texas Mountain Laurel?
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La Quinta / Palm Desert, CA
Privacy screening shrubs from La Quinta CA
I need a solid row of screen tree / shrubs that are at least 10 feet (prefer 12) tall and can be kept trimmed to a narrow (6 foot or less?) width. Will be planted against a 6' cement wall facing west...
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La Quinta, CA
Difficulty identifying/finding a plant
I have been advised that the Calandria (sic) is a good plant to cover a cement wall surrounding our home in La Quinta, CA. I cannot find such a plant on line. Can you assist? I want to entirely cov...
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La Quinta, CA
Looking for source of wildflower seeds in Southern California
I'm looking for a source of wildflower seed--a mix of annuals and perennials--for my desert location of La Quinta, CA
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La Quinta, CA
Plants for a nursing home resident from LaQuinta CA
I take care of an elderly woman with dementia. She is in a nursing home and she's always LOVES flowers and plants.
Do you have any suggestions for potted outdoor blooming plants for the summer in...
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La Quinta, CA
Will wisteria grow in LaQuinta CA?
I have moved to the desert, near Palm Springs, CA from Omaha NE where I was an avid gardener. I would like to know if wisteria will grow in this environment, with temps up to 120 several weeks each su...
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Palm Desert, CA
Growing Magnolia trees in Palm Desert, CA.
Will magnolia trees grow in the Palm Desert/Indio, CA area?
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Palm Desert, CA
Flowering vine for shade in Southern California
Flowering climbing plant for shade in Palm Desert, CA.
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Joshua Tree, CA
National Events Calendar
Where is the link to the National Events Calendar?
I would like to submit two events for California.
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Laughlin, NV
Trees for property in Nevada
Mr. Smarty Plants:
I would like to plant trees in between Crepe Myrtles than put up a fence along the paved road. The temperature ranges from 27'F to 130'F. It is a full sun all day and I will i...
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Wickenburg, AZ
Plant identification
I have a plant which has fern like leaves on the top and round broad leaves near the ground. What is it?
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Buckeye, AZ
Doorway Framing Shrub for Arizona
My husband and I live in Buckeye, Arizona and have a door that faces west. Anything on our patio (including our metal door) gets sizzling hot! Is there a flowering shrub that we can put right up agai...
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Buckeye, AZ
Fruit trees for Buckeye AZ
I am moving to Buckeye Az from Utah and would like to know what type of fruit trees I can grow.
Thanks!
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Buckeye, AZ
Leaf browning on blackfoot daisy in Arizona
Blackfoot daisy plant was doing great; then, in one day, it turned brown like it had no water. Have a watering system in place which waters once a day for one hour 1/2 gallon a hour.
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