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
Myrtle Beach, SC
Should wax myrtle (Morella cerifera) wood be burned in a fireplace
Mr. Smarty Pants,
Could you please tell me if Wax Myrtle is a hardwood or softwood? Our neighbor had to cut down his as they had grown into trees from the previous owners. We would like to burn t...
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Myrtle Beach, SC
Ridding non-native centipede grass of native rattlesnake weed in Myrtle Beach SC
How do I get rid of "rattlesnake weed" in my lawn of centipede grass in Myrtle Beach SC?
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Myrtle Beach, SC
How to get rid of invasive wild bean vine
An invasive vine has taken over our beds, mostly wherever we have asiatic jasmine ground cover. We seem to be the only people nearby with this problem, and the volunteers with our local master gardene...
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Myrtle Beach, SC
Serviceberry for North Myrtle Beach, SC
I'm looking to landscape a second home in North Myrtle Beach,SC and was wondering if the Serviceberry trees we love so much in the Buckeye State would also grow down here? Thanks!!
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Myrtle Beach, SC
Getting rid of invasive Florida betony from Myrtle Beach SC
How can I get rid of Florida Betony from my lawn and flower beds/ garden area. Garden area was thoroughly dug up and hand picked of all tubules last year at least a foot deep. They are much worse now....
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Myrtle Beach, SC
Need advice about an agave that didn't survive the winter in Myrtle Beach, NC.
I live in Myrtle Beach, S.C. bought an agave big last summer and it died in the winter. Some green is showing on the bottom should I cut it all down because the whole top is dead. Thank you
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Surfside Beach, SC
Planting buffalograss from Surfside Beach SC
How do I plant buffalograss along a lake? Do I just spread the seeds?
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North Myrtle Beach, SC
Shrubs for North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
What shrubs can I plant on the west-facing side of my home? The way the house sits, these shrubs will only get 2-3 hours of sun, but those 2-3 hours are end-of-the-day hot! Thanks!!
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North Myrtle Beach, SC
What is the correct genus name for Fringe flower in North Myrtle Beach, SC?
Is it Laura Pedlum or lorapetalum? I saw this shrub last week, and finally found a picture of it. The search engine listed about three different names for it! So what is the correct name, and does i...
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Southport, NC
Transplanting sparkleberry trees in Southport NC
I am interested in transplanting some sparkleberry trees to my yard. It is on the Cape Fear River and it would have full sun for a large part of the day. When would be a good time to transplant the ...
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Southport, NC
Problems with non-native mandevilla in Southport NC
I have planted a mandevilla and the leaves look healthy. It produces buds, but something is cutting them off. Right next to it is a mandevilla that is blooming profusely. Any ideas?
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Lake Gaston NC, NC
Deer Resistant Roses and Fruit Trees in NC
Hello, I am planning a house on Lake Gaston in North Carolina (to be built) and will need to establish a new garden on the cleared lot. I would like to focus on native plants, but I love a cutting ga...
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Leland, NC
Trimming time for non-native Pampas grass in Leland NC
When is the best time to trim Pampas plants, onset of winter or onset of spring? Also, what's the best way to trim and how far should they be cut back?
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Bennettsville, SC
Yaupon sprouts from Bennettsville SC
I have Yaupons in a flower bed and they have too many
shoots to pull up, can I spray them with roundup and not kill the bush and what strength should I use?
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Manning, SC
Can you root a crossvine?
Can you root a crossvine?
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Wilmington, NC
Care for century plant
What is the best way to care for a Century Plant? We were given one as a gift and don't know what to do with it.
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Wilmington, NC
Fast-growing tree for Wilmington NC
What kind of fast-growing tree would you plant in Wilmington, NC?
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Wilmington, NC
Flying insects attacking yucca flacida in Wilmington NC
How do I treat flying insects from eating the flowers on my Yucca Flaccida shrub.
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Wilmington, NC
Landscaping from Wilmington NC
I plan on moving to Belmont NC in the next couple of years and settling down with my future wife in her home town. I am a huge do it yourself person. I love to make things from scratch, including buil...
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Wilmington, NC
Different kinds of lantana in Wilmington, NC
I live in Wilmington, NC. I spent a small fortune on three varieties of lantana--Cherry Sunrise, Ham & Eggs and Bandana Red.
I live on a salt water tidal creek and most are in full sun. Some are i...
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Wilmington,, NC
Ensuring survival of wax myrtle in Wilmington, NC
I just transplanted some wax myrtle bushes. What do I need to do to insure they live?
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