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
Harlingen, TX
Bluebonnets to bloom in September in Harlingen, TX
How can I get bluebonnets to bloom in the first week of September? I need them for my daughter's wedding! We live in Harlingen. Thank you.
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Harlingen, TX
Native plants toxic to horses
I would like to landscape with native plants (I live south of you in Harlingen, TX) but I am concerned some might be dangerous to my horses. Do you have a list of either safe native plants or native ...
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Harlingen, TX
Treating suspected drought-stressed live oak
I have a live oak with excessive leaf drop - it was planted approx. 20 year ago surrounded by heavy pavers. very little grass - I did not plant the tree - I have noticed in the last few years the dro...
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Harlingen, TX
Bird-friendly plants for South Texas
Which are the best plants that provide food (perennials, shrubs, trees, and vines) to attract birds to my backyard garden? (I have water and cover and would like to make sure I have the 10 best plants...
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Harlingen, TX
How can I propagate Giant Ball Moss?
Recommended methods for propagation of Giant Ball Moss? (Bromeliaceae, Tillandsia baileyi rose ex small)
Thanks
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Harlingen, TX
Native grasses for erosion control in Harlingen, TX
I like to know what type of fast growing grass, ground cover or trees I can put on a slope for erosion control in Harlingen Texas the slope receives afternoon Sun
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Harlingen, TX
Grafting stone fruit
Do you know of anyone grafting the new low chill stone fruit trees to the Mexican plum to minimize cotton rot? Or would it even work?
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Lantana, TX
Bloom color change in Choctaw Crape Myrtle
In 2006 my wife bought a Choctaw Crape Myrtle from a local nursery. It had a tag from Greenleaf Nursery and had several blooms in the "correct" pink color. The plant was 5-6 ft tall. It has grown...
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Los Fresnsos, TX
Locations where non-native Mimosa trees grow
Where do mimos trees grow?
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Los Fresnos, TX
Looking for Asclepians texana and other milkweed seeds
Hi.
I was wondering where I could find seeds of Asclepias Texana, and other rare or uncommon Milkweeds. I am looking for seeds of all the Asclepias species. I have swamp, Clasping, and butterflyweed...
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Los Fresnos, TX
Small native plants to line driveway in Los Fresnos, Texas
I have a 70' driveway. What are recommended drought resistant dwarf (no more than 3 feet) plants to line the driveway?
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Los Fresnos, TX
More questions about Asclepias spp.
Hi. Thank-you for replying to my message. What does Emory's Milkweed look like? I have been trying to find out, but no luck. Also What Milkweeds did you find for sale as seeds and plants? Does Texas ...
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Progreso, TX
How to produce ivy with large, green leaves
How can I keep an Ivy green? When it was purchased it was green and had BIG leaves. How can I get the leaves to grow big again and get it green?
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Weslaco, TX
Trimming Butterfly Plants
I am looking for detailed information on trimming common butterfly plants: crucita, cenizo, sweet-stem, whitebrush, Mexican trixis, skeleton-leaf goldeneye, white plumbago, turk's cap, desert lantana...
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Weslaco, TX
Propagation of Tournefortia volubilis
I am a State Park Host at Estero Llano Grande SP in Weslaco, TX and am looking for information on the Tournefortia volubilis, Googly-eyed vine. I would like to know if there is a best method for propa...
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Weslaco, TX
Will roots of non-native Bottlebrush damage foundation in Weslaco TX
I have a bottle Brush tree planted 2 feet from a brick wall. The condo board told me to remove it for fear that it may crack the foundation of the wall. I don't want to remove it. I believe they are ...
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Weslaco, TX
Comment from user on Smarty Plants answer
Dear Mr.S
I received a very thorough answer to my question about trimming native butterfly plants and wanted to thank you. I see that Ann Van Nest answered the question. I intended to give the reply...
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Weslaco, TX
Roses being attacked by spider mites
My roses are being eaten alive by spider mites. I read that this area of Texas has a huge problem with these devils! I've tried everything to kill them to no avail! Can you help me? Gratefully yours,...
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Weslaco, TX
Death of Tecoma stans after heavy rain
I had two esperanza plants. They have been planted for about four months, this spring. They were blooming and growing. We had six inches of rain in five days and they began to wilt - and then they d...
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Brownsville, TX
Red sister Cordyline problems in Brownsville TX
I bought a Red Sister Cordyline plant but once the leaves grow they dry from the ends.
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BROWNSVILLE, TX
Who does pecan grafting in Brownsville, TX?
Who does pecan tree grafting in Brownsville TX?
I planted a pecan. It is now about 8' tall, and about 3 years old.
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