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
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
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
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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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
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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Alamo, TX
Information on various plants from Alamo TX
Have you heard of the following plants: Butterfly Iris,Compact Nanpina, Red Dwarf Turks? I would like to know some details on the above plant: size, flowers?, drought tolerant, where to plant
Thanki...
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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
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
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
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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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 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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McAllen, TX
Latin name for botany mist in McAllen TX
What is the latin name or formal name of botany mist which is a Queen butterfly nectar source in the Rio Grande Valley?
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McAllen, TX
Care of the non-native Aralias (Genus Polyscias)
Today I purchased a POLYSCIAS common name "Aralia"
I was told that can be happy inside, little light. Please could you inform me how to take care: feeding, fertilizing, watering needs? Does it bl...
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McAllen, TX
How many seeds in a Balsam Gourd fruit?
How many seeds should I expect to find inside the fruit of Ibervillea Londoners?
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McAllen, TX
Different colors of Argemone spp. from McAllen TX
I took pictures of at least 5 colors of pricklepoppy today. Is this common to have so many colors in one area? How do I harvest the seedpods and when is the best time to do so?
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McAllen, TX
Plants ants avoid from McAllen TX
Which native plants do ANTS avoid (are there?)? We have a big ant problem here. Thanks!
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McAllen, TX
Wildflowers for an April wedding in McAllen TX
I live in McAllen Texas and plan to get married April 2011. My dream is to get married at my parents ranch. I visualize beautiful wildflowers and I am not sure what to plant and when. Any suggestion...
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