Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Smarty Plants Question Topics

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants

See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

<< previous 1 next >>

98 Results: 10 25 50 100 per page

topic	question
Diseases and Disorders Seasonal Tasks Grasses or Grass-like	Rejuvenating old Lindheimer muhly clumps October 02, 2015 I've got two clumps of Lindheimer's muhly in full sun in the western (limestone) part of Austin. I'm thinking they've been there for the past 8 or so years. In the past two or three years, the g... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Container Gardens Pruning Seasonal Tasks Shrubs	How to prune a Lantana tree October 02, 2015 I have a potted Lantana tree that will come indoors for the winter. It is quite large and should I prune it back for the winter? If yes, how do I prune it? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Problem Plants Trees	Oak Sucker Reprise May 02, 2015 ----Original Question---- SUNDAY - JULY 06, 2014 Title: Live Oak Suckers Reprise, Austin TX QUESTION: Referring to an entry dated March 11, 2011 about Live Oak suckers - what happened to the su... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Trees	Live Oak Mess in Liberty, TX April 09, 2015 Should I leave the pollination debris that has fallen from my 3 historic live oaks on the ground surface beneath them or use a leaf blower to remove. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks Shrubs	Need to control Turk's cap in front yard in Austin, TX February 28, 2015 I have several turks cap in my front yard- they grow well, but they grown huge-high and spread out. My neighbors' are much more compact! how can I keep them in control? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pests Seasonal Tasks	Using Dormant Oils in the Winter January 20, 2015 What are your thoughts on the use of dormant oils as part of a winter maintenance program? I live in Austin, Texas. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Non-Natives Plant Identification Planting Propagation Seasonal Tasks Problem Plants Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Bermuda, not the only option in Memphis November 04, 2014 I'm building an energy efficient home in Memphis and want to extend that strategy to the landscaping. I'd like to plant native grasses, but this lot is surrounded by lots sodded with Bermuda grass.... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Compost and Mulch Planting Seasonal Tasks Trees	Late planting plum tree from Lago Vista, TX May 01, 2014 I have two plum trees in plastic containers that I purchased in March. For a lot of reasons, we didn't get them planted. I have kept them alive by watering consistently, but I am now wondering what... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Watering	Protection for plants against a Spring freeze from Easley SC April 15, 2014 Is there anything we can do to protect our beautiful spring gardens from the freeze tonight? (April 15, 2014) View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks Shrubs	Spring care for Garrya ovata from Pflugerville, TX February 24, 2014 Hello again, Mr. S-P, I planted a Mexican silktassel in April 2012 (purchased at the WFC). It has done well, but the leaves are bronzed and splotchy from this winter's freezes. All the stems are... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Seeds and Seeding Wildflowers	Latest time to mow bluebonnets from Chappell Hill TX February 13, 2014 The past few years, my bluebonnets have been overwhelmed by tall grass. I could have solved this by mowing later, but I was always afraid of mowing new bluebonnet plants. When is the latest time I can... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks	Cutting back plants after frost from Seguin TX February 13, 2014 When is best time to cut back native plants after frost kill? Thanks View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Planting Seasonal Tasks	Bluebonnet Planting in January in Lockhart January 23, 2014 My husband has yet again failed for the second year straight to put out the bluebonnet seeds in our backyard back in October. Is it too late now that it's mid January for me to get them in the groun... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks Herbs/Forbs	When should salvia greggii be pruned from Austin December 12, 2013 Should salvia greggii be pruned in fall/winter? I thought I read onsite that all woody perennials should be left untouched or pruned to 6 inches. Does this apply to salvia greggii? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Shrubs	Will watering before a freeze protect an esperanza from a freeze from San Angelo, TX November 22, 2013 Would it help to lightly water esperanza before I cover it prior to freeze and/or sleet? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Diseases and Disorders Seasonal Tasks Wildflowers	Cutting Back Perennials in the Fall? November 13, 2013 We have large beds of flowering native perennials that we planted around our house as part of a landscape conservation plan (various Joe-Pyes, goldenrods, turtlehead, blazing star, brown-eyed Susans).... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Meadow Gardens Planting Seasonal Tasks Seeds and Seeding Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs Wildflowers	Recreating a wildflower meadow, central Texas July 02, 2013 We have an acre on our property that has bluebonnets. Unfortunately, it also has other plants that we don't want -Johnson grass, nettles, burrs. We plan to do a controlled burn in the fall and re-... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Planting Seasonal Tasks Herbs/Forbs Wildflowers	Schedule for planting perennial wildflowers from Asheville NC March 22, 2013 When is the best time to plant perennial wildflowers? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Meadow Gardens Seasonal Tasks	High mowing equipment for Llano TX November 03, 2012 We're trying to follow your wildflower meadow recommendation "if your meadow has tall, warm-season native grasses, wait until late summer or early fall to mow, allowing them to elongate, flower, and... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Rare or Endangered Plants Seasonal Tasks Watering Trees	Sycamore leaf snowbell from Pleasanton TX August 18, 2012 How do you care for a sycamore leaf snowbell. Does it like sun or part shade? How much water? How often and what should it be fed. How fast or slowly does it grow? Anything you can tell me would be ap... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Meadow Gardens Seasonal Tasks Grasses or Grass-like Wildflowers	Mowing frequency of native lawn from Georgetown TX August 18, 2012 I have a native grass and wildflower lawn. At what frequency and when should the lawn be mowed? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Herbs/Forbs Shrubs	Using a brush hog on acreage on Bear Creek in Austin, TX. July 25, 2012 We have 8 acres off 1826 situated on Bear Creek. It has open areas with scattered large trees (cedar elm, live oak, white oak). Cedars or junipers only along the the lot lines. We've been told we... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Plant Lists Seasonal Tasks Wildflowers	Flower sucession for Washington DC June 18, 2012 Interplanting to cover up spring ephemerals. When bulbs/spring ephemerals (camassia, bluebells, etc.) are dying back, their wilting leaves don't look so great. What can I plant to minimize the me... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Trees	Transplanting Trees in OH May 10, 2012 Is the middle of May too late to dig out Arborviteas and spruces to transplant? I live in central Ohio. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
General Botany Pruning Seasonal Tasks Seeds and Seeding	Flowers for days on end in California March 30, 2012 What are some plants or flowers that I can grow "all-year" in California? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Seasonal Tasks	Vinegar as a Herbicide March 08, 2012 When can you use vinegar on weeds to get rid of them. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Herbs/Forbs	Seasonal tasks for Big Red Sage and Tall Aster in Marble Falls TX January 09, 2012 I transplanted some Big Red Sage and Tall Aster into my raised bed garden in early summer this year. They've sent up lots of rosettes. Do I need to protect them from freezing in winter? Do I need to ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Planting Seasonal Tasks Trees	Planning garden tasks in advance from Austin January 03, 2012 My yard was a disaster last year-grass and trees browning, early leaf fall on flowering plants, and water bills sky high, even with the limited watering days. What can I do this year to prevent this s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks Grasses or Grass-like	Burning back Gulf Muhly instead of trimming from San Antonio December 19, 2011 A few years ago I noticed that the Center burned back its Gulf Muhly rather than cutting it back. Did that study result in any conclusions or recommendations? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Wildflowers	Overwintering Texas bluebonnets November 17, 2011 I planted Texas Bluebonnet and I want to know how to save them through the winter months. I think they are so beautiful. Can I cover them with something? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Planting Seasonal Tasks Seeds and Seeding Grasses or Grass-like	Planting Muhlenbergia capillaris (Gulf muhly) October 27, 2011 Is it too late to plant Gulf Muhly seed in North Texas (October)? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Seeds and Seeding Wildflowers	Time for seeding wildflower seeds in Castle Rock CO October 03, 2011 I live in Castle Rock, CO. When is the best time to plant wildflower seed? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Meadow Gardens Planting Seasonal Tasks Wildflowers	Wildseed Planting in a drought September 14, 2011 Due to the extreme drought and no rain in the near future in central Texas would it be prudent to have a wildseed planting in October? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Xeriscapes Planting Seasonal Tasks Watering Herbs/Forbs Trees	Drought affecting native trees from The Woodlands August 18, 2011 I've been trying to grow native trees in my yard for the past 3 years and I'm starting to question whether the amount of time required to spend watering them during the long hot season in Texas is r... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Planting Seasonal Tasks Watering Trees	Shade trees for Spring TX August 17, 2011 Dear Mr.Pants, our west-facing backyard in Spring, Tx, is unbearable in this Summer's heat. Neither us nor the neighbors has any backyard trees established yet, as the subdivision is pretty new. C... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Diseases and Disorders Seasonal Tasks Transplants Trees	Leaves on 3 year old maple turning brown in Lebo, KS. July 16, 2011 Hello, one of our five Maple trees which is is 3 yrs. old now, we saw a week ago that the leaves started turning brown and dropping. My question is: Will the tree survive this and return healthy next ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pests Seasonal Tasks Shrubs	Preventing weeds in kinnikinnick in Richland WA May 29, 2011 We planted our kinnickinick last Nov. and we live in Richland, WA, where it gets hot in the summer. We planted almost 500 of them on a hillside. Weeding is taking over our lives, to say the least. ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Planting Seasonal Tasks	Native plants for Summer Planting in Vernal UT May 24, 2011 What are the native plants that I could plant this summer in Vernal, Utah View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks Transplants Vines	Carolina Jasmine failing to turn green in Pleasant Garden NC April 26, 2011 We planted Carolina Jasmine last year and it did great. This Spring we only have about 2-3 small green leaves beginning on the vines. We did not cut them back in the Fall. Is it time for them to be tu... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Non-Natives Seasonal Tasks	Late blooming Esperanza in St. Augustine FL April 21, 2011 I bought an Esperanza at a plant expo- I was told it was a Florida native Allamanda. It took me two years to figure out what I had. Mine grows 8 ft. tall and is huge! But it doesn't bloom until alm... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks Herbs/Forbs	Cutting back perennials from Austin February 08, 2011 When is it time to cut back native plants; salvia;copper canyon daisy; verbena, etc? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Vines	Should grape vines be covered in winter from San Antonio February 07, 2011 Do I need to cover grape vines in winter? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks Shrubs	Time to cut back Turk's Cap in Austin January 27, 2011 I did not find my question answered in the database. My question is: When is the best time to cut back Red Turks Cap? I live in Central Austin. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Seeds and Seeding Wildflowers	Raising bluebonnets in Stanford CA January 17, 2011 I'm a Houston girl now living in Northern California (Stanford). I would like to know if I need to adjust my growing timing for lupinus texensis? Mostly, I want to know when I should actually put th... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks Privacy Screening Shrubs Trees	Pruning cherry laurel in January in Austin January 07, 2011 Do trust I checked Q&A first. Can Cherry Laurel shrubs be pruned earlier than late winter in Austin? I foolishly planted 12 native Cherry Laurel standards on our suburban property line 5 years ago. I ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks	Winter wrappings for plants in Ellenton Florida December 23, 2010 Hi and thank you for your time, I do appreciate it. I have one question. I live in Florida and yes we do get frost and temps down to 28 degrees in the winter. last year I lost almost 50 plants tha... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks Grasses or Grass-like	Cutting Juncus effusus back from Bellevue WA November 18, 2010 I read your posts about Juncus effusus and just have one follow-up question. When is the best time to cut them back to the ground - before winter or early spring? I live in the Pacific NW. I recent... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks	When to plant in Austin November 02, 2010 I own a small landscaping business in the Austin area, and we are admittedly learning every day, but trying to do the right thing. We are knowledgeable about the sun, water, soil requirements for a v... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks Herbs/Forbs	How do I prepare blackfoot daisies for winter in Austin, TX October 19, 2010 I have blackfoot daisies in my garden that have bloomed all summer. They are cascading out of the bed onto my lawn/grass. They have been so beautiful that I hate to cut them back. How do I prepare t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks	Winter pruning for yucca in Adrian, Michigan October 11, 2010 Can I cut yucca plants down for winter months. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Non-Natives Seasonal Tasks	Wintering of non- native jasmine in Newton KS September 18, 2010 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... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks	When should I remove the stakes from Oak trees planted last november in Kyle, TX? August 18, 2010 I live in Kyle TX. I have new construction of oak trees that are about 10 feet tall and are staked. How long should they stay staked? They were put in the ground about Thanksgiving 2009. Thanks. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks Herbs/Forbs	Deadheading Mexican hat to produce more blooms in Austin July 05, 2010 I have several Mexican hat (rudbeckia) plants growing wild in my yard. Would deadheading now give them a second flush of bloom in fall? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Seeds and Seeding Wildflowers	Wildflowers planted in Pittsfield, IL to bloom the first of October July 01, 2010 If I plant my wildflower seeds now in Illinois, is it possible they will bloom in three months (by the very beginning of October)? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Water Gardens Seasonal Tasks	Can Juncus effusus winter outside in Mountville PA? June 28, 2010 If we have the juncus effusus spiralis outside in a small pond and you say to let it outside in the winter does that mean we should let it in the pond? thanks for your time View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks Trees	Trimming back freeze damage from Anacacho orchid in Liberty Hill TX May 17, 2010 When is it safe to trim back what I think is dead wood on my Anacacho orchid trees (that were hit hard this past winter)? Is there any harm done if I cut back living wood? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Planting Seasonal Tasks Transplants Trees	Transplanting a redbud in Virginia Beach VA April 21, 2010 I have a 5-6 ft. Redbud Tree and like to dig up and move to different spot in my backyard. How/what is the proper way to do it without killing the tree? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Vines	Late emergence of passiflora incarnata hybrid in Austin April 11, 2010 Two years ago I planted in my clay soil garden a variation on native passiflora incarnata; the passiflora Elizabeth (a cross between passiflora incarnata and passiflora phoenicia)because I hoped it pr... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks Wildflowers	Tidying up Copper Canyon Daisies in San Antonio March 30, 2010 We have a small bed with 4 copper canyon daisies. We cut them back in the fall but have not pruned them during growing season; as a result they become a big tangle by September. Should they be pruned ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks	Trimming of Aster ericoides in Philadelphia March 20, 2010 Should I cut back my Aster ericoides, �schneegitter� in the spring? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Cacti and Succulents	What to do about cold damage to spineless prickly pear? March 05, 2010 In Austin, Texas our 'spineless' prickly pear cactus is about 6' wide by 4' tall. In the last severe freeze, the top half flattened out and has remained that way. Should I cut the flattened pads o... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks	Cutting back salvia greggii in Birmingham, AL February 23, 2010 When is a good time to cut back salvia gregii and how much can you cut it back. We will probably still have frost. Will it grow in sun and shade? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Non-Natives Seasonal Tasks	Damage to plants after sudden freeze in Redway CA January 02, 2010 I live on the North Coast of California near "The Avenue of the Giants" and Redwoods State Park along the Eel River. We recently have had below freezing weather, constant rain and even snow! I have... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks	Cutting back woody plants after freeze in Leander TX December 10, 2009 I have several woody shrubs in a prominent location. Now that the leaves have frozen, how far back should I cut them? These are Flame Acanthus, Salvia ballotiflora, and Aloysia macrostachya, but I w... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Compost and Mulch Pruning Seasonal Tasks Shrubs	Freeze damage to esperanza in pot from Brady TX December 10, 2009 My esperanza, currently in a container, has suffered some freeze damage. I have prepared a planting spot for it and am not sure whether to plant now, trim it back if I do plant it, etc. I would appr... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks	Arrows and Hunting Dogs in Kentucky December 09, 2009 Mr. Smarty Plants--Is it normal for our arrowwood viburnum to give off a musky odour in the late fall? The smell reminds me of a wet hunting dog. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Container Gardens Pruning Seasonal Tasks Herbs/Forbs	Overwintering Cardinal Flower in Thornwood NY October 01, 2009 I have 6 Cardinal Flower plants in planters. They have mulch on top to keep them moist. Can they stay in the planters all winter? Do I cut the stalks before winter comes or leave as is? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Planting Seasonal Tasks Transplants	Yucca elata flowering in Tauranga, NZ. August 20, 2009 I have two huuuuuuge Yucca elatas in my garden. One of them flowered spectacularly last year - a 15ft stalk that grew so quickly you could hear it, and then burst into a cloud of waxy cream flowers. M... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks	Rainfall for Central Texas July 20, 2009 What dance will produce abundant rainfall in Central Texas? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Compost and Mulch Seasonal Tasks Transplants	Transplant time for Virginia Beach, VA July 08, 2009 I have a friend who is not a gardener but lives on a piece of property that has a gorgeous back yard with lots of plants, shrubs and trees that are becoming overgrown. I have her permission to dig up... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks	Care for penstemons in South Jordan, UT June 21, 2009 I have Firecracker Penstemons and they bloomed beautifully this year. How do I trim them and when? Will they continue to bloom throughout the summer? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Non-Natives Seasonal Tasks	Winter-hardiness of hibiscus in Idaho June 14, 2009 I bought a hibiscus tree at Sam's Club in Idaho Falls and after planting it, I read the label which says not to go below 50 degrees. Does that mean it is an inside or potted tree to bring in in the ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks Herbs/Forbs	Cutting back achillea in New York March 18, 2009 Last summer I planted three gorgeous hearty achillea with flat, yellow tops, about 3 feet high or more each, in my sunny garden. But after they were done flowering, I left those very pretty brown stem... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks	Removal of Carolina Jasmine in San Antonio March 02, 2009 We are attempting to permanently remove large old-growth Carolina Yellow Jasmine, Gelsemium sempervirens bushes from our property. The bushes are cut down. Any suggestions for stump/root removal (mec... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Planting Seasonal Tasks Transplants Trees	Timing for transplanting a yaupon in Louisiana January 01, 2009 I found a female yaupon growing wild at the back of my property and would like to move it to the front. When should I do this? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Transplants	Winter care for plants in Austin December 05, 2008 Hello, I'm just getting into the gardening thing, and have planted tons of plants this fall here in Austin. I'm a bit worried about them with winter right around the corner. My first question is r... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks	Winter pruning for yucca in Michigan November 10, 2008 I live in SE Michigan and have an outdoor yucca plant that has grown quite large. My father tells me that I can literally cut it down to the ground in the fall and that it will grow back the followin... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks	Trimming native Yucca filamentosa for winter in Illinois October 18, 2008 I live in northern IL and I have approximately 5 yucca plants, Adams needle, my question is do I need to trim them down for winter for best growth the next year? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Non-Natives Seasonal Tasks Trees	Will a Norfolk pine survive winter in Houston May 29, 2008 If I transplant a Norfolk pine in the summer, or when is the best time, will it survive the winter growing in Houston Tx? Can you give me some suggestions for fast growing vines facing the front of my... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Compost and Mulch Planting Seasonal Tasks Seeds and Seeding	Too late to begin planting in May in Austin? April 30, 2008 Is it too late to begin planting in May? I live in Austin Texas and have finally completed my plans for a native Texas landscaping (plants and grass) of my front yard. I'd like to get the landscapi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Seeds and Seeding Wildflowers	Planting bluebonnets April 20, 2008 How long do bluebonnet seeds take to mature, and when is the earliest in their development they can be harvested? When can they be scattered? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Seeds and Seeding Wildflowers	Bluebonnets in memorial garden in cemetery April 11, 2008 When is the peak time to scatter bluebonnet seeds? I have a loved one that recently died, and she requested that her body be cremated. She would like her ashes to be mixed with bluebonnet seeds and ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Propagation Seasonal Tasks Seeds and Seeding Wildflowers	Germination of bluebonnet seeds in Hempstead, TX April 01, 2008 We scattered 20 lbs of bluebonnet seeds on our property near Hempstead. Only about 10 plants have come up even though on another part of the property we have thousands. It is well drained and in sun.... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Wildflowers	Bluebonnets planted in late spring bloom, will they bloom again? February 06, 2008 New to South Texas & we decided to plant bluebonnets around our house. The seeds were planted in late spring & we were delighted to watch them start their initial growth-cycle. They ultimately produc... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Transplants Trees	Moving a red oak away from the house foundation January 24, 2008 About a 3 weeks ago I noticed a 5 ft. red oak growing in my flower bed. I hadn't noticed it growing up through my shrubs until the leaves turned bright red. The problem is that its coming up about tw... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks Herbs/Forbs	Trimming native salvias in January January 17, 2008 I have heard you can trim Hot Lips, Raspberry and other salvias back severely in January, to about six inches from the ground. Is this correct? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Wildflowers	Wildflowers for a wedding site November 11, 2007 My fiance and I would like to get married on his family's ranch, just north of Johnson City on the Pedernales river, in April of 2009. Currently, we are clearing the over-grown meadows of cactus and ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Planting Seasonal Tasks Transplants Herbs/Forbs Trees	Optimum planting time for perennials and trees November 02, 2007 Our group is running out of fall workdays. Is it OK to plant native perennials and small trees in Central Texas during the winter months? Or should we wait now until the spring? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks	Toxicity of horticultural oils July 20, 2007 Is T&S dormant oil spray a toxic product? Our church (Prairie Creek Baptist in Plano, Texas) is transitioning to organic/native landscape. This is the product used by the current lawn service. Also, ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks	When to prune Texas betony (Stachys coccinea) May 28, 2007 I bought Texas Betony plants several years ago at Wildflower Days. They are thriving, but a bit leggy. Somewhere I read that they should be cut back several times during the year. Now I can't find... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks	What is considered mid-winter in Austin, TX April 03, 2007 This question was submitted, but I am unsure of the dates the answer is indicating. When is mid-winter? Question: When should I cut back (and how far should I cut back) the following plants in ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks Herbs/Forbs	Pruning for Spring January 21, 2007 When should I cut back (and how far should I cut back) the following plants in order to promote growth in the spring: Salvia gregii, Salvia leucantha, Ruellia (Mexican petunia), Plumbago, Sku... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pruning Seasonal Tasks	Winter trimming and shaping of native perennials November 08, 2006 Granted, it's a bit early, but for planning purposes: What is the best care for shrub-like woody perennials, like Lantana, Copper Canyon Daisy, Salvia greggii, Chile Pequin, Eupatorium wrightii, Pav... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Wildflowers	Native flowers and plants for landscaping in March in Austin February 18, 2004 What are the best flowers and plants to landscape with in the Austin area in March? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Diseases and Disorders Seasonal Tasks Herbs/Forbs Shrubs	Survivability of plants after freeze December 08, 2003 I have many beautiful plants that froze. Some were Lantana, Hummingbird Bush, Candlestick Trees, Esperanza, Some flowers, and Marigolds. I love all of my plants and flowers and I want them to grow bac... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Wildflowers	Optimum mowing time for acreage with spring wildflowers November 17, 2003 I have several acres where wildflowers grow in the spring, & would like to know when and how often to mow this field for optimum blooms? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seasonal Tasks Seeds and Seeding Wildflowers	More on bluebonnets May 09, 2003 When can I harvest my Bluebonnets? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Planting Seasonal Tasks	Best preparation time for wildflower garden for summer January 21, 2003 Is it too late in late Fall to prepare a wildflower garden for next spring/summer? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
topic	question

<< previous 1 next >>

98 Results: 10 25 50 100 per page