Native Plants
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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.
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| Backyard bluebonnets in Georgetown, TX August 09, 2009 I am growing bluebonnets in my backyard in Georgetown, TX. Even with the drought, I have had blooms all summer and still have two plants blooming. Is this normal? Thanks for all the work you all do ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Bluebonnet blooming in July in Leander TX July 27, 2009 I have a bluebonnet growing in my front yard in July! Early this year, my son planted the bluebonnet seeds. We did not expect them to grow since we planted them in February/March. One plant grew ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Will a gift of bluebonnet seeds grow in Massachusetts? July 06, 2009 I recently received a gift of bluebonnet seeds and would like to know if they are suitable to grow in Massachusetts. We live in Zone 5. If so, would they be considered an annual due to our hard winter... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Need a source of sulfuric acid for scarifying bluebonnet seeds in Austin, TX. May 06, 2009 I see that you recommend soaking blue bonnet seeds in concentrated h2so4 to facilitate germination. Where do you suggest I buy the sulfuric acid? I live here in Austin. Thank you, View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| When to mow after bluebonnets bloom in Brenham, TX May 04, 2009 I live in Brenham, TX, and thanks to spreading 80 pounds of bluebonnet seeds last fall, we had a very small but promising showing of bluebonnets this March and April. The bluebonnets still appear to b... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Preparing to plant buffalograss in Jonesboro, TX April 25, 2009 Our current lawn is full of broad-leaf weeds, KR bluestem, a little native grass, lots of wildflowers and in spots, lots of rocks . We are in the country in Hamilton Co., TX. We want to plant buffa... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Bluebonnets in pots in New Caney, TX April 25, 2009 My mother in New Caney (Texas), would like to plant Bluebonnets in some lovely terra cotta containers on her porch (and will hopefully mail me some dried pressings of my beloved state flower). Other t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| How long do bluebonnets last? April 21, 2009 How long do bluebonnets last? When should I no longer expect to see the beautiful state flower along the side of the road? I want to know how long I have to take memorable pictures of my children. Tha... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Can you grow Texas bluebonnets in Florida? April 20, 2009 Can you grow Texas Bluebonnets in mid-Florida? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Bluebonnets in East Texas April 18, 2009 I would love to introduce Bluebonnets onto a piece of property in East Texas. We have very sandy soil. Which species should I plant, the Lupinus Texensis or the Lupinus Subcarnosus? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Bluebonnets for wedding centerpieces in Ft. Worth April 14, 2009 I am looking to purchase 25 live bluebonnet plants for my wedding centerpieces. I need them by May 15, 2009. Do you sell them? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Creating a bluebonnet patch between Brenham and Houston. April 12, 2009 I am creating a Bluebonnet patch in a well-drained section of my flowerbed. I just planted the plants (it is now early April and I'm between Houston and Brenham, TX). I plan to let them go to seed ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| When to harvest bluebonnet seeds in Hurst TX April 12, 2009 Can I harvest the Blue Bonnet Seeds now (April) or do I have to wait until they dry up & pods begin to open? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Should I transplant my bluebonnets from the planter they came into soil in Austin? April 10, 2009 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, Since moving to Austin two years ago I have fallen in love with bluebonnets. Last year I purchased seedlings from the Wildflower Center but a taste-first-evaluate-later inquis... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| How do I grow bluebonnets in East Texas? April 03, 2009 I live in the Piney Woods region in N.East Texas. I bought a flat of bluebonnets and want to know if they will grow back next year? If not, how do I get bluebonnets to grow back every year in my yard ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Bluebonnet stencil for furniture March 16, 2009 where or who would sell furniture stancils of bluebonnets View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Bluebonnets and wildflowers for Nashville TN March 10, 2009 I have several packets individually of both bluebonnets and of wildflowers, and want to plant them on 2 hills that we have around our home. We live near Nashville, and aren't even sure if the bluebo... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Cake decorations with flowers February 25, 2009 Can I decorate a cake with bluebonnets, lavender or mountain laurel blooms? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Growing Texas Bluebonnets in Colorado February 12, 2009 I bought bluebonnet seeds from your wildflower center last August when visited Austin. Being a Texas native, I want to enjoy bluebonnets here in Colorado. When do I plant my seeds outdoors? In the gro... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Contacts for finding wildflowers in Texas February 10, 2009 Do you have a website or phone number for updates to find blooming wildflowers? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Bluebonnet prospects for 2009 in Central Texas January 31, 2009 How does the bluebonnet season look for 2009 in Central Texas (Austin). Will it be a good year and when will it start and when will it peak? Thanks for all you do!!! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Why are our Bluebonnets turning brown? January 28, 2009 Our Texas Bluebonnets are turning brown and appear to be dying. We've had them going for 5 or 6 years and have never seen this. I found a few small worms on one plant but can't seem to find them a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Proper method of scattering bluebonnet seeds December 18, 2008 I scattered about 20 lbs of bluebonnet seeds during various times this past fall season. I have read that it is a must to plant the seeds about an 1/8" of an inch into the ground rather than surface ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Is it illegal in Texas to pick bluebonnets? No. December 01, 2008 Is it illegal in Texas to pick a bluebonnet? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Propagation of wildflower seeds November 13, 2008 I recently planted seeds for bluebonnets, winecups and pink evening primrose. The bluebonnets have germinated and are growing, but no sign of the other two. Do the winecups and pink evening primro... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Wildflower seeds coming up early October 05, 2008 I purchased several wildflower seeds packages. Everything I read about when to plant, suggest planting in September or October in my area. This is what I did. I planted only about 2 weeks ago. Som... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Seeds for native Sandyland Bluebonnet October 04, 2008 I live in Bastrop County Texas and would like to plant our native Sandyland Bluebonnet, Lupinus subcarnosus. I have checked most of the native plant supply firms, but can't find this species (except... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Information about the bluebonnet October 03, 2008 What other plants live near a bluebonnet? What problems does the plant face, such as people, weather, and insects? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants for a drainage easement in central Texas September 29, 2008 I have a 1/3 acre of drainage easement behind my home. I would like to cover it with wildflowers. It is only wet during or shortly after a rain and otherwise does not have water. I have channelled ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Bluebonnets and paintbrushes for Florida September 13, 2008 Will bluebonnets and indian paintbrushes grow in the Florida panhandle? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Genetically altered bluebonnets? September 07, 2008 I am trying to locate where I can purchase what I consider real bluebonnets not the genetic altered ones. The ones I am talking about are completely blue without the white tip on top. Do you have an... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Bluebonnet blooming in late August August 27, 2008 We have a bluebonnet plant in our front yard that has been blooming since July. We did not plant it, it just came up naturally. Is it rare to have a plant still blooming this time of year? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| When to plant Indian paintbrush seeds August 25, 2008 I live in Santa Fe, Texas and I've been trying to find the right date to plant Indian Paintbrush seeds but so far have been unsuccessful. I know it says in the fall but that seems to be a broad rang... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Bluebonnets for wedding in February August 04, 2008 I'm getting married in February 2009. My father passed away when I was younger and thus, won't be there to walk me down the aisle. His favorite flower was bluebonnets and I would like to include t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Peak time for bluebonnets to bloom in 2009 June 12, 2008 Any idea when we can look for the bluebonnets to appear in 2009? Trying to have a reunion and want to see bluebonnets for the out of staters!! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| What happened to the bluebonnets? June 09, 2008 I was wondering if you could tell me why there weren't any bluebonnets out this year? I live in the Hill Country and drive to Austin everyday. I look forward to seeing the bluebonnets up and down the... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Growing bluebonnets in England June 08, 2008 I'm sending some bluebonnet seeds to Norwich England to a dear friend. What time of year should she plant them? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Laws concerning picking wildflowers in Pennsylvania May 20, 2008 What is the law (in Pennsylvania or Federal law) that makes it illegal to pick wildflowers and/or other native plants? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Collecting bluebonnet seeds May 13, 2008 Greetings, My bluebonnets have bloomed nicely, and are showing a good crop of seed pods. I know that if I wait they will all open and spray the seeds everywhere, but I want to harvest some of the s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Bluebonnets to bloom in September in Harlingen, TX April 30, 2008 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. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Planting bluebonnets near pond area April 26, 2008 We want to scatter bluebonnet seeds on the banks of a pond area in a housing addition. Do we have to do anything special? How do they do it along highways? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| 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 |  | |
| Identity of maroon flower taking over bluebonnets April 14, 2008 there is a maroon colored flowering weed at my ranch in Oakwood Texas. It is taking over the bluebonnets and indian paint brushes. Can you tell me what it is and how to get rid of it. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| 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 | | |
| Wildflower to succeed bluebonnets April 08, 2008 I am looking for a "partner" plant for bluebonnets? What perennial plant doesn't really "appear" until after April? What I want is a sea of bluebonnets in March and April but when they go dorm... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Bluebonnet a weed? April 08, 2008 Is the bluebonnet a weed? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Viability of bluebonnets in Portland, Oregon April 07, 2008 My best friend lives in Portland, Oregon, and misses Texas wildflowers terribly. I would really love to send her some bluebonnet seeds (or even other native wildflowers) but I'm wondering if there a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| What is wrong with the bluebonnets? April 04, 2008 This doesn't seem to be a very good year for bluebonnets. What's up with that? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Red spider mites in native bluebonnets in Austin April 02, 2008 What would you do if the WFC bluebonnets developed a bad case of red spider mites? That is what has happened to many of mine here in Austin. I noticed them the other day and I must have been asleep be... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| 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 | | |
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