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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Thursday - February 13, 2014
From: Chappell Hill, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seasonal Tasks, Seeds and Seeding, Wildflowers
Title: Latest time to mow bluebonnets from Chappell Hill TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
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 safely mow without cutting young bluebonnet plants?ANSWER:
Late Fall. The Lupinus texensis (Texas bluebonnet) are probably already up, preparing to bloom soon and then go to seed in the Summer. If you absolutely must mow now, you will sacrifice the seedlings for this Summer's growth, blooms and seeds for next year. There will be some residual seeds in the soil which will probably sprout next year, and they will likely do better without all the shade and competition from the grasses. However, if you mow now you will lose this spring's bloom and therefore this fall's seeds and should not expect much next year. You might even have to reseed - you really need to let the plants do their own job of seeding.
More Seasonal Tasks Questions
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 the full question and answer
Vinegar as a Herbicide
March 08, 2012 - When can you use vinegar on weeds to get rid of them.
view the full question and answer
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 the full question and answer
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 the full question and answer
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 the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |