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.
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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.
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Wednesday - March 14, 2007
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Care of non-native Primrose jasmine
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have 4 large primrose jasmine shrubs that were transplanted about 4 years ago. They were cut back fairly harshly at that time. Since then, the centers remain very woody... no greenery... but the long flowing branches have grown out. I do have flowers on all 4 plants and am watching them closely for leaves. I would like to keep them and have them behave as a primrose jasmine should! Should I cut them back again? Any hope? Thank you.ANSWER:
Primrose jasmine, Jasminum mesnyi, is an introduction from China. Since our focus and expertise here at the Wildflower Center is on plants native to North America, it is not really in our purview. However, I can refer you to the following links with information about the care of primrose jasmine. According to these sources, Primrose jasmine can be pruned severely after the flowers have faded.
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