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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Tuesday - April 03, 2007
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seasonal Tasks
Title: What is considered mid-winter in Austin, TX
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
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 order to promote growth in the spring: Salvia gregii, Salvia leucantha, Ruellia (Mexican petunia), Plumbago, Skullcap, Fatsia, and Mexican Heather?
Answer: All of the plants listed may be pruned back now (mid-winter) by 1/3 to 1/2 to promote healthier new growth and more compact habit. Try not to cut them back to single stems.
ANSWER:
The original question came from someone living in Austin, Texas and Mr. Smarty Plants considers that mid-winter in Austin would be January and February. This would be after the fall growing season and before the new spring growing season begins. The answer (which is dated January 21, 2007) does say "now (mid-winter)". The date (January 21, 2007) is the date the question was answered and posted.
More Seasonal Tasks Questions
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
More on bluebonnets
May 09, 2003 - When can I harvest my Bluebonnets?
view the full question and answer
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 the full question and answer
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 the full question and answer
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 the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |