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
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 the full question and answer
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 the full question and answer
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 the full question and answer
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 the full question and answer
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 the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |