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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Friday - July 03, 2015

From: Alexander City, AL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Planting, Wildflowers
Title: Wedding Flowers for Alabama
Answered by: Larry Larson

QUESTION:

I am considering planting wildflowers for my wedding in early/middle May of 2016. Could I plant seed this fall and have bloom by late April in time for my May wedding?

ANSWER:

Your timing is actually pretty good for this! Mr Smarty Plants normally doesn’t recommend planting Wildflowers as people ask the question at the wrong time and when [and how well] they flower is highly dependent on the weather.

As a small correction, the wildflowers seed themselves pretty much right now, so don't wait until Fall. If you are going to do it, now is the time! Of course, make sure you have backup plans for a drought or inaspicioious hailstorm or whatever.

May we suggest some good candidates? You can search the Special Collection for Alabama and select “Herbs” that bloom in April and May. When I did this, I found 16 candidates! Check out the pictures I have added below and you should try it yourself to review the other candidates.