Native Plants
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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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Friday - November 06, 2015
From: North Merrick, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Planting, Grasses or Grass-like, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Competition between peony and bulbs
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I am planting 3 herbaceous peony bare roots 3 feet apart from each other. I am told it will take 3 years before I get blooms. In the meantime, can i safely plant springtime flowering bulbs in the 3 foot distance that I've alloted between 2 peonies? Will the bulbs significantly rob nutrients from the bareroot plants?ANSWER:
Yes, it should be fine to plant bulbs in the space between your peonies, as long as they are not under the expected peony vegetative drip line for the first year or so. If you need tips on planting your peonies,check out this article. North American native bulbs are not as popular as some exotic species, but here is a sample.
As the bulbs sprout and bloom most of their nutrients will be released from storage in the bulbs themselves. As the bulb flowers fade, give the plants, including the peonies, a balanced fertilizer.
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Plant for full sun behind waterfall
March 21, 2009 - I have a 24 inch waterfall around my pool. I need to plant something behind it. I have full sun and hot Texas weather. I will be watering everyday, so what do you think would grow well in this area?
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Restoring tornado-damaged property in Alexander City AL
January 29, 2012 - Dear Mr Smartypants,
We were struck by the outbreak of tornadoes last spring and our wonderful woods are now unsightly sloping pastures with erosion problems.. many stumps and coils of roots. We are...
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Information about Berlandiera spp. from DeLand FL
May 26, 2011 - I am looking for information (something cool) about green eyes,
Berlandiera spp. Information such as any medical use or story associated with the plant. Thanks
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Native flowers of Italy from Glenwood Springs, CO
August 09, 2009 - My son is dating an Italian girl. Could you just tell me some native flowers of Italy, so he can send her some flowers?
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Are dusty millers perennial in Dubuque, IA?
April 24, 2009 - I have dusty millers in my front yard. Last fall I did nothing with them as I wasn't sure if they will return or not. Do the dusty millers continue to grow year after year and should I cut them dow...
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