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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Sunday - February 07, 2016

From: Weatherford, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Planting, Trees
Title: Replanting a Desert Willow
Answered by: Anne Van Nest

QUESTION:

My desert willow was damaged badly in a winter storm and had to be taken down. Do I need to remove the old root system below grade when I plant a new desert willow?

ANSWER:

Yes, it is much better for the new desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) if you can dig/saw/chop out as much of the old desert willow root system as possible. This will give the new plant more room for the roots to grow.

From the Image Gallery

Desert willow
Chilopsis linearis

Winding mariposa lily
Calochortus flexuosus