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
Wednesday - May 25, 2016
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Cacti and Succulents
Title: Questions about hollyhocks and yucca
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have 2 questions. In Western N.Y. State the hollyhocks grow like weeds but add color with their large stalks. I've sent for seeds and the best I can do in N.W.Travis county is 9 inch plants that die. Is it possible to grow them here? Love the individual white blooming yucca. They grow wild and are used for yard plants. I would like one but don't seem to find them at plant stores. Any ideas? Richard TroianoANSWER:
First of all, hollyhock (Alcea rosea) is not native to North America; and, since the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the preservation, conservation and promotion of the use of plants in their native North American habitats, we are the wrong organization to ask about care of hollyhocks. I suggest you address your question about hollyhocks to one of the gardening forums such GardenWeb.
As for the yucca, you may be referring to the one native to the Austin area Yucca rupicola (Twistleaf yucca). You can look for native plant suppliers in our National Suppliers Directory by typing your city into the "Enter Search Location" slot.
From the Image Gallery
More Cacti and Succulents Questions
Does cutting off the budding agave bloom save the plant from Sunrise FL
April 30, 2010 - I have an Agave(century plant) just starting its long flower stalk. I have read the mother plant will die after flowering. Can I cut off the stalk before it flowers to save the plant? If not, how do i...
view the full question and answer
Should I remove the flowering stalk from my Dasylirion leioiphyllum?
March 23, 2009 - We transplanted a plant that is new to us but going through your photos on your website, it appears that we have a Dasylirion Leiophy. My question is this.. Are we supposed to cut the 6' stem that f...
view the full question and answer
Root depth of opuntia
May 15, 2007 - What can you tell me about the depth of roots of the opuntia? Does it vary with different varieties or is there formula to estimate the depth according to the mature size or to the culture - garden ...
view the full question and answer
Seeds of agave attenuata from San Diego CA
April 16, 2012 - After the agave attenuata bloom dried up there are seeds like thing hanging on the foxtail; do I leave it until it dies or do I chop that down. Are those seeds for propagation. The leaves of the plan...
view the full question and answer
Both large and small Century plants putting up stems from Cayucos CA
November 18, 2013 - I have a Century Plant that is sending up a stem. I am excited to see it bloom. I noticed that one of the small pups, about 4 inches tall, is also sending up a stem. I have not found a mention of pups...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |