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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Sunday - October 07, 2007
From: Round Rock, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Non-native poinsettia care
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have a poinsettia that I have nursed from last Christmas. It is in big pot and looks really good. I'm trying to make it bloom. I have it out front with a sw exposure. I'm afraid of too much sun Can I plant is outside and if so what exposure? All shade?ANSWER:
Euphorbia pulcherrima, poinsettia, was introduced to th U.S. in 1825 by Joel Robert Poinsett (guess where the common name of the plant came from?), first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico who obtained plants from the wilds of southern Mexico. Since then, hybridization and constant research have created many different cultivars, with varied colors and bloom sizes. But they still need special treatment in order to bloom at all, and certainly to bloom at a specific time.
Apparently, you are not the only person to be puzzled by this, because we found a previous Mr. Smarty Plants answer to a very similar question. Rather than try to improve on the work someone has already done, we will just borrow it, and ask you to follow the above link. That question and answer was dated a little later in the year than this, so perhaps you will be able to get your poinsettia to bloom by Christmas time instead of Valentine's, as suggested. However, it is also true that a poinsettia needs year round special attention, so please go to this link on care of poinsettias. If it is too late to have a Christmas centerpiece this year, at least, you will know what to do in the next year to care for it and let it be beautiful for Christmas 2008!
Having originated from southern Mexico, the poinsettia, of course, is not in the usual area of expertise for Mr. Smarty Plants, as the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (our home) is focused on the care, protection and propagation of plants native to North America. But guess what? There are two pointsettias, Euphorbia cyathophora (fire on the mountain), and Euphorbia heterophylla (Mexican fireplant), not only native to North America but found in Texas. They are not as spectacular. nor with as many variations as the non-native Euphorbia pulcherrima, but they might be fun to try in your garden. And, since you live in the Austin area, why don't you check out the Fall Plant Sale on October 13 and 14 at the Wildflower Center. And, you can look at a list of the plants (with pictures) at the Plant List site. It doesn't appear a native poinsettia will be for sale this fall, but a lot of other neat stuff is.
More Non-Natives Questions
Seed Habiturf on top of existing St. Augustine from Austin
January 26, 2012 - We don't want to rip up an existing St. Augustine lawn (potential HOA problems), but we'd like to go native grasses (like Habiturf?). Is there anything we can just seed on top of our present lawn a...
view the full question and answer
Support for non-native, invasive Nandina Domestica from San Antonio, TX
July 09, 2013 - I consider nandina domestica to be a perfect plant for San Antonio, but see that it is on the list of invasive plants for surrounding eco-areas. How should I respond regarding one of my favorite land...
view the full question and answer
Roses or other flowering plants for Coleman, Texas
March 10, 2009 - I want to plant native roses at a country home in Coleman Co., southern exposure, with well water, drip system,but ,hot, dry & windy!
I know the Mutabilis does well in Austin, but, is it suitable for...
view the full question and answer
Will roots of non-native Bottlebrush damage foundation in Weslaco TX
April 02, 2011 - I have a bottle Brush tree planted 2 feet from a brick wall. The condo board told me to remove it for fear that it may crack the foundation of the wall. I don't want to remove it. I believe they are ...
view the full question and answer
Non-blooming wisteria in Oklahoma
June 24, 2008 - I have a wisteria bush that doesn't bloom. It's two years old. What should I do?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |