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 - November 03, 2004
From: Llano, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation
Title: Propagation of yellow columbine
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I purchased a yellow columbine, Aquilegia chrysantha and your website says it grows in moist upland soils, and yet it shows their habitat as Utah, Arizona, NM, and sw Texas. Tell me how it can be both ways! I have planted it in a partial shade area, but in a bed with native lantana and mexican salvia, and the whole idea is NOT to water frequently. What do I do now?ANSWER:
Aquilegia chrysantha is a native of the Big Bend area of Texas. It does tend to grow near springs or streams there where there is a bit more moisture, (even in those dry states) but the annual rainfall in the mountains of Big Bend is only 15-20 inches a year--not exactly what you would call a damp climate. The rainfall near the Rio Grande River is only about 7 inches a year. Your columbines should do fine in a bed with lantana and salvia without frequent watering.More Propagation Questions
Restoring the woods in Central Austin.
May 08, 2012 - I live in Austin, south central between Red Bud trail close to the low water bridge and Bee Caves road. My question: I want to make the wooded sections of my yard attractive. They have filtered sun...
view the full question and answer
Propagation of Simsia calva from Albuquerque NM
January 27, 2014 - Hi - I was given some simsia calva seed from the LBJ wildflower center. It doesn't have a lot of info about starting the seeds, so any help is much appreciated! I tried starting some outdoors last ye...
view the full question and answer
Adventitious sprouts on oak tree in Austin
April 26, 2010 - Hello, I have an Oak tree which was planted in about 2002, which has adventitious sprouts. The tree has always sent these up, and we cut them off below ground. The tree has always been a 'runt', b...
view the full question and answer
Propagating American Beautyberry in Medina OH
October 05, 2009 - I brought home a small branch of American beautyberries when I was vacationing in N. Carolina. How do I go about planting them and will they survive in the Cleveland area?
view the full question and answer
Do flowers on century plants grow century plants from Huachuca City AZ
September 06, 2013 - The flowers on century plants: can they "grow" century plants?
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |