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
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
Speeding up growth of Hesperaloe parviflora (red yucca)
January 12, 2012 - I have germinated Hesperaloe parviflora, Red Yucca, for our Caddo Native plant sale. I have kept in the cool greenhouse for 2 months and they are about 2 inches. A friend put one outside and they froz...
view the full question and answer
Propagation of possumhaw from Austin
May 22, 2014 - I planted a possumhaw holly plant about 3 months ago and am really excited to watch it grow from its current 3-foot height. It is starting to berry right now. My question is about those berries: (Cle...
view the full question and answer
Can wildflower seeds be stored in plastic from Bayside TX
June 10, 2011 - I have been harvesting seeds from all of the varieties of wildflowers I'd planted in a raised flower bed. I had vacuum sealed them with my Seal-A Meal but a few days ago I was told that this was not ...
view the full question and answer
Propagation of Juniperus deppeana by seed
July 17, 2007 - Hello,
I am interested in any info you can provide me on alligator juniper (Juniperus deppeana) seed propagation.
Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Century plant offshoots in Denver
January 01, 2009 - Each year I get a small "baby" Century Plants in the early winter..December - January, But it dies off before summer. We live in Denver, CO My main plant is doing fine. Also, should I cut the lo...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |