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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

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.

Search Smarty Plants

See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

rate this answer

Not Yet Rated

Wednesday - April 30, 2008

From: Harlingen, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Bluebonnets to bloom in September in Harlingen, TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

How can I get bluebonnets to bloom in the first week of September? I need them for my daughter's wedding! We live in Harlingen. Thank you.

ANSWER:

Sorry, bluebonnets, Lupinus texensis (Texas bluebonnet), are winter annuals. They are seeded in the Fall, begin to put up their first rosettes in January, and start blooming in early March. There really is no way of fooling a seed into believing it's cold, then raining, then warm enough to emerge and bloom in Spring. September in Harlingen is not going to feel like Spring. We suggest you talk to your florist about possible potted plants or cut flowers in the colors you need; we doubt they will have any source for potted, blooming bluebonnets.

Native Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

rate this answer

Wednesday - April 30, 2008

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

More Wildflowers Questions