Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Your gift keeps resources like this database thriving!

DONATE TODAY

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
5 ratings

Sunday - November 30, 2008

From: Ocala, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Non-native Bird of Paradise plant (Strelitzia reginae)
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I have two Bird of Paradise plants on my lanai (Marion County, FL) and they are both in large pots. Nobody but me seems to like them at my house and I have been asked if I could trim all the leaves off to let it regrow. They are both huge now and I think that is the problem. Can I cut all the leaves off?

ANSWER:

Thank you for submitting your question to Mr. Smarty Plants. Our expertise is in the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes. Unfortunately, your question about Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise) falls outside the scope of our expertise since it is a native of South Africa. The link given has information and links about this plant and includes other links to more information.  Mr. Smarty Plants also suggests you try contacting your county extension agency or posting your question to one of the many gardening sites that deal with non-native ornamentals.

 
 

More Non-Natives Questions

Freeze problems with non-native weeping willow in Joplin, MO
May 13, 2010 - My weeping willow had leaves forming and a frost hit and now the tree looks like it is dead. Everything else is in bloom and I don't know if the frost killed my tree or if I need to wait to see if it...
view the full question and answer

Recovery of non-native star jasmine from freezing in New York
April 22, 2007 - Hello, I have a star jasmine plant that was left outside over the winter. Will it come back to life? Thank you.
view the full question and answer

Doodlebugs in dead area of Coral Bean from Houston
April 10, 2013 - I have a Firemans coralbean tree about 5 years old. I discovered yesterday in the middle of the tree there is some deadwood where we have pruned out branches. A couple of the branches were filled with...
view the full question and answer

Non-native Paulownia tree roots around pool in Austin
May 13, 2010 - We live in Lakeway (basically Austin) and planted a Paulownia tree in our back yard. It is growing well. However, since we planted it a couple of years ago we have put in an in-ground pool. During th...
view the full question and answer

Is Hibiscus coccineus still considered native in Dallas, TX?
July 15, 2011 - Is Hibiscus coccineus still considered native?. I recently was told by someone with the Native Texas Plant Society that it was no longer thought to have crossed the Sabine naturally. Thoughts...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.