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 - 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
Non-native mango in pool area in Stuart FL
May 23, 2011 - We are landscaping a backyard and want to put in a pool. He wants to keep the huge mango tree that overhangs part of the pool area, I don't really care but would like to know what other fast growing...
view the full question and answer
Nutgrass
September 12, 2008 - Hey Hi Barbara,
I just read the information you gave about nut grass. I had wished for other options. Back to digging them out. Thanks for the information
What about substituting cud zoo.
S...
view the full question and answer
Failure to bloom of non-native viburnum in Dayton, Ohio
April 30, 2009 - I have a 3 year old Marie's Doublefire Viburnum that has healthy, abundant foliage but never blooms. I do not prune it. What am I doing wrong? Thanks
view the full question and answer
Mosquito repellant plant?
January 18, 2009 - Is there such a thing as mosquito repellent plants? If so, what are they?
view the full question and answer
Yellowing leaves on non-native weeping birch in Brick NJ
August 16, 2009 - I have a young weeping birch-planted in spring-we water regularly, it gets good sun-and rain has been perfect--the leaves get yellow--and now they are a lot! Whats the matter? I love my little tree.I ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |