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

Tuesday - February 24, 2009
From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources, Propagation
Title: How can I propagate wax myrtle by soft-wood or semi-hardwood cuttings?
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
Mr. Smartypants, I would like to propagate wax myrtle from mature plants I have growing in my yard here in Houston. I've read on the wildflower website to use "softwood" or "semi-hardwood" cuttings or 2"-3" root cuttings. Can you tell me more on how to use the cuttings or roots ~ what do I do with them? Place them in water to root? Place them in small pots of topsoil outside? I need a little more detail on the steps to propogate the plant. {or is there a website with more details?} I plan to plant 50-60 wax myrtles along a fenceline in Lavaca County on property I own there and figured I would try to utilize my own plants I have in my yard rather than buy 50-60 new plants. Thanks,ANSWER:
Wax myrtle Morella cerifera (wax myrtle) is certainly an appropriate plant for a fence planting along a fence line. You are undertaking a project that will take time and patience.
Mr. Smarty Plants will give you links to five resources that should prove helpful. They all tell you pretty much the same thing, but the clarity of explanation and illustrations vary from one to the other.
Ohio State University Extension
North Carolina State University
Washington State University Cooperative Extension
Virginia Cooperative Extension
University of British Columbia Botanical Garden
More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
Where to find nursery type containers in Austin TX
July 10, 2015 - Where in Austin TX can I purchase nursery type containers to transplant my seedling
view the full question and answer
Garden planning for wedding in Tallahassee
July 18, 2012 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I would love your advice on creating a Wildflower Garden Plan. Earlier this spring in Tallahassee (North Florida). I sowed Wildflowers for the first time to see what would blo...
view the full question and answer
Grasses for a prairie in southeast Texas
September 30, 2013 - We have a small place (about 100 acres) in Colorado County, Texas, on the Colorado River north of the town of Weimar. We are gradually clearing (bulldozing) the woods of cedars. One particular spot ...
view the full question and answer
Starting shade-tolerant ground covers in New York
September 10, 2013 - Hi, I have seen some of the posts for shade-tolerant ground cover on the east end of Long Island and my question is process related. Now that I've identified the grasses/plants I need to keep my fro...
view the full question and answer
Source of seeds for non-native Artemisia pontica
May 26, 2006 - Hi,
I've tried unsuccessfully to find seed for "roman wormwood" "Artemisia Pontica"
Do you carry this or do you know a source in the US to get the seed?
Much Thanks.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |