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

Friday - March 20, 2009
From: Dallas, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Pruning
Title: When and how to prune lavender (Lavandula sp.)
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants I have a Goodwin Creek Lavender plant that I planted last year. It did very well but my question is about pruining. It seems that there is some growth coming up now that it is spring. How do I prune it? Can I cut it back? How often should I prune it? Is there anything else that I should know? I also have a Providence Lavender plant that was grown in a pot last year. My questions would be the same for that plant. Thanks AmyANSWER:
Our expertise and focus here at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center are with plants native to North America. Lavender (Lavandula sp.) is native to the Mediterranean and, as such, is not really in our purview. There are lots of websites, however, devoted to growing lavender. If you Google 'Lavandula pruning' and/or 'lavender pruning', you will find a wealth of references popping up. For instance, here is some information about pruning English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) from Missouri Botanical Gardens, from TheGardenHelper.com and from Lavender Enchantment. There are many more. You could also pose your question to one of the UBC Botanical Garden Forums. There are no doubt other lavender gardeners who participate in the forums who could advise you.
More Non-Natives Questions
Non-native arica palm
October 21, 2008 - I have been watering an arica palm in my house in Va. Beach, VA. The leaves continue to get brown, dry up and die.
I'm not sure if it has a disease or something else.
Can you help?
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native Japanese privet from Glendale AZ
December 26, 2012 - We have Japanese privet shrub and they seem to be suffering from a disease, need help.
view the full question and answer
Deer resistant plants from New Braunfels TX
August 31, 2012 - I have a 1/2 yard covered by a tree, shady. Bermuda grass previous owner planted has all turned brown this summer. I don't have lots of money to work with but would love to landscape that side of fr...
view the full question and answer
Problems with yellow lantana in Smoaks SC
June 05, 2010 - My yellow lantanas are about five years old - big and beautiful, but beginning last year, the blooms are small and part of the tiny petals are brown or black. Can you tell me what I can do about this ...
view the full question and answer
Non-native herbs being burned by pool chlorine in St. Petersburg, FL
July 11, 2010 - My herb garden is next to my swimming pool, which is serviced by a company using chlorine. I have found that on the two unsuccessful attempt to establish my herb garden, the herbs burn off after the p...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |