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
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
Identity of rubbery-looking tree with long green thorns
March 21, 2012 - I am trying to identify a tree that has a green rubbery look with long, sharp, green thorns. This tree is on my property in Conroe, TX and the soil type is Gladwater clay frequently flooded.
view the full question and answer
Non-native Senna corymbosa
September 28, 2008 - I have a large Texas Senna tree - at least 7'x8'. It is covered in beautiful yellow blooms; however, it will need to be pruned in the winter. Please let me know how much to prune it and when is th...
view the full question and answer
Esperanza failing to bud out in Georgetown TX
March 28, 2010 - I planted esperanza shrubs last summer and they did well. I did not prune them back in the winter. They are not showing any signs of life (No greenery) Will the plants start to form leaves and flow...
view the full question and answer
Moving non-native Iris Germanica in Pennsylvania
May 30, 2009 - I am moving from Northeast Pennsylvania to North Carolina this fall or winter. I was told it was possible to save some of my bearded Iris plants by digging them after they bloom and allowing them to ...
view the full question and answer
Toxicity of non-native Royal Empress tree
April 23, 2009 - We want to plant some fast-growing trees for shade for my horses. My friend wants to use Royal Empress trees. Can you tell me if these are toxic to horses (and also goats)? I have a lot of clay in t...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |