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 - June 05, 2009
From: Pearland, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Planting, Transplants, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Care for Blackfoot daisy?
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
Hi, I have two blackfoot daisies and one has died. I've planted them in full sun on a well drained slope. Do these ususally die after blooming? Should I cut the other one back? Thanks.ANSWER:
Melampodium leucanthum (plains blackfoot) or Blackfoot daisy is a perennial, so no, it does not normally die after flowerering. However, plants that are transplanted while in flower or shortly before flowering have a much greater chance of succumbing to transplant shock than those that are not flowering. As difficult a thing as it is to do, gardeners should disbud any perennial plant they're about to transplant to increase its chances of survival. Cut the other plant back now by about 1/3. Make sure it doesn't get too dry, but don't keep it too wet, either. Although Blackfoot daisy prefers full sun, it is a good idea to give it a little protection from late afternoon sun for a few weeks until the plant is well-established.
From the Image Gallery
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Companion plants for irises
April 22, 2007 - Hello...what do you suggest as a companion plant for irises? I live in the Texas Hill Country.
Thanks.
view the full question and answer
Need Native Plants for Ditch Stabilization in Texarkana, Arkansas
September 14, 2010 - I live in Texarkana, Arkansas. I have a ditch near the street in my front yard that is approximately 90-100 ft. long. It gets full sun. There is a lot of clay and rocks in the ditch. I need to fin...
view the full question and answer
Overwintering Ruellia brittoniana in Missouri
October 03, 2015 - I live in Missouri and have five beautiful Mexican Petunia or Ruellia brittoniana planted and established in my landscaping. With winter fast approaching, I would love advise on how to winterize the p...
view the full question and answer
Planting Suggestions for a Lake Home in Wayne County, MO
April 03, 2014 - We have a lake home in Wayne County, MO at Lake Wappapello. The soil is very rocky. We recently cleared an area around our home of assorted dead trees, some cedars and what seemed like tons of vines. ...
view the full question and answer
How does Asclepias asperula (antelope horns) respond to fire
December 18, 2010 - From your experience with prairie burns, how does Asclepias asperula (antelope horns) respond to fire?
Thanks.
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |