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
Monday - June 15, 2009
From: Buies Creek, NC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Why will my Plumbago not bloom in Buies Creek NC?
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I purchased a plumbago about two weeks ago with w few old blooms. I pinched them off, and my plant has not bloomed since. I understand they bloom profusely, and have witnessed it myself. Why isn't mine blooming? It was a medium size plant in a gallon container. I have not fertilized it since I purchased it. It was in full sun for about two weeks and now I have it in part shade.ANSWER:
Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata), sometimes called Leadwort, is a non-native from South Africa. Both names derive from the color of the flower which is lead color, and the Latin name for lead which is plumbum.
I am going to refer you to a previous answer that I think will take care of all of your questions.
More Non-Natives Questions
Student project on non-native bush snap beans
October 30, 2006 - I am doing a science project for school that involves bush snap beans. For my research I am required to have at least one interview with a professional on plants. I was hoping that you would be able ...
view the full question and answer
Flower with spike of yellow flowers with hairy purple filaments
July 03, 2012 - Fuzzy purple stamens! I can't find this plant identified anywhere. Blooms abt 1" or a little more across. 5 yellow petals, 5 sepals, & 5 stamens with yellow anthers, & the filaments are covered wi...
view the full question and answer
Sticky stuff dripping from non-native crape myrtle in Austin
August 01, 2012 - There is sticky sap-like stuff dropping from the very large crepe myrtle in my yard. The tree has quit blooming. This didn't happen last year when it was so dry; it started after we had all the rain ...
view the full question and answer
Growing non-native avocado outside from Austin
December 27, 2012 - My son has a very large avocado tree that he rooted from a pit that is currently growing in a large container. However, it has gotten too big to winter inside. Can it be planted in the ground in Aust...
view the full question and answer
Comments on previous answer on non-native invasives from Raleigh NC
March 27, 2014 - https://www.wildflower.org/expert/show.php?id=7827
This answer is incorrect. Please have someone review it to remove the two invasive species you are encouraging people to plant by calling them nati...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |