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.
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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.
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Monday - June 22, 2009
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Region: Rocky Mountain
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Non-native. Why are my potted Royal Empress trees dying?
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
I have purchased several Royal Empress trees over the past two years. Why won't they grow? Some sprouted leaves and then died while in the pots I planted them in. While others, that are 2 years old won't grow more than a foot the whole year. Help?!*ANSWER:
We know this is going to seem like a strange answer, but count yourself blessed. Royal Empress tree, Paulownia tomentosa has far more bad habits than it has endearing attributes. Above all, we think you should remove your Royal Empress trees and plant something less likely to cause you problems in the future. Several previous questions and answers to Ask Mr. Smarty Plants deal with the consequences of growing this invasive species:
Invasive, non-native Paulownia
Information about Invasive Paulownia Tree
Dead-appearing Royal Paulownia trees in Manteno, IL
Fast growing, possibly invasive trees for South Carolina
If, after reading of the horrors of owning one of these trees you still want one, you might contact your county's Cooperative Extension Service agent for advice. Growing trees in pots is tricky, especially in Colorado where the roots are very prone to freezing. Perhaps that is the issue with your trees.
More Non-Natives Questions
Invasive thistles in wildflower field from Dripping Springs TX
February 17, 2014 - How to get rid of "native" thistles.. I have a large natural field that used to grow a variety of wildflowers, but in 2011 and 2012 it was taken over by thistles. I'm sure they are "native" Texas...
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Problems with non-native Ligustrum in Granbury TX
November 30, 2009 - Hi, I am hoping you can tell me why my Ligustrum is dropping leaves? At purchase I was told they are evergreen. We are using them for a privacy hedge and would like to prevent any more leaf drop. The...
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Failure to thrive of non-native Confederate Jasmine in Tucson AZ
May 27, 2010 - My Star/Confederate Jasmine, a 30 foot long wall of it, for over 5 years now has one side of it losing leaves. I seem to remember it did this one other summer, but came back in??
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Yellow jackets on non-native crape myrtles
September 25, 2008 - Hey Mr. Smarty Plants I have only 1 question. I have several Crape Myrtles that have numerous amounts (alarming) of yellow jacket bees on them. who what where when why etc? Should I be concerned? tha...
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Invasive nature of non-native Zoysia japonica grass
April 22, 2007 - I have been reading up on Zoysia grass and I am curious about its invasive nature. Is there a good way to keep it from going into my neighbors' yards? I was thinking about using some edging material...
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