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.
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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
Native plants more beneficial for Maryland and Chesapeake Bay?
April 07, 2010 - Why are native plant species more beneficial than non native plant species for the state of Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay?
view the full question and answer
Planting location of non-native Japanese maple in Toronto
May 22, 2009 - Hi Mr. Smarty,
I am in the region of Toronto, Canada. I just bought from nursery a "Red Select" Janpanese Maple, about 2' tall, still in its 1' pot. I intended to plant it in my front yard ...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native orange tree in Palm Harbor FL
January 03, 2010 - Almost all fruit has fallen off my orange tree. It looks moldy or like mildew on tree and on fruit?
view the full question and answer
Do non-native globe willows have a taproot from Midland TX
April 06, 2012 - Do globe willows have a tap root?
view the full question and answer
Correction of tree name from Bay Point CA
October 16, 2013 - The tree should of been Mulberry don't know how it was changed!!
Tuesday - October 15, 2013
From: Bay Point, CA
Region: California
Topic: Non-Natives, Cacti and Succulents, Trees
Title: Non-...
view the full question and answer
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