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
Transplanting bamboo
July 29, 2008 - To transplant bamboo from one place to another, do you dig the plant up or do you get a cutting, put it in water and then root the plant?
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Salvia that needs dividing in Maryville MO
April 09, 2010 - I have some May Night salvia that is 3 years old. Last summer it split in the middle and spent a lot of the summer laid open. I'm wondering if it needs to be split or pruned in some way?
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Can berries of non-native Fuchsia plant be eaten from Duluth MN
August 09, 2009 - Are the berries of the Fuschia plant edible?
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When to plant non-native red-tip photinia
November 17, 2011 - When do you plant the Red-Tip Photinia Flowering Shrubs
in Roanoke VA?
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Non-native Indian Hawthorn and Abelia resistance to deer from Ackerman MS
January 16, 2010 - I recently landscaped my yard. I have a large variety of bushes and trees. They have been planted for about a month. Yesterday, while out in the yard, I noticed that about half of my Indian hawthorn...
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