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
Pruning time of non-native oleander
February 11, 2005 - When and how should I trim oleanders that turned brown after our first freeze?
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Firecracker plants not growing in Ft. Worth
June 09, 2010 - I live in Fort Worth, TX and last fall planted several firecracker plants. It's now June and they're not growing. How can I tell if they are still alive?
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Changing color of non-native crape myrtles
August 02, 2008 - How do you change the color of a bloom on a crape myrtle tree?
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How to tell the difference between native and non-native thistles
March 13, 2013 - It's thistle time already. There are many plants in the aster family with thistle in their common name. Are "real" thistles only those in the genus Cirsium, or are there others as well? We are tryi...
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Non-native begonias not blooming in Round Rock, TX
October 13, 2010 - My angel wing begonias won't bloom. I feed them with fish emulsion. What is the problem?
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