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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

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.

Search Smarty Plants

See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

rate this answer

Not Yet Rated

Sunday - July 10, 2005

From: Columbus, OH
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Deadheadidng of gaillardia
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

How do I maintain gaillardias? Specially, do I deadhead them?

ANSWER:

There is no need to deadhead Gaillardia. You can find an excellent article on caring for Gaillardia pulchella (firewheel) in our native Plant Database.

From the Image Gallery

Indian blanket
Gaillardia pulchella

More Wildflowers Questions

Flowering annuals for Dallas TX
March 26, 2009 - 1. What Non-wildflower flowers (flowers that WILL bloom first year/within first 2-3 months after plant seeds)are recommended for Dallas, TX area that could tolerate part-shade, part-sun area? 2. What...
view the full question and answer

Starting Melochia Pyramidata from Seed
November 06, 2014 - Last year some Melochia pyramidata popped up in my yard all on its own. I was able to gather some (really neat looking) seed pods once they had dried out. I'm moving pretty soon and I'd like to grow...
view the full question and answer

Wildflower meadow in Mobile, AL
January 31, 2009 - I live in Mobile, Alabama. I have 1 acre of land that is partially shaded and covered with centipede yard grass. I would like to completely get rid of all the grass and replace the whole acre with wil...
view the full question and answer

Growing bluebonnets in pot in Flower Mound TX
November 01, 2011 - We received a package of bluebonnet seeds along with the DVD Wildflowers: Seeds of History as a gift. In the film, Andrea DeLong mentions that bluebonnets did not grow well in a rich organic soil. W...
view the full question and answer

April Wildflowers for South Texas
November 16, 2010 - Can you tell me what wildflowers grow well in south Texas? I would like to plant in the fall for bloom in April. Is this possible?
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.