Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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

Tuesday - June 23, 2009

From: Panama City Beach, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Source for non-native white Mexican petunias in Panama City, FL
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

I'm looking for tall white Mexican Petunias. Can you please tell me where I can get some?

ANSWER:

Ruella brittaniana (Mexican petunia) is native to Mexico and therefore out of our range of expertise. At the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, we are focused on plants native not only to North America but the area in which they are being grown. Non-natives can become invasive, destroying natural habitats and spilling over into disturbed areas. This Floridata website Ruellia britanniana has that exact warning for Florida residents.  Also, Mr. Smarty Plants is not a forum nor a source for purchasing or sharing seeds or plants. 

 

More Seed and Plant Sources Questions

Garden planning for wedding in Tallahassee
July 18, 2012 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I would love your advice on creating a Wildflower Garden Plan. Earlier this spring in Tallahassee (North Florida). I sowed Wildflowers for the first time to see what would blo...
view the full question and answer

Sources of native grasses and forbs seeds for Hidalgo and Maverick Cos.
October 31, 2003 - I work for TPWD and am working with some irrigation districts in South Texas, trying to get them to plant native grasses and forbs in their ROWs rather than exotic grasses recommended by TxDOT. Can y...
view the full question and answer

Looking for native plant nurseries
November 29, 2008 - I am in 75862 zip code which is a long way from everywhere. I am trying to find native plant nurseries within 100 miles. Many sites just talk about native plants, and have photos, but very little info...
view the full question and answer

Native replacements for English ivy in Atlanta
April 17, 2009 - What to plant instead of English Ivy in Atlanta, Georgia. We have a nice lot with trees in back of our lot. To protect our trees there I'm clearing out the ubiquitous English ivy (lots of gardens i...
view the full question and answer

Native lawn grass for Seabrook TX
March 12, 2013 - We want to seed our lawn in Seabrook, Tx.77586 with a Natural Grass replacing our St. Augustine Grass. I think there is one that is drought resistant (only water it twice a month.) and that does not g...
view the full question and answer

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