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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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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!

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Friday - July 15, 2005

From: conway, SC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Care of non-native calla lilies
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

How should I protect my calla lilies during the winter? If it helps you any, I live in South Carolina. And also will too much water hurt them? We have had massive amounts of rain.

ANSWER:

Calla lilies (Zantadeschia spp.) are native to South Africa and not to North America. Our expertise and interest is in native North American plants. I can, however, suggest, a site where you can find out more about the care of calla lilies. Here is another web site with information on calla lilies and their care.
 

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