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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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Friday - July 10, 2009

From: San Antonio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pruning, Shrubs
Title: Trimming dead blooms from turkscap in San Antonio
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

Great answer to the Turk's Plant question. But, I can't seem to find an answer to mine. I've had Turk's plants for years and cut them back as you suggest, but have always been confused about what to do with the dead blooms. Pinch them back? Let them be? Thanks.

ANSWER:

We're not sure which previous answer on Malvaviscus arboreus (wax mallow) you are referring to, but we're glad you liked it. Our experience with Turk's Cap is that you almost can't trim it back enough. We would recommend nipping off dead blooms down to the first set of leaves. If it's going to bloom again, it will be from that cut, putting out new branches. 


Malvaviscus arboreus

 

 

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