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.
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.
rate this answer
Wednesday - July 22, 2009
From: Winston-Salem, NC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Transplants, Wildflowers
Title: Can I Divide Rudbeckia in July in NC.
Answered by: Anne Bossart
QUESTION:
How do I transplant Blackeyed Susans so I can add them to other parts of the bed. I started with one and it is crowding out other plants, so I would like to transplant to other parts of the yard.ANSWER:
It is too late in the season to divide and transplant perennials now. Many perennials can be divided in the spring or fall but others have a preference. Rudbeckia preferes to be divided in the spring. Because Black eyed Susan's seed heads add such great fall and winter interest in the garden in a place where they are not covered up with snow, you will want to wait until spring anyhow.
They are quite easy to divide and you will be blessed with Rudbeckia for the rest of your days. When it is time to divide them, digging up the whole plant, splitting it and re-planting is the best method as it rejuvenates the plant and gives you the opportunity to pick out any weeds or grass that have managed to get established in the center. Alternatively, just dig out the plants around the outside, tranpslant them and leave the center. Many perennials, however, eventually get so crowded at the center that it dies, leaving a circle of younger plants.
Once you have the clump dug out it will be easy to pry the plants apart from one another with your fingers or a hand tool.
A great reference book (with instructions on pictures) for all sorts of propogation is Ken Druse's "Making more Plants: The Science, Art, and Joy of Propagation".
More Transplants Questions
Transplanting Ilex x attenuata (Savannah holly)
July 31, 2014 - Is it hard to take a savannah holly out of my front yard? Do the roots grow down deep or are they more shallow? I can only take a 36-40 rootball circumference because of surrounding established shru...
view the full question and answer
Huisache tree is not thriving in Kerr County, TX.
May 18, 2011 - Our landscaper planted a Huisache tree in our back yard (Kerr County). It was planted about 3 years ago. It has grown considerably (about 15 feet tall)but it has never flowered and is always late in...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native Miscanthus sinensis grass in Lewes DE
May 11, 2010 - I have morning light ornamental grass, which was just three days ago. The ends of the grass are shriveling up and appear to be dying; why is this?
view the full question and answer
Want a source for Mexican redbud in Houston, TX
October 04, 2010 - I live in west Houston and would like to purchase and plant a Mexican redbud in my yard. I have Googled to find one and also searched the Growit site without success. Where can I find one in Texas? I ...
view the full question and answer
Need suggestions for plants to form a privacy hedge in Granbury, TX.
April 14, 2011 - We live on a rocky hill in Hood County, Tx. and need suggestions for evergreen anything that will provide privacy. Red Cedars were added in October 2010 and it looks as if half of those are dying. He...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |