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
Tuesday - August 30, 2005
From: Louisville, KY
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Care for non-native Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon)
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am moving into a new home and have been told that the two plants in my front yard are called Hearts of Sharon. I need to know how to care for them and when and how to prune them so that they dont grow so tall. Thank you.ANSWER:
I think, perhaps, what you have is Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) which is a non-native plant introduced from China and India. It is a hearty, cold- and heat-tolerant plant widely used throughout the United States as an ornamental. You can find care advice by doing an online search on "Hibsicus care". For example, you can read "Hibiscus Care Tips & Growing Instructions" from Strictly Hibiscus.com. You can also visit the American Hibiscus Society web page.More Non-Natives Questions
Invasive, non-native Siberian peashrub for waller TX
February 02, 2012 - Good Morning Mr. Smarty Plants! I am trying to find out if the Siberian Pea Shrub is a good plant for Southeast Texas or if it is considered an invasive no no. It seems to have many qualities for wild...
view the full question and answer
Slow flowering wisteria
May 09, 2007 - We have a young wisteria growing on the side of the house. It began to flower this year for the first time. Whereas my neighbors' wisterias all bloomed in February, ours has only begun to bloom in mi...
view the full question and answer
Information on non-native Knock Out Rose
July 30, 2007 - I am trying to find out some information about a Knock Out Rose. I dont know the scientific name for it. I have been to different web sites to find pictures, size etc. and can find nothing. Any help ...
view the full question and answer
Cross pollination of non-native poinsettia
December 01, 2008 - I have a poinsettia that I have had for about 5 yrs. that has always flowered red. Last Christmas I was given one that was white. During the summer I put both plants in my green house side by side. Th...
view the full question and answer
Firecracker plants not growing in Ft. Worth
June 09, 2010 - I live in Fort Worth, TX and last fall planted several firecracker plants. It's now June and they're not growing. How can I tell if they are still alive?
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |