Contact Us Host an Event Volunteer Join

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?

Share

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
1 rating

Thursday - October 15, 2009

From: Duluth, GA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: New plant introductions in Georgia.
Answered by: Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

Can you list 5-10 brand new plants to the marketplace this 2009-2010 season for my area in GA? Thank you.

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants thinks you might be a little unclear on the function of the Native Plant Information Network and the mission of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.  We study and advocate for the use of wildflfowers and other native plants in their native areas.

Most new introductions to the horticulture market are cultivars of non-native species.  While it is certainly possible that someone has introduced some native plant species to the marketplace, it is very unlikely that anyone has introduced five to ten new ones in Georgia this year.

The Horticulture Department at the University of Georgia, under the direction of Dr. Allan Armitage maintains a The Trial Gardens at UGA for landscape testing new plant introductions.  He has also developed a marketing program called Athens Select which promotes especially well-adapted cultivars of intoduced plants.  These resources may be of value to you.
 

More Non-Natives Questions

Care of non-native dracaena potted plant
February 04, 2008 - Last summer I was given a corn plant that stands about 6ft tall. About 2 weeks ago it began to flower. Over time I've had maybe 3 or 4 of these plants and never had any of them bloomed. Is this no...
view the full question and answer

Source for non-native, invasive Winter Honeysuckle from Austin
April 24, 2013 - Seeing Lonicera abiflora today reminds me of the "winter honeysuckle" my grandfather grew in San Antonio from 1920s or so through the 1950's. It was a bush with stiff upright stems and bloomed cre...
view the full question and answer

Ground cover for Central California from Concord CA
July 19, 2012 - I live in a part of California where the summers can be very hot and dry but quite cool and wet during the rainy seasons in the wintertime. The soil around my home is very dry, rocky and infertile. I...
view the full question and answer

Non-native invasive tungoil tree
July 21, 2006 - I believe I have a tungoil tree growing in my yard. How do I care for it and when would be the best time to move it. It is about 6 foot tall and has about 12 seed (fruit) on it. Thanks.
view the full question and answer

Pruning non-native Chinese fringe flower from Austin
June 24, 2013 - When is the best time of year to prune Plum Delight? And how severely can it be cut back?
view the full question and answer

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