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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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Saturday - November 21, 2009

From: Venice, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Trimming non-native plants
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

What time of year is best to trim my Alamanda cathartica, and also my Plumbago auriculata? Thanks

ANSWER:

Our focus and expertise here at the Wildflower Center are with plants native to North America.  Since neither of the plants you asked about are North American natives—Allamanda cathartica, golden-trumpet is a native of Brazil and Plumbago auriculata, plumbago is a native of South Africa—we really can't be of much help.  You might try submitting your question to one of the forums on GardenWeb or you might try searching for information on line by Googling the scientific names.

 

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