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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Monday - January 04, 2010
From: Kerrville, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pruning, Trees
Title: Need help with pruning my Anacacho Orchid tree.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
We have an Anacacho Orchid Tree which has done so well in its location that we will need to prune it back. Please advise how much we can prune it and what time of year to do so. Thank youANSWER:
The Anacacho Orchid tree Bauhinia lunarioides (Texasplume) is a rapid grower that makes a gorgeous display with its silvery-gray bark and white flowers that resemble orchids. Flowers occur primarily in March, April, May and sporadically through the warm months. Its nectar attracts butterflies and bees.
The timing of pruning is explained in this article from Texas AgriLife Extension Service, and one of its points is that spring-flowering shrubs bloom on last season's growth and should be pruned soon after they bloom. This allows for vigorous summertime growth and results in plenty of flower buds the following year. Pruning these shrubs in the fall would remove the buds, and diminish spring flowering.
This article from Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service offers a comprehensive discussion of the pruning of trees and shrubs.
From the Image Gallery
More Trees Questions
Is it live oak sprouts or parasites from Austin
April 30, 2011 - You must get tired of questions about "Live Oak sprouts." I just read your recent Q&A about this. But I'm getting mixed info about whether the "sprouts" are actually Live Oak growth of some sort ...
view the full question and answer
Are non-native Chinese pistache poisonous to alpacas from Galt CA
October 07, 2012 - Are Chinese Pistachio trees poisonous to alpacas?
view the full question and answer
Possible identification of Physocarpus opulifolius
June 11, 2007 - Can you please tell me what kind of tree has a maple leaf
and a white snowball flower?The young and very small tree
was already here when i bought my home,it stands only 7 feet
tall with a 2 inch t...
view the full question and answer
Allelopathy of American elms from Dallas
March 24, 2013 - Are American elms at all allelopathic?
view the full question and answer
Further explanation of retaining walls and trees from Washington MO
March 11, 2013 - I had a question previously about putting retaining walls across the root system of a 40' tall bald cypress tree(not like spokes on a wheel, but concentric to tree trunk). How wide can the walls be? ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |