Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Your gift keeps resources like this database thriving!

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?

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
Not Yet Rated

Saturday - January 30, 2010

From: Cypress, CA
Region: California
Topic: Container Gardens
Title: Can non-native Mayten tree be grown in 4 ft. container in Cypress CA
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

We have a mayten tree that is about ten years old, in a planter about 4 ft. wide. We were told that the roots will not be a problem--true or false? So far, no problem, but how about going forward?

ANSWER:

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is devoted exclusively to the care, protection and propagation of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which they are being grown. Maytenus boaria, Mayten Tree, is native to South America, most particularly Argentina, Brazil and Chile. This website from California Gardens.com will give you a little more information about the plant. We understand that the Mayten ordinarily grows 25 to 30 ft. tall, with a 25 ft. spread. Since the root systems of most trees correspond to, or are even wider than, the canopy it is hard to believe that could be contained in a 4 ft. planter.
 

More Container Gardens Questions

Texas native plants in an indoor space in Dallas
July 31, 2009 - Is there a native Texas plant that would be suited for an indoor application, such as large planters in a lobby space?
view the full question and answer

Shrub that will grow outside in Zone 5 from Millbrook NY
April 21, 2012 - Is there any shrub, tree or other sort of plant that will grow well in zone 5 in a very large container outdoors?
view the full question and answer

Screening Planter Recommendations for Lakeway TX
May 16, 2012 - I live in Lakeway in a townhome. The parking lot is directly in front of my unit so I always see headlights and cars. The HOA has agreed to build a planter about 4 feet high to help hide the cars. W...
view the full question and answer

How to prune a Lantana tree
October 02, 2015 - I have a potted Lantana tree that will come indoors for the winter. It is quite large and should I prune it back for the winter? If yes, how do I prune it?
view the full question and answer

Indoor native container plants for Central Texas
December 09, 2007 - I like to model the beauty of native plants where ever possible, and would like to have some in my office. Are there any Central TX natives that will survive in an office environment? I do have a bi...
view the full question and answer

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