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
Friday - April 09, 2010
From: Maryville, MO
Region: Midwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Salvia that needs dividing in Maryville MO
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have some May Night salvia that is 3 years old. Last summer it split in the middle and spent a lot of the summer laid open. I'm wondering if it needs to be split or pruned in some way?ANSWER:
The 'May Night' is a trade name for one of the many salvias; whether or not it is a salvia native to North America, we couldn't find out. However, being hybridized already excludes them from being termed native plants. At the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center we are dedicated to the use, protection and propagation of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which it is being grown. But a salvia is a salvia, regardless, and we can give you some general care instructions that should help.
We even found two different botanical names for this plant: Salvia nemorosa 'Mainacht' and Salvia x sylvestris 'May Night, still not native. Here are a couple of websites that will give you some information on caring for your plants:
Nature Home Nursery How Do I Care for Salvias?
National Gardening Association, Plant Care Guides-Salvia
More Non-Natives Questions
Plant ID of invasive vine from Austin
August 21, 2013 - A friend lives in southwest Austin and has a vine that's coming up all over her yard. I am a Williamson County Master Gardener and have asked all the garden gurus in my group what it is from a photo ...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification
November 02, 2011 - I have a plant that I would like to identify. It is a tall shrub/woody vine? (approx. 8-10 feet) that has very large thorns on its branches and stems. The stems remain green during winter. It loses it...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native Bradford pear in Katy TX
April 24, 2011 - Hi. I have a Bradford Pear that I wrapped during the freeze at the base of the trunk during last years freeze. It is about 4.5 yrs old. The base has cracked and the top is dry and lifeless; however, a...
view the full question and answer
Tecoma stans problems in Santa Monica CA
September 20, 2010 - I just purchased a mature 6ft tall potted Tecoma Stance Vine (Honeysuckle), It is placed in an area where it gets at least 3 to 4 hours morning/early afternoon sun and then a shaded sun for the rest o...
view the full question and answer
Care for non-native, invasive Bauhinia variegata
March 03, 2006 - I live in Fellsmere just south of Melbourne and we have about 5 orchid trees on our property; one is fairly tall, about 20 ft, and the others are about 6 ft tall. My smaller ones have several air p...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |