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 16, 2010
From: San Antonio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Locating Rudbeckia cultivar in San Antonio
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Hello, I’m searching for one-gallon plants of Rudbeckia fulgida var. speciosa “Viette’s Little Suzy” to purchase either from a San Antonio or area nursery or through a mail order Texas Grower. Is this the way to go, or should I just plant seeds? Do you guys sell this specific Rudbeckia? If you can help, that’s would be great.ANSWER:
Last question first: We only sell plants twice a year at our Plant Sales. The Spring one is just over and the Fall sale won't be until October. This plant is a hybrid, and we don't sell hybrids, either, because we are committed to the use, protection and propagation of plants native to North America and to the area in which they are being grown. More discouragement, a hybrid can seldom be propagated by seeds, because they won't come true to their multiple parents. According to Northscaping.com Rudbeckia fulgida var. speciosa Viette's Little Suzy can be propagated by division and is a shorter "selection" of the native Rudbeckia fulgida (orange coneflower).
According to the USDA Plant Profile, there are two counties in Texas, one of which appears to be close to Bexar County, where the native orange coneflower is growing. Whether this means you could find any retailers in your area selling a hybridized version we don't know. You might try going to our National Suppliers Directory, typing in your town and state in the "Enter Search Location" and you will get a list of native plant nurseries, seed companies and landscape and environment consultants in your general area. They all have contact information and, although they all specialize in native plants, probably some of them carry at least some hybrids or cultivars, and might be able to help you.
More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
Source of cotton seeds in Georgia
March 08, 2006 - Where can I buy cotton seeds????
view the full question and answer
How can I propagate wax myrtle by soft-wood or semi-hardwood cuttings?
February 24, 2009 - Mr. Smartypants,
I would like to propagate wax myrtle from mature plants I have growing in my yard here in Houston. I've read on the wildflower website to use "softwood" or "semi-hardwood" c...
view the full question and answer
Preserving endangered plants in Massachusetts
April 09, 2006 - I've recently visited the national registry of threatened or endangered plants for my Massachusetts home, with a hope of :
1. Identifying rare, threatened or endangered species in my state.
2. fi...
view the full question and answer
Grasses for a prairie in southeast Texas
September 30, 2013 - We have a small place (about 100 acres) in Colorado County, Texas, on the Colorado River north of the town of Weimar. We are gradually clearing (bulldozing) the woods of cedars. One particular spot ...
view the full question and answer
Purchase source of Coral honeysuckle from New Boston TX
April 21, 2012 - I have been unable to find a supplier in the listings on your website for Lonicera Sempervirens. Many of them had a variety of different plants listed under this name but none were the 20' species.
...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |