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 - April 26, 2010
From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pruning, Shrubs
Title: Young yaupon trunks bending in Houston
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have new yaupon in this their second summer which are bending over about half-way up their trunk, at around two feet - do I trim them or stake them?ANSWER:
We would recommend staking them. This is a small, young plant-start pruning away the leaves and your plant loses its "factories" (the leaves) for producing the food the whole plant needs to stay alive. The Ilex vomitoria (yaupon) is a resilient survivor plant, so if winds or loose soil or whatever cause it to bend over, it might continue to grow that way, which probably wasn't what you had in mind. This eHow article How to Stake a Plant has about the clearest instructions we found for your project.
From our Native Plant Image Gallery:
More Shrubs Questions
Tree or shrub for acoustical protection in Clermont FL
September 20, 2010 - What type of tree or shrub would be best to lower the db level of freeway noise in Central Florida? I live about 3/4 of a mile from a freeway but due to the wind and hills it causes the noise to bounc...
view the full question and answer
Hot Sunny Planter Suggestions for Florida
March 05, 2013 - We have a large, raised, concrete planter (about 15' L x 2' W) separating us from our condo neighbor in Clearwater, FL. We would like suggestions for shrubs that tolerate full sun and hot conditions...
view the full question and answer
Transplanting and Pruning Callicarpa
August 21, 2014 - I saw the previous question about Callicarpa from the guy in Texas and I have two questions based on the response. In SW Vermont, is late fall still the best time to transplant my Callicarpas? Also, i...
view the full question and answer
Native replacement for Mexican heather in Llano, TX
April 24, 2009 - Please suggest a native or adaptable alternative plant for Mexican Heather.
view the full question and answer
Location of Elbow Bush and Gregg's Saddlebush at the Wildflower Center
March 10, 2016 - I have twice looked for Forestiera pubescens (Elbow Plant) and Mortonia greggi (Gregg's Saddlebush) in your gardens and have been unable to find. I have looked on the trails as well. Would you be a...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |