Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Your gift keeps resources like this database thriving!

DONATE TODAY

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

Monday - May 10, 2010

From: Cleveland, MS
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: How to care for non-native gardenia
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

My gardenia is about 20 years old about 5 feet tall and for the first time is leggy looking this year, not too many leaves and they don't look real healthy. Do I need to cut it back some. Last year it was full of blooms and beautiful. Thank you

ANSWER:

The Wildflower Center's focus and expertise are with plants native to North America.  Since the gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides) is a native of China and Japan, we can't provide you with advice on its care.  We can, however, refer you to other sources for help. The internet has many resources related to plant care that can help you.  Google "gardenias care" and you will find many articles such as:  Gardenia Plant Care from LookToKnow Garden and How do I grow thriving gardenias from GardenWeb.  You can also pose your question on one of the gardening forums such as the GardenWeb Forums or the UBC Botanical Garden Forums.  Please visit us again if you have questions about North American native plants.
 

More Non-Natives Questions

Care of potted non-native geraniums
July 26, 2009 - I live in lower Michigan (Mt. Clemens) and recently purchased 2 small, potted geraniums. They are a beautiful vibrant red in color. As the blooms wilt and turn dark, should I snip that part off the st...
view the full question and answer

Insects in non-native weeping willow
September 17, 2008 - My weeping willow is dropping small black insects. Thousands of 1/16" cover the ground etc. Insects stain a raspberry, purple color when smashed. Insects are very soft.Insects present about 3 weeks...
view the full question and answer

Mediterranean Pines indigenous to Verde Valley AZ
January 01, 2012 - Are the tall, thin Mediterranean/Pencil Pines growing in the Verde Valley in Arizona indigenous to the area? They are so plentiful, but are not identified as an indigenous evergreen. If not, how did...
view the full question and answer

Can non-native red-tip photinia be burned in fireplace from Lilburn GA?
April 20, 2011 - Can I burn red tip photinia in my fireplace?
view the full question and answer

Accompanying plant for non-native dianthus in Arden NC
April 23, 2011 - Hi,I have dianthus and need a small plant-full sun to go with it down both sides of our driveway-thanks
view the full question and answer

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