Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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?

Share

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
1 rating

Monday - October 11, 2010

From: Marble Falls, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Propagation of non-native Jerusalem Sage from Marble Falls, TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

What is the best way to propagate Jerusalem Sage? I've located a plant and I want to get some going.

ANSWER:

Phlomis fruticosa, Jerusalem Sage, is native to the Meditteranean area, including Cypress, Turkey and Greece, and therefore falls out of our area of expertise. Since we will have no information on this plant in our Native Plant Database, we suggest you read this article from Desert Tropicals on its characteristics. According to that article, you should consider taking cuttings, which you can do in Spring or Fall, and it is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 and 9. Even if we have another "pop freeze" in Central Texas, it is root-hardy and will grow back. If you are inexperienced in taking cuttings of woody plants, here is an article from North Caroline State University on Plant Propagation by Stem Cuttings that has some of the best information on this subject that we have found.
 

More Non-Natives Questions

Looking for Mimosa pudica plants in Austin, TX.
March 10, 2012 - Where can I buy a Mimosa pudica plant in or near Austin? I don't want seeds, but a few small actual plants. Thanks!
view the full question and answer

Planting plumereia and bird of paradise palm outside in Austin
May 23, 2007 - I have a plumeria and a bird of paradise palm in pots that I want to place in the ground. I've seen plumeria's planted in the ground at a house leading to Bryan College Station that seem to have bee...
view the full question and answer

Native plants for southwest side of house in Birmingham, AL
April 18, 2009 - I would like to know what I can plant on the southwest side of my house where there is a brick foundation and is really hot in the summer. I've tried irises and day lilies-not good. Suggestions?
view the full question and answer

Problems with tomatoes in tubs in Campbellton, TX
May 30, 2009 - I have my tomatoes planted in big black plastic tubs, they are starting to wilt and dry up. I have put Sevin dust on them for bugs. I haven't been over watering. Could you please tell me why they are...
view the full question and answer

Lavender near Austin TX
July 10, 2011 - Are there places to view blooming lavender near Austin in July 2011?
view the full question and answer

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