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.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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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!

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Wednesday - October 13, 2010

From: Round Rock, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Non-native begonias not blooming in Round Rock, TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

My angel wing begonias won't bloom. I feed them with fish emulsion. What is the problem?

ANSWER:

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the growth, propagation and protection of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which those plants are being grown. Begonia coccinea is native to Brazil, and therefore is out of our area of expertise.