Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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
Not Yet Rated

Wednesday - October 27, 2010

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation, Transplants
Title: Transplanting False Gaura in Austin
Answered by: Mike Tomme

QUESTION:

I am transplanting my false gaura. Do they transplant well, and should I cut them back?

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty plants visited with plant care experts at the Wildflower Center. They have transplanted Stenosiphon linifolius (False gaura) successfully so it can be done. They caution that Stenosiphon linofolius has a taproot and if you cut off too much of that the plant will, at the very least, suffer severe shock from the transplant.

Their tips for success: select smaller plants as these will have smaller root systems, get as much of the roots as you possibly can, plant in full sun. During and after the transplant give it plenty of water, but when it becomes established, it prefers dry soil. As for cutting it back, you probably don't need to, especially if you are using small plants to start with.

Now is a great time to do your transplanting.


Stenosiphon linifolius

 

 

More Propagation Questions

Propagation of Blackfoot Daisy from Gonzales TX
March 25, 2011 - How do I propagate Melampodium leucanthum, blackfoot daisy?
view the full question and answer

How to propagate milkweed from root cuttings
June 08, 2009 - I am interested in propagating Asclepias speciosa (showy milkweed). Your info page for this species says it can be propagated via root cuttings. Does this mean I can lop off a chunk of the root/tuber ...
view the full question and answer

Propagation of cedar cuttings in Manitoba
March 14, 2009 - How to propagate cedar cuttings to form a hedge?
view the full question and answer

Can Crataegus viridian be grown in Houston, TX?
June 21, 2015 - I am looking to plant Crataegus viridis (species or cultivar "Winter King") at a location in full sun in Houston. Many places I've found online say that it is hearty through Zone 9, but others have...
view the full question and answer

Survival of bluebonnets in extreme heat from Tioga TX
September 03, 2011 - Is there anything I can do for my bluebonnet patch in this extreme drought for the rest of the summer and fall? Should I have watered this summer? I had a good show and think seeding was fairly normal...
view the full question and answer

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