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
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 - February 07, 2011
From: San Antonio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seasonal Tasks, Vines
Title: Should grape vines be covered in winter from San Antonio
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Do I need to cover grape vines in winter?ANSWER:
In Central Texas, grape vines go all over everywhere; you would need one heck of a freeze cover to do that. As you drive on the highways in Central Texas, notice all the grapevines running over the fences and trees. In the winter, you don't see them. Most vines are deciduous anyway, and resprout (vigorously!) when the weather begins to warm.
The most common grapevines in Central Texas are Vitis mustangensis (Mustang grape) and, as you can see from this USDA Plant Profile map, grow natively around Bexar County. These vines are deep-rooted, counting on the warmth of the earth to keep them going until Spring.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Identification of a vine with purple flowers
July 06, 2011 - I'm trying to identify a vine-like plant growing in my yard to determine if it is a weed or should be kept around. It has small purple flowers with a small yellow center, looking like a mini honeysuc...
view the full question and answer
E-mailing a picture for Plant ID from Dexter KY
June 25, 2012 - Could I email a picture of a vine that is taking over my porch? Can't seem to find it anywhere. It is dark green and relatively shiny with 10 leaves on each stem.
view the full question and answer
How to get rid of invasive vine
November 14, 2007 - We moved into our very old (300+ year house) several years ago and I am slowly getting round to cleaning up and replanting flower beds. When I cleared the space to grow clematis along a fence in the b...
view the full question and answer
Can you root a crossvine?
May 31, 2009 - Can you root a crossvine?
view the full question and answer
Hybrid Campsis radicans 'Madame Rosy' from Medina OH
July 07, 2012 - I have a Madame Rosy Campsis that is not blooming. We purchased and planted it last year, mid-summer and it did well for the remainder of the season but this year...nothing but green leaves........wh...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |