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

Friday - February 18, 2011
From: Morganton, GA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Trees
Title: Planting ornamental cherries in GA
Answered by: Anne Bossart
QUESTION:
What is the correct way to plant ornamental cherry trees in N. Georgia Mountain clay soil? Which is the hardiest variety?ANSWER:
If you are referring to the Kwanzan or one of the many other oriental cherry trees that have made the Washington DC cherry blossom festival famous, we cannot help you. But if you are referring to one of the cherries native to Georgia, we can! The mission of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes.
To determine which cherries are native to your area visit our Native Plant Database and insert "prunus" where it requests "Name" and click "Go". A list of 32 plants in that Genus (cherries & plums) will be generated. Then "Narrow your Search" for Georgia and you will have 12 plants to choose from. Each plant on the list is linked to a detailed information page with images that will tell you about blooming and plant requirements. There is also range information available which will help you determine which is most hardy (some of them grow as far north as Canada). There is a link to the USDA website which shows a map of where each plant grows, as well, which will make that determination simpler.
Here is an article on how to plant a tree from TreeHelp.com that will illustrate proper planting technique and one published by Tree Canada which has more information about care of your newly planted tree. What is most important for you as you have clay soil is to be sure that you don't overwater your newly planted tree. Clay soil does not have a lot of pore space so it can become saturated (plant roots need air as well as water) and it can retain water much longer than sandier soil.
More Trees Questions
Growing Loblolly Pine in Salado, Texas
March 09, 2016 - I would like to plant a loblolly pine in Salado, Texas. Will these grow well here?
view the full question and answer
Leaves on maple turning red in June in Pittsburgh PA
August 01, 2010 - We live in PA and have a medium sized maple tree in our back yard. It is not a red maple. This year, in June, the very top of the tree's foliage turned bright red. This bright red started at the t...
view the full question and answer
What is causing leaf drop on oak in Morgan Hill CA?
June 23, 2010 - Dear Mr Smarty Plants: We have a large, young Valley Oak (about 20 yrs) which is dropping leaves even now in early summer. I have a feeling that the problem might be an invasive weed that is flourishi...
view the full question and answer
Privacy hedge for South Dakota
August 08, 2008 - Hi, I'm looking for something to use as a hedge. 8 foot or so tall offering semi privacy all year. I like dogwoods but loss of leaves in the winter makes me skeptical. Boxwood would be interesting...
view the full question and answer
Cupressaceae dying in Suffolk Co.NY
October 20, 2012 - I have noticed that all of my Cupressaceae (& others I see in my area) are dying. They turn yellow, then rust & brown til they are everbrowns. what is going on?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |