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

Thursday - April 21, 2011
From: St. Augustine, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives, Seasonal Tasks
Title: Late blooming Esperanza in St. Augustine FL
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I bought an Esperanza at a plant expo- I was told it was a Florida native Allamanda. It took me two years to figure out what I had. Mine grows 8 ft. tall and is huge! But it doesn't bloom until almost August, and then not many blooms. It comes back each year after the freeze. But is there anyway to get him to bloom sooner and more often? I only paid $3 bucks for him 3 years ago.. so if it's hopeless -it's ok.. I got my money of of this plant. He's indestructible. But his flowers are so pretty- I want to see more. Thank you!ANSWER:
Okay, let us get this straight. You bought a plant called "Allamanda" but figured out it was Esperanza. The only plant in our Native Plant Database with "esperanza" as one of its common names is Tecoma stans (Yellow bells). From our webpage on this plant:
"Conditions Comments: North American native varieties of this species can survive winters within their natural range but may die to the ground during especially harsh winters even there. Varieties sold in nurseries may be from tropical stock and not do so well in US cold."
Another comment in Conditions is: "Soil Description: Well drained, rocky, limestone, sand, and loam soils." That doesn't sound much like the acidic, moist soils in Florida, does it?
You will notice the part saying that nurseries may be selling varieties from tropical stock. You need to understand that just because something is sold locally does not mean it will do well locally.
In spite of this being a native plant, in spite of it being native to Florida, the plant you purchased may have been native to a tropical climate. According to this USDA Plant Profile map St. John's County in northeastern Florida does not have esperanza growing natively. If it is, indeed, Tecoma stans (Yellow bells), it blooms in its native habitat from April to November. You can't force a plant to bloom any time it is not ready, so we feel the environment may be shortening the blooming period.
So, let's explore one more possibility. Maybe the plant you purchased is Allamanda cathartica, Golden Trumpet, which is native to Brazil. See this article on this plant in Floridata. which explains why it freezes so readily. Pictures from Google.
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 areas in which those plants are being grown. They will require less (or none) fertilizer, supplementary watering or chemicals for them to prosper. Your chances of having a plant live go up as it planted in an area where it belongs.
From the Image Gallery
More Non-Natives Questions
Karoo rose
June 15, 2007 - Where would the Adenium obesum/desert rose/Karoo rose pictured in the Austin American-Statesman's Gardening section on 06/09/07 be available for purchase in or near the Taylor, Texas (76574) area?
view the full question and answer
Browning leaves on non-native Burford holly
August 22, 2008 - I have several dwarf Burford hollies whose leaves are browning. The individual leaves have colors of green, dark brown to light brown extending from the stem. Any ideas?
view the full question and answer
Possibility of transporting native seeds to Europe
February 03, 2011 - Hi, Is it possible to bring seeds for North American plants and wildflowers from the USA to Europe? I live in Italy and have many Italian friends who want me to bring seeds from America the next time ...
view the full question and answer
Growth rate for eucalyptus in Florida
September 21, 2006 - How fast does eucalyptus grow in Florida?
view the full question and answer
Vegetables to plant now from Marble Falls TX
January 28, 2013 - What are the best vegetables to plant now?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |