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
Saturday - April 23, 2011
From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Herbs/Forbs
Title: Can Dicentra exemia survive in Texas from Houston
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Is the Houston/Austin area too hot to grow "Bleeding Hearts" dicentra eximia (King of Hearts) They seem to grow in the wild in Maryland, Virginia, and Tennessee.ANSWER:
About all we can tell you is that this USDA Plant Profile map for Dicentra eximia (Turkey corn) does not show it growing anywhere close to Texas, period. Its habitat generally is considered to be the southern mountain forests. It likes shade, and a moist acidic soil. Follow the plant link above to see what else our Native Plant Database has to say about it, and then read Pink Fringed Bleeding Hearts from Paghat's Garden. The funny thing is, in terms of USDA Hardiness Zones, acidic soil (in Houston), and shade requirements, you should be able to grow it in Houston, but it doesn't seem to be happening. If you can lay your hands on some for propagation, and are willing to respect the cultural requirements, it might at least be worth a try.
From our Native Plant Imsge Gallery:
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Landscaping in the Southern California desert.
October 16, 2007 - We are located in southern California in Lake Havasu. I'm trying to landscape sloping areas. I have arrow weeds (Pluchea sericea) and want to get rid of them permanently. How can I achieve this or...
view the full question and answer
Is Lycopodium digitatum native to South Carolina?
December 27, 2012 - Is Lycopodium digitatum native to SC; do you know if it's available in SC nurseries?
view the full question and answer
Nativity of Salvia coccinea (scarlet sage)
September 14, 2011 - Is Salvia coccinea native to Florida? In wikipedia they say it is native to Mexico.
view the full question and answer
Penta and licorice plants for Austin
May 04, 2009 - For Austin location
Are you familiar with a small flowering plant called Penta?
How about Licorice?
If yes, could you provide growing conditions.
Thanks
view the full question and answer
Where to find Horseherb seed
August 02, 2015 - I would like to purchase some Horseherb seeds. Can you tell me where I can do that? Either locally or on line.
Thank you.
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |