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 - May 04, 2006
From: Durham, NC
Region: California
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Western Azalea (Rhododendron occidentale) for Southern California
Answered by: Joe Marcus and Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Are there any fragrant varieties of azalea that will grow in Southern California? There are some wonderful native azaleas I found in North Carolina, such as the r. alabamense and r. atlanticum. I have heard that the Western Azalea is fragrant, but as I understand, it only grows in Northern California and Oregon. I'm hoping there is a variety that grows in the drier southern California climate. Thank you!ANSWER:
The only species of azalea that we know of that will grow in southern California (the San Diego area, for instance) is Western Azalea (Rhododendron occidentale). You can check our National Suppliers Directory for nurseries in the area that specialize in native plants.
More Shrubs Questions
Native plants for a barrier hedge
October 13, 2008 - Is there a native hedge I can plant to provide privacy? I have hostile neighbors behind me and would rather plant a hedge than put up a fence. I looked through the Virginia native species and didn'...
view the full question and answer
Propagation of blackberry from Williamsport PA
January 18, 2014 - I have been told that if you cut a branch off of a black berry bush and stick it in water for a few days, and then put it in the ground it will grow into another bush. Please tell me if this is true a...
view the full question and answer
Curb appeal for sale of house
December 16, 2007 - Help! We're selling our house soon and need to redo our flowerbeds in the front of the house (facing north, gets partial sunlight throughout the day) in the coming weeks but don't have a clue where...
view the full question and answer
What fertilizer can make potted plants flower in Austin, TX?
July 05, 2011 - I have a Lantana and esmarelda planted in large pots. They froze last winter but have both come back strong except they do not bloom even though I have fertilized. Is there something special I need ...
view the full question and answer
Plants for church gardens in Ft. Worth TX
November 07, 2013 - Second attempt.
Our church has many gardens in Fort Worth, TX. There are gardens for blue,red,yellow,white,purple,orange,pink,mixed,community garden,roses, and more.
I am interested in the la...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |