Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_43.gif)
Monday - July 18, 2011
From: Bonifay, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Planting, Transplants, Trees
Title: Should I purchase wax myrtle plants as liners or pots
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I want to buy some wax myrtle over internet.Place has wax myrtle "liners" They look very thin. Will these bushes grow quickly or should I spend more $ for 1 gallon plants. Just need a hedge fairly quick. thanks a bunchANSWER:
Wax Myrtle Morella cerifera (Wax myrtle) is an evergreen shrub that the "Green Gurus" frequently recommend. It is a 6-12 ft. shrub that can reach up to 20 ft., and is described by Floridata as being a fast grower (about 2-3 feet per year). It can grow in full sun to partial shade, likes slightly acidic, moist, deep sands, loams, clay. It is a dioecious plant, having "male" (staminate) and "female" (pistilate) flowers on separate plants. Therefore, you will need both kind of plants to produce berries.
This USDA distribution map shows that it occurs naturally in Florida. This link to Aggie-horticulture has information about the name change from Myrica to Morella.
“Liners” vs gallon containers? One of the first things that your new plants need to get going quickly is a good root system. The plants in the pots are several months ahead of the “liners” in this regard. There is always that question about time and money. Do you spend time to save money, or do you spend money to save time? I would encourage you to take a look at our Suppliers Directory to find businesses that sell native plants in your area.
I’m going to direct you to three web sites that have advice about planting, watering, and avoiding transplant shock to get you ready to plant your new plants.
Tree planting
Transplant shock
Watering tips
From the Image Gallery
More Transplants Questions
Transplanting Virginia creeper
September 02, 2008 - I have a large Virginia creeper plant approximately 15 feet in length. Is it possible to transplant the whole thing without killing it? If so how do I care for it after it has been moved? Thank yo...
view the full question and answer
Can I Divide Rudbeckia in July in NC.
July 22, 2009 - How do I transplant Blackeyed Susans so I can add them to other parts of the bed. I started with one and it is crowding out other plants, so I would like to transplant to other parts of the yard.
view the full question and answer
Bluebonnets in pots in New Caney, TX
April 25, 2009 - My mother in New Caney (Texas), would like to plant Bluebonnets in some lovely terra cotta containers on her porch (and will hopefully mail me some dried pressings of my beloved state flower). Other t...
view the full question and answer
Time to Plant Trees and Shrubs in the Dallas Area
February 13, 2015 - Is it OK to plant evergreen shrubs-trees in January or February in the Dallas, Texas area?
view the full question and answer
Transplanting Silverado Sage from Temple TX
September 24, 2012 - Hello,
I've got some mature Silverado Sage. Can they be successfully transplanted or do I need to buy new plants for the next residence? I have them planted in a raised bed. I realize that IF it is ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |