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 - June 15, 2006
From: Rainbow, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation, Transplants
Title: Transplanting Mustang Grapes
Answered by: Dean Garrett
QUESTION:
What is the best way to grow mustang grapes? We have vines established over the property but up too high to continue to harvest and a couple of young vines on the ground that haven't reached the closest tree yet. What way and when to move to another area and any special needs. We have red sandy soil and are by the Brazos river in north/central Texas.ANSWER:
The best time to transplant mustang grape (Vitis mustangensis) and most other woody plants is during the dormant season from late November to late January. Select small, young plants as much as possible, since they will adjust better to being transplanted. Select new transplant sites that feature similar conditions to the ones in which the plants are presently growing, paying particular attention to light and moisture level.
Prepare the plants' roots by root pruning now. The purpose of root pruning is to circumscribe your root ball and prompt the formation of callus tissue, from which new roots will emerge. To do this, use a sharp shooter shovel or sharp spade to dig down around the plants in a circle as broad and deep as your root ball will be. The callus tissue will form between now and November.
When transplanting time arrives, dig the new hole first so the selected plants won't be exposed too long. Get as large a root ball as possible, and use a planting container or canvas/burlap cloth to transport it in.
Once the plant is set in the new hole and packed in, trim off 1/3 of the top growth to reduce transpiration in the spring. Water regularly for at least the first year to help the plant get established in its new site.
More detailed information can be found in the “Transplanting” and “Vitis” chapters of Jill Nokes' book, How to Grow Native Plants of Texas and the Southwest.
More Transplants Questions
Desert willows not doing well in Navarro County, TX
May 16, 2009 - Planted 3 new desert willows , 3-4 ft.in February. Live in East Navarro County and soil is clay with slight slope to Richland Chambers lake area. Had a wet spring. These plantings appear not doing we...
view the full question and answer
Want a source for Mexican redbud in Houston, TX
October 04, 2010 - I live in west Houston and would like to purchase and plant a Mexican redbud in my yard. I have Googled to find one and also searched the Growit site without success. Where can I find one in Texas? I ...
view the full question and answer
Transplant shock in Mountain Laurel in San Antonio, TX
June 03, 2011 - I planted a 2 ft. tall Texas mountain laurel a month ago. Some of the leaves have turned very yellow and some of them are falling off. The plant doesn't look real healthy in general. I did add s...
view the full question and answer
Transplanting a young lilac
November 05, 2012 - This past spring I planted a hybrid lilac in the ground. The weather here has started to get cold, and much more so at night. Also, the temperatures go from warm to cold and back again as if unsure wh...
view the full question and answer
Transplanting care of Mayten tree (Maytenus sp.)
November 06, 2007 - I planted a Mayten tree 2 years ago. It's about 8 feet tall. The trunk is about 1-1/2 or 2" in diameter. The earth around it sunk and now there is a "bowl" that fills with water in the rain. I...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |