Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

DONATE TODAY

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Monday - April 23, 2012

From: Sugarland, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Solution to preserve cut wildflowers from Sugarland TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

What is the best solution to preserve cut wildflowers in? Thank you.

ANSWER:

Our How-To Article on Wildflower Arrangements tells you much more than we know, which is virtually nothing, about cutting wildflowers. The article mentions a few drops of bleach to discourage algae, but that's about it. We know there are cut flower preservatives to put in the water, but have only limited experience with them.
 

More Wildflowers Questions

More on bluebonnets
August 07, 2006 - Can you grow Texas bluebonnets in Madison, OH which is right near Lake Erie?
view the full question and answer

Control of grasses in wildflower gardening
July 27, 2006 - We have been trying to manage and grow a plot of wildflowers in Madisonville, Texas just east of Bryan / College Station on a charity organizations site for 3 years with some success. The grasses have...
view the full question and answer

Sunflowers for Terrell, Texas
September 29, 2015 - What sunflowers grow best in Terrell, Tx?
view the full question and answer

Instructions on making wildflower seed balls
September 20, 2007 - About 2 years ago I visited the LBJ Wildflower Center and picked up a sheet that described how to make wildflower seed mud balls. I've lost the sheet and can't find the directions on your site. Ca...
view the full question and answer

Showy Low Growing Perennial for Michigan
June 03, 2013 - I have been looking for a native perennial that would do well in full sun and moist to dry soil. It would have to be at most 2.5' tall and have showy pink, purple, or red flowers. Is there such a pla...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.