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_00.gif)
Wednesday - May 02, 2012
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shrubs
Title: White blooms on Rose Pavonia from Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Hi Mr. Smarty Plants, I've planted my entire South Austin garden with natives from your excellent recommendations and I wanted to thank you, the garden is just beautiful! So here is my question, this morning as I strolled around I noticed one of my stunning Rock Rose, pavonoa lasiopetala, has not only rose colored blooms but full white as well. This particular plant is a volunteer from seed. I've read all the descriptions on Rock Rose and have not seen mention of white blooms. Just curious, is the white bloom normal? It is definitely a treat and I look forward to it seeding out!ANSWER:
That is the kind of comment we love to hear. Until they hear about this kind of results from real gardeners, many people don't believe that the use of natives is the way to go. Thank you!
In answer to your question, no, this is not normal to have a white flower on Pavonia lasiopetala (Rock rose). We looked at several sources and they all cited pink flowers. However, (there is always an "however") when we went to our Image Gallery, we found several pictures with white flowers on this plant. So, we're thinking someone found a Rose Pavonia with white flowers, took pictures of it, and submitted the pictures for our Gallery. Or the lighting could have been bad, who knows? The point is, we would suggest that if you wish to see more of that particular color, that you propagate that bush by softwood cuttings, rather than seeds, to have a better chance of repetition.
From the Image Gallery
More Shrubs Questions
A method for killing nandina and ligustrum with herbicide
October 19, 2012 - Is there an effective herbicide that can be painted on the stumps of Nandina and Wax-leaf ligustrum to keep them from growing back?
Thanks so much!
view the full question and answer
Identification of shrub with red berries in Florida
April 22, 2008 - I purchased a plant/shrub at a yard sale in central Fl. They told me it was a native plant. It looks like a holly with the red berries but the leaves are not like a holly. They were all over the yar...
view the full question and answer
Limiting erosion around pond from Brooklyn Park MN
May 20, 2013 - Minnesota resident, wants to find plant limit erosion from pond?
view the full question and answer
Need suggestions for a small tree for cemetery in NH.
August 30, 2012 - I would like suggestions for picking a SMALL tree for a rural cemetery in Winchester, NEW HAMPSHIRE. Would the delicate Japanese Elm be suitable for the weather, etc?
view the full question and answer
Pruning of Burning Bush in Missouri
October 15, 2008 - I live in MO and am pretty sure I have burning bushes on either side of my deck. My question is that they are huge and overgrown but I feel if I cut them lower and shape the sides up I will be left w...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |