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
Monday - September 25, 2006
From: Canton, GA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Hardiness of Mexican bush sage in USDA Zone 7
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have a Mexican Sage (salvia). I need to know the care of it especially because it is a gift and the plant is about 5 ft. With the weather and the red clay I don't know if I could plant it or just bring it inside until the spring.ANSWER:
Most sources say that Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha), native to Mexico and Central America, can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10 but you might be able to plant it outdoors in Canton, Georgia (Zone 7) if you put it in a protected place, cut it back in the fall, and mulch it thoroughly. If you do plant it outside, you might consider rooting some of the cuttings inside to be sure of new plants for spring. Here is more information on caring for your Mexican sage from FloridataMore Wildflowers Questions
Time of year for wildflower viewing in Northern Indiana and Michigan
April 22, 2007 - I used to live in the southern US but now live in Northern Indiana and was wondering if wildflower fields will be blooming here and in Michigan by early May (I was hoping to do some rural exploring th...
view the full question and answer
Perennials for flower bed in Humble TX
July 28, 2010 - I have a 10 foot by 10 foot flower bed that needs to be replanted and I am located in Houston, TX so what would be some good perennials to plant that are good to grow in this heat? I have been told L...
view the full question and answer
Purchase of Galphimia angustifolia from Austin
June 08, 2014 - I have a Thryallis, Galphimia augustifolia, or Thryallis autustifolia, growing from a limestone ledge in my yard in west Austin TX. I have tried unsuccessfully to buy this native. Do you sell it at t...
view the full question and answer
When and how to sow bluebonnets in Concho, Texas
May 25, 2010 - Please tell me when I should plant bluebonnet seeds in Concho County, Texas (near San Angelo). I am getting different answers from different sources. Also, can the seeds be strown or do they need to a...
view the full question and answer
Possible identification of Stemless Evening Primrose
March 07, 2007 - Recently, in a very dry area, some interesting plants have emerged. The plant looks like a very short dandelion but the yellow flowers look like yellow morning glories. The flowers are open in the m...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |