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.
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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Search Smarty Plants
topic | question | |
When to Move Potted Plants Outside in Texas? July 07, 2016 When can I move my potted patio plants back outside? I live in Heath/ Rockwall, Texas. I have Horses tail, Croutens, and Money tree. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Planting Canary Island Date Palm in Austin, Texas July 07, 2016 I want to plant a Phoenix canariensis on the south side of my property in West Austin, in a sheltered location. We are on very shallow soil - on top of limestone. Does the plant have any chance of sur... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Grass Groundcover for Georgia Hillside July 07, 2016 I am looking for a grass to cover a hillside area down to a lake. It is mostly sunny in the spring & summer, but has no moisture except any rain that falls. I am not interested in having to mow it all... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
When Should I Prune Texas Sage? July 07, 2016 How and when do you prune Texas sage to encourage thicker foliage? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Seeding Bluebonnets in Missouri July 07, 2016 I live in St. Louis, MO and obtained a packet of Bluebonnet seeds as well as a seedling. I read up on inoculating and scarifying the seeds, but I'm unsure as to the soil I should use. I was planning ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Using Horse Manure for the Garden July 07, 2016 Can you use horse manure for decomposed matter for your flower beds, etc.? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Possible Herbicide Contamination of Soil July 07, 2016 My mother will be 80 this year and lives in Houston, Texas. She has a raised bed garden near her neighbors fence. It has been there for many years. She feels that he uses Roundup for his weeds near a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Shrubs for Privacy Fence in Hawaii July 06, 2016 I live in Hawaii and need to create some privacy along a wall of my house. The septic drain field is 5' away and I am looking for 6'-8' shrubs that have shallow roots. Would something like cordyline f... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants Needed for a Shaded, Rocky Slope in Alabama July 06, 2016 I live in Alabama where the soil is clay and rocky. I've tried planting on a rocky slope I have but, it's also shaded. Not even Juniper will survive on this slope. I've spent thousands of dollars tryi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Green Ash Tree in California Dropping Seeds July 06, 2016 We have two large green ash trees in our front yard. 2 yrs ago, they began to lose seeds year round. When they're green and when they turn brown. I believe they may have termites or some type of in... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
topic | question |