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)
Friday - July 03, 2015
From: Alexander City, AL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Planting, Wildflowers
Title: Wedding Flowers for Alabama
Answered by: Larry Larson
QUESTION:
I am considering planting wildflowers for my wedding in early/middle May of 2016. Could I plant seed this fall and have bloom by late April in time for my May wedding?ANSWER:
Your timing is actually pretty good for this! Mr Smarty Plants normally doesn’t recommend planting Wildflowers as people ask the question at the wrong time and when [and how well] they flower is highly dependent on the weather.
As a small correction, the wildflowers seed themselves pretty much right now, so don't wait until Fall. If you are going to do it, now is the time! Of course, make sure you have backup plans for a drought or inaspicioious hailstorm or whatever.
May we suggest some good candidates? You can search the Special Collection for Alabama and select “Herbs” that bloom in April and May. When I did this, I found 16 candidates! Check out the pictures I have added below and you should try it yourself to review the other candidates.
From the Image Gallery
More Wildflowers Questions
More on bluebonnets
May 02, 2006 - How are bluebonnets used by wildlife?
view the full question and answer
Varieties of lupines that will grow in Zone 7, Alabama
October 27, 2006 - I have just found you and read 500 plus questions, fascinated. My question concerns plants in Alabama, is there a variety of lupine that will grow is zone 7, sun or shade? Also, we purchased acreage t...
view the full question and answer
Shearing Pink Skullcaps
September 21, 2014 - My pink skullcap plants keep dying. The ones that are still alive are about 3 years old, but have large sections of dry twigs. Do I shear them and hope they come back or are they gone? I live in Helot...
view the full question and answer
When can native wildflower mix seeds be planted from Rosenberg TX
May 30, 2012 - I received a package of "All Native Wildflower Mix". The package says plant in Spring. Is too late to plant now or should I wait for next March?
view the full question and answer
More on bluebonnets
January 09, 2007 - I have had an area in my yard where I have established bluebonnets. Since we had such a dismal showing in the spring of 2006 I was looking forward to a great show for 2007. Lo and behold I had about...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |