Native Plants
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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.
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Saturday - March 05, 2016
From: Corpus Christi, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Herbs/Forbs
Title: Getting rid of Mexican Petunia in Chorpus Christi, TX
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
What is the best way to get rid of unwanted Mexican Petunia that keeps spreading to unwanted areas of my flower beds?ANSWER:
Mexican Petunia is known as Ruellia tweediana or Ruellia simplex or Ruellia brittonia, and is commonly used as an ornamental. Some gardeners learn too late that it is a very invasive plant.
This link to the University of Florida gives a comprehensive look at the taxonomy, as well as its biology, and measures to control its growth.
HGTV offers some advice about dealing with this plant.
This previously answered Smarty Plants question also has suggestions for solving your problem.
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Need plants to replace cedars on a 40 degree slope in Boerne, TX.
August 28, 2012 - My backyard is a roughly 40 degree slope that is covered with cedars. The slope is basically all rock, what can I grow here to replace the cedar which drink too much water. I would still like the area...
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Evergreen native plants for slope in South Carolina
July 14, 2008 - We would like to plant an evergreen garden in our backyard, which is on a slope. It receives the sun from approx 9-4. We have an above ground pool, and patio area. Would also like a recommendation of ...
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Compatibility of mixed ground covers with St. Agustine grass
March 04, 2015 - My husband and I live in Northwest Austin. We have removed lawn from our front yard and replaced it with mulch and some trees and other plantings.
We would like to replace the lawn in our backyard ...
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Removing invasive Dichelostemma firecracker plant from Austin
April 12, 2012 - We have dichelostemma firecracker plant & cannot kill it. We need help in getting rid of this plant. Spent another 3 hours digging up corms this afternoon. It is invading our backyard & want it kil...
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Montana native plants to create a garden with edible plants
January 14, 2013 - Hi Smarty Plants
We are looking to create a native herb, vegetable, root, fruit, flower and ground cover garden for the area of Hot Springs, Sanders County, Montana. Our zone is 4 and soil is mostly ...
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