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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Saturday - June 14, 2008
From: Placitas, NM
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation, Transplants
Title: Can Gaura coccinea be transplanted
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
Hello, I had Gaura coccinea growing on my property when I lived in Albuquerque. I have been looking for it for years to plant in my xeric aroma garden. Taking a walk yesterday I found some in a ditch along the road!!! How easy is it to transplant and what care should I take with it? I plan to water the plant to make it easier to remove. How long is the tap root? I have PLENTY of places to plant it that are really dry and tough to grow in as well as amended soil that gets little to a lot of moisture. I live in Placitas, New Mexico at about 5400 feet. Thanks in advanceANSWER:
Gaura coccinea (scarlet beeblossom) can be transplanted but Mr. Smarty Plants recommends that you don't dig it up immediately. Instead, we recommend that you go out and "pre-dig" the plant in the early fall. That is, go around the plant with a shovel 6" or so away from the crown to prune the roots, but don't lift it then. You'll also want to flag the plant while it's still flowering so you can find it later. In late fall or early winter, dig the plant and move it to your garden. It should do just fine.
More Propagation Questions
Germination of golden dalea seeds
August 23, 2007 - I have collected some golden dalea seeds. I live west of Austin in caliche soil. How would one germinate these seeds? What time of year should I plant them? What kind of seed treatment? Should I scari...
view the full question and answer
Planting time for late October bloom of Cowpen Daisy from Marble Falls, TX
September 18, 2010 - How fast does Cowpen Daisy grow from seed to flower? Do we still have time to plant seed and get flowers by the end of October in order to attract late migrating Monarch Butterflies through the Austi...
view the full question and answer
Propagation of yellow columbine
November 03, 2004 - I purchased a yellow columbine, Aquilegia chrysantha and your website says it grows in moist upland soils, and yet it shows their habitat as Utah, Arizona, NM, and sw Texas. Tell me how it can...
view the full question and answer
Removal of pups from Century Plant after blooming in Prairieville LA
October 03, 2009 - Will the main part of the century plant always die after it grows a stalk? I have babies coming off the base and need to know if I should separate them to keep them alive.
view the full question and answer
Transplanting a young lilac
November 05, 2012 - This past spring I planted a hybrid lilac in the ground. The weather here has started to get cold, and much more so at night. Also, the temperatures go from warm to cold and back again as if unsure wh...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |