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
Saturday - April 28, 2012
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Herbs/Forbs, Trees
Title: Speed of growth on plants from Plant Sale from Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Hello, I recently attended the native plant sale and bought several plants for a sunny curbside bed in central Austin. Due to financial constraints I stuck with the 3 inch varieties so I could buy 3 of each type. They are planted in groups and look beautiful even as babies. I can't wait to see the day that the plants mature and fill in to give privacy and curb appeal. I am wondering how long each plant will take to reach maturity, again, they are the 3 inch sizes now. Here are the plants I bought. They are in a sunny location with good drainage: Red Yucca, Mealy Blue Sage, Square Bud Primrose, Mexican Feather Grass, Wrights Penstemon, Bulbine, 1 gallon sized orchid tree. I spaced each according to their full size and am really curious how many years it will take. Thank you!ANSWER:
We are going to give you links to our webpage on each of these plants. In general, we can't predict how quickly a plant will reach its full size, but perennials usually take at least 2 years to begin to flower, and then will thicken and grow taller from there. You can sometimes find out from the website if the plant is fast or slow-growing, and also make sure you have the proper conditions for each plant; is it getting enough sun, the right amount of water, etc?
The bulbine that you listed is not in our Native Plant Database, nor did we find it on the Spring Sale Plant List. This website on Bulbine frutescens from the Master Gardeners of Pima County, AZ states that it is a native of Africa. Since the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the growth, propagation and protection of plants native not only to North America but also to the area in which they grow natively, we wonder if you got the name mixed up? Anyway, we can't tell you anything about a plant by that name. Here are the links to the other plants you listed:
Hesperaloe parviflora (Red yucca)
Salvia farinacea (Mealy blue sage)
Calylophus berlandieri (Berlandier's sundrops)
Nassella tenuissima (Mexican feathergrass)
From the Image Gallery
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Odor and flavor of oils in Mints as insect repellants
December 19, 2005 - I am trying to find information on "How does mint plants repel insects" It's for my grand daughter's science project. Any help will be appreciated.
Thank you
view the full question and answer
Prairie and wetland restoration in Nebraska
July 20, 2007 - We recently bought property south of Crawford,NE near the Pine Ridge area. It has been grazed by horses for years. We'd like to restore the native grasses and flowers. I have no idea where to begi...
view the full question and answer
Native plants suitable for rock garden in New York
March 26, 2006 - I'd like to start a rock garden. The area is very rocky, the soil is shallow and it's partially shaded. I'd like mostly perennials that flower from spring to fall. I hope to make some purchases fr...
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
Red beebalm in Austin, TX.
July 04, 2013 - Dear Mr.Smarty Plants - I purchased a bee balm plant from my favorite Austin nursery - Natural Gardner, and so was accessing your site for growing suggestions.
My bee balm is red, and I didn't see a...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |