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
Wednesday - March 14, 2007
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Care of non-native Primrose jasmine
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have 4 large primrose jasmine shrubs that were transplanted about 4 years ago. They were cut back fairly harshly at that time. Since then, the centers remain very woody... no greenery... but the long flowing branches have grown out. I do have flowers on all 4 plants and am watching them closely for leaves. I would like to keep them and have them behave as a primrose jasmine should! Should I cut them back again? Any hope? Thank you.ANSWER:
Primrose jasmine, Jasminum mesnyi, is an introduction from China. Since our focus and expertise here at the Wildflower Center is on plants native to North America, it is not really in our purview. However, I can refer you to the following links with information about the care of primrose jasmine. According to these sources, Primrose jasmine can be pruned severely after the flowers have faded.
More Non-Natives Questions
Non-native crape myrtles in Noblesville IN
August 01, 2012 - Can Crepe Myrtle trees be grown in Noblesville IN 46060? I believe we are zone five.
view the full question and answer
Difficulty with Clay Soil from Palm Bay, FL
August 22, 2012 - I had a very nice little native shady area behind my house for over 40 years, but now it has been cleared except for a 100 foot tall live oak in the center of this raised mound (50' x 80'). I've be...
view the full question and answer
Plants to grow under elm tree in Amarillo TX
May 01, 2014 - I have a large elm tree and I can't get seem to get anything to grow under it. I was wondering if there are any shade-loving groundcovers that you would recommend (have tried English Ivy, hostas, an...
view the full question and answer
How to eliminate roadside thistles
May 26, 2015 - When we drive along the highway we see lots of wildflowers and no thistles in the median. How does the Highway Department keep the thistles out? Here in Kerrville, we are overwhelmed by thistles thi...
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. |