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
Monday - June 08, 2015
From: Elgin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Shrubs
Title: Are Texas Sage plants being harmed by nearby Rosemary.
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
For 6+ years I've been growing Rosemary shrubs interspersed with Texas Sage. For the past two years the Texas Sage has been looking sickly and have not produced any flowers and the Rosemary is becoming huge. My question is: could the Rosemary be depleting the soil? If so, is there something I could add to the Texas Sage to help it, or should I try to transplant it?ANSWER:
As Rosemary grows larger, it does tend to deplete the resources around it. It is very likely that your Rosemary is causing the decline of your Texas Sage. Annual addition of a thin layer of decomposed compost along with increased water in dry times might help, but chances are your Texas Sage will continue to decline from its proximity to your Rosemary.
More Non-Natives Questions
Ficus pumila on Stucco Walls
October 06, 2015 - Can the creeping fig vine damage the stucco covered walls?
view the full question and answer
Planting Canary Island Date Palm in Austin, Texas
July 07, 2016 - I want to plant a Phoenix canariensis on the south side of my property in West Austin, in a sheltered location. We are on very shallow soil - on top of limestone. Does the plant have any chance of sur...
view the full question and answer
Damaged non-native weeping willow in California
August 16, 2008 - I have a weeping willow that has no leaves and branches seems to have turned brittle. I don't see any bugs or burrows on the tree. The type of willow I have is very common in this area, although I'm...
view the full question and answer
Do non-native globe willows have a taproot from Midland TX
April 06, 2012 - Do globe willows have a tap root?
view the full question and answer
Pruning of non-native chocolate mimosa
August 07, 2008 - I have a one year old chocolate mimosa that has grown 2.5 feet in height. It has seven leaf stems two feet from the bottom and only three at the top canopy. The trunk is only three quarters of an inch...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |