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.
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Sunday - April 18, 2010
From: Topeka, KS
Region: Midwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Pruning of non-native Mimosa in Topeka KS
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Read the Mimosa answer with much interest - other websites are love and hate this tree - we love ours - had one before that was multiple trunk and bought one from local nursery that seems to be single trunk as you describe - query - how much can we cut it back - we would like to control its height by cutting it to "Nubbins" our word in late fall so it does not obscure view from deck - too much pruning hurt it?ANSWER:
As you probably know from reading the previous website, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is committed to the care, protection and propagation of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which the plant is being grown. Because of large number of questions we are asked, usually answered by a small band of volunteers, we must confine ourself to answers on native plants only.
You might want to read some of the pros and cons on Dave's Garden, a forum, on Albizia julibrissin, Mimosa, which is native to temperate and tropical Asia, and therefore out of our range of expertise. Another forum, iVillage GardenWeb, has some suggestions on pruning a Mimosa.
More Non-Natives Questions
Yellowing leaves on non-native podocarpus Cupertino CA
May 22, 2011 - I recently planted a podacarpus granular and over half the leaves are turning yellow some are dead. What could be the problem?
Is there something I can feed it? What should I do? I planted four & the...
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Non-native lavendar to repel scorpions in Austin
August 02, 2010 - We are having a problem with scorpions in our home. A lot of them. I have heard that lavender around the doorways and windowsills will keep them out. Is this true? If so..what form? Certain species, l...
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Problems with non-native Bradford pear in Katy TX
April 24, 2011 - Hi. I have a Bradford Pear that I wrapped during the freeze at the base of the trunk during last years freeze. It is about 4.5 yrs old. The base has cracked and the top is dry and lifeless; however, a...
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Bugs on non-native Pachystachys lutea in Hawaii
August 20, 2009 - My golden shrimp/lollipop plant has aphid like bugs. They are darker and firmer than aphids but clump like them. They are consuming it. What are they and how do I get rid of them?
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What will grow under non-native, invasive Norway Maple in White Plains NY?
April 17, 2010 - Is there anything that will grow under a Norway Maple? The soil is dry and the area is small hill next to my driveway. It is an eye sore! Thank you!
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