Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
1 rating

Wednesday - April 12, 2006

From: Decatur, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Container Gardens
Title: Planting time, either by acorn or container grown tree, of Shumard red oak
Answered by: Dean Garrett

QUESTION:

Hello, I have a question on when is the best time to plant shumard red oak. I live in Zone 7. thank you

ANSWER:

If you're starting at square one and planting an acorn, put it in the ground during acorn season in the fall, as soon as possible after collection. It will begin to send down roots pretty quickly. Top growth will occur in the spring if the winter is normally cold, as shoot growth depends on exposure to cold.

If you're planting a container-grown tree, the best time for all woody plants is during the dormant season, usually from late November to January in much of Texas. This allows the roots time to become established before energy is devoted to top growth in the spring.
 

More Container Gardens Questions

Container Gardening with Native Plants
March 20, 2004 - I live in an apartment and I’d like to grow native plants. Will they grow in containers?
view the full question and answer

Salt and wind tolerant plants for small containers in NC
July 28, 2010 - We need two plants that will go in raised planters. Will be in full sun with lots of wind. Salt water nearby. Will have to keep plants sorta short I guess. We cannot find anything, although we see...
view the full question and answer

Yellowing fern houseplants from Lancaster PA
April 10, 2013 - I have fern houseplants about 9 to 12 months old and they are turning yellow. I don't overwater and they get good light. They are growing well but I don't understand the yellowing and falling off! ...
view the full question and answer

Growing Texas wildflowers indoors for a March wedding from Austin
October 01, 2013 - I have learned so much from this site! Thank you! I am getting Married this March and I am hoping to use Texas wildflowers for the centerpieces. I hope to grow them in containers indoors and have the ...
view the full question and answer

Indoor lantana tree dropping leaves
November 06, 2008 - I purchased a lantana tree,a lantana hybrid that is only tolerant to 32 degrees. We are zone 5 so I brought it indoors and it only gets the morning sun, and 85%of the leaves have fallen off. The leav...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.