Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Thursday - September 14, 2006
From: Bedford, QC
Region: Canada
Topic: Transplants, Trees
Title: Transplanting time for Smoketree in Quebec
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
I would like to transplant my smoke tree. It is two years old. When would be the best time of the year to transplant. I live in Zone 4.ANSWER:
Spring, after the ground has thawed, would be the best time to transplant your Smoketree (Cotinus obovatus). In preparation for the move in the spring you should root prune your tree now. Michigan State University Extension has an excellent article, Transplanting, that describes how to root prune and move your tree. It is really important with a smoketree to get a good rootball. It seems that this genus does not like to be disturbed a lot and and may demonstrate its displeasure by dying. Additionally, since you are in Quebec at the northern limit of the smoketree's range, you will want to look for a somewhat protected spot for its new location.
More Transplants Questions
Will a Texas Mountain Laurel thrive in a 4'x4'x4' brick planter. pl
September 14, 2015 - Would a Texas Mountain Laurel thrive in a 4'x4'x4'x4' brick planter with a drain at the bottom? It will get full sun all day. If not, would a Green Cloud Sage or a Waxleaf Myrtle work? Thanks!
view the full question and answer
Suffering Yaupon in Austin
July 14, 2012 - I am in the Austin area and I planted a Pride of Houston Yaupon in my back yard in March. It is in full sun. Lately the leaves have been turning pale green and now they fall off the tree upon touchi...
view the full question and answer
Non-blooming of an apparent yucca in Ohio
March 09, 2009 - I have what looks like a yucca plant in my flower bed. but in the 3 years we have lived here it has never bloomed. It did get a little bigger and has always been green. If it is a yucca, is there any ...
view the full question and answer
Transplanting and Pruning Callicarpa
August 21, 2014 - I saw the previous question about Callicarpa from the guy in Texas and I have two questions based on the response. In SW Vermont, is late fall still the best time to transplant my Callicarpas? Also, i...
view the full question and answer
Living fence of native plants for Ojai, CA
September 20, 2008 - I would like to build a "green fence" about 10-15 feet tall. I live in Ojai, CA where we have VERY hot summers and it goes below freezing every winter. The soil does not seem to drain well..it is e...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |