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.
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?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Search Smarty Plants
topic | question | |
Plantings of Castilleja in Texas April 04, 2012 I am a graduate student interested in studying different species of paintbrush (Castilleja) in Texas. I understand that the Texas Dept of Transportation has been seeding wildflowers along Texas highwa... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Specifications for a property in Corning CA March 29, 2012 Drought resistant, deer resistant, low growing (ground cover), and shade tolerant request: I am looking for a variety of species that not only fit the above preferences, but also a few other things. ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Tall perennials for a sunny North Carolina border March 26, 2012 I need border plants for in front of a picket fence along front sidewalk. Space is only approx 1'6" wide and widening is not an option. So far I have daylilies, cannas, Mexican petunias, daisies, i... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Flowers for October wedding in Rockport TX March 26, 2012 Hello Mr. Smarty Plants! I live in Rockport and am getting married in October. What can I plant that will be blooming then to have fresh cut flowers for the wedding? Also, when should I plant? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Decline ot Heartleaf rosemallow from Austin March 26, 2012 My tulipan del monte -a new small plant from the wildflower center--did great all winter and was forming a new flower bud, just died in a matter of a few days. It looks like it "dried up", no visib... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Planting of Habiturf from Smithville TX March 25, 2012 Are Habiturf and Thunderturf the same? and, how late in the year can I plant Habiturf? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Flowers for an August wedding in Driftwood TX March 25, 2012 For an August 4th wedding in Driftwood, Texas we want fragrant flowers and wildflowers that we can grow in our garden. We have four raised beds (12 ft. x 6 ft.) in a fenced area in which we've grown ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Trees safe near walls from Rio Grande City March 24, 2012 What trees can be planted near the house that the roots won't break my walls? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Mountain laurel planting over Frederickburg limestone March 22, 2012 We have rocky limestone shelves on our property. We want to plant a mountain laurel. Are the roots strong enough to break through the limestone or should we try to find another location? The limestone... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Best way to plant sedges on a slope in Fairfax, VA. March 20, 2012 Best way to plant sedges on a slope. WE are in the LONG process of trying to convert our backyard to a native wildlife friendly habitat. The slope is about 30 degress and it's a large space 1/2 acr... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
topic | question |