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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Monday - June 25, 2007
From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Herbs/Forbs
Title: Argemone pleiacantha for Houston
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
Hey, Mr. Smarty Plants! Please allow me to offer a spell check on a plant that I inquired about last night. It's Argemone pleiacantha. I live in Houston, TX, and have been told that it will bloom all summer here if provided with good drainage. I can provide that by amending the soil (I'm a veteran of dealing with Houston's gumbo clay), but I want to confirm that this plant will be perennial here and not just have a short spurt of blooming in the spring. Thanks for your help!ANSWER:
Since it is now growing in a more tropical area than its native range (New Mexico and Arizona), Argemone pleiacantha (southwestern pricklypoppy) will probably act more like a perennial in Houston. That doesn't guarantee that it will bloom all summer, however.
We would like to recommend that you consider substituting Argemone albiflora (bluestem pricklypoppy) or Argemone mexicana (Mexican pricklypoppy), two species that are native to the Houston area.
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Information about Erigeron annuus and Erigeron philadelphicus
January 10, 2015 - Hi!
I am looking for information about the specific leaf area of Erigeron annuus and Erigeron philadelphicus. Do you know of anyone who is working with any these species, who might be able to provide...
view the full question and answer
Making Ruellia nudiflora thicker in pot from Tucson AZ
June 25, 2012 - Can Ruellia Nudiflora be propagated in the same pot as the parent plant?
Can it be cut back to stimulate a denser plant?
I have plants in several pots and would like to 'thicken' the plant.
Tha...
view the full question and answer
Something eating holes in Texas Betony from Austin
June 06, 2012 - What pest is eating holes in the leaves of my Texas Betonys? They look healthy but almost all leaves have various sizes of round holes in them. What is the best cure for this? Thanks
view the full question and answer
Landscaping with native plants in Austin
October 06, 2005 - I'm expanding a flower bed in front of my house and would like to keep it all natives. 1) How do I find out what type of soil I should add? (I live near Hyde Park, Austin and haven't had a soil te...
view the full question and answer
Identity of blue sage-like plant blooming in September in Lubbock TX
November 07, 2014 - This has bothered me for years. It looks like a miniature version of Salvia azure. About a foot talk with multiple stems. Flowering in September. Grows on the hillsides overlooking Buddy Holly Lak...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |