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
Not Yet Rated

Thursday - October 22, 2009

From: Oak Hill, OH
Region: Midwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Replacing firs with smaller plants
Answered by: Anne Bossart

QUESTION:

I want to pull out old fir bushes and plant smaller plants in their place. What could I buy that would take little care in my area?

ANSWER:

In order to properly answer your question, we need more information.  What kind of firs are they?  How big are they?  Where are they planted ... sun, shade, wet or dry conditions?  Are they foundation plants or overgrown shrubs in a border? You also do not mention if it is imperative that they be evergreen.

By doing a Recommended Species search on our Native Plant Information Network you will be able to select the plants yourself.  A reputable nursery in your area would also be happy to assist you.  There are a few nurseries in Ohio who are Associates of the Wildflower Center and will be able to provide more appropriate plants for your project than the "Big Box" nurseries.

 

 

More Seed and Plant Sources Questions

Source of Calycanthus floridus in Lincolnton NC
May 14, 2010 - I have been trying to find a Calycanthus Floridus, I want to plant them around the house, but have had no luck. I live in Lincolnton, NC do you know of any place I can find them?
view the full question and answer

Source for purchase of native Parkinsonia aculeata
July 01, 2008 - I would like to buy a Jerusalem Thorn Tree plant. I will purchase seeds if plant is not available. Can you tell me where I can purchase either?
view the full question and answer

Propagation of Aesculus parvifolia from Rochester MI
February 11, 2011 - Aesculus parvifolia. I purchased one plant in spring 2010---it's about 3 ft tall. How might I propagate from this one plant, or should I buy another?
view the full question and answer

Smarty Plants on Yerba de la Negrita
August 22, 2005 - I would like to know where I can get Yerba de la Negrita "Scarlet Globemallow". For what can I use it? What is it like? I have a rancho in Chihuahua Mexico and I wonder if it grows there.
view the full question and answer

Are Texas mallows the source of marshmallows?
March 30, 2009 - Did marshmallows that we eat originate from our native Texas mallow plants?
view the full question and answer

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