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_40.gif)
Tuesday - March 30, 2010
From: San Antonio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pruning, Seasonal Tasks, Wildflowers
Title: Tidying up Copper Canyon Daisies in San Antonio
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
We have a small bed with 4 copper canyon daisies. We cut them back in the fall but have not pruned them during growing season; as a result they become a big tangle by September. Should they be pruned and shaped to make a neater bed?ANSWER:
Tagetes lemmonii, Copper Canyon Daisy, is native to the Southwestern United States, although it is not yet in our Native Plant Database, which is a constant work in progress. This website, Tagetes lemmonii, from Floridata, will give you some information on the plant. We noted that the plant did not seem to bloom as well if it was trimmed during the summer. If it is getting too tangled for you, you might consider dividing the plants now, making more room in that space, and move the divided plants to another location.
Pictures from Google.
More Wildflowers Questions
Planting wildflowers from Wichita Falls, TX
August 24, 2013 - Hi,
Thanks so much for the answers you give! You've been very helpful to me in the past. I have two quick questions:
1) I have been harvesting seeds from my wildflowers. I wonder when the best time...
view the full question and answer
More on bluebonnets
November 29, 2004 - We would like to know if the bluebonnet wildflowers are suitable for New Orleans and, if so, which months should they be seeded. Otherwise what can you suggest for our humid climate. We like blue, lav...
view the full question and answer
Growing bluebonnets from seed in Maitland FL
May 17, 2011 - Can I grow bluebonnets from seed in Maitland? The soil is quite sandy, and I do have sunny, dry places to grow them.
Are there any special requirements necessary away from their native habitat?
view the full question and answer
Deadheadidng of gaillardia
July 10, 2005 - How do I maintain gaillardias? Specially, do I deadhead them?
view the full question and answer
Bluebonnets to bloom in September in Harlingen, TX
April 30, 2008 - How can I get bluebonnets to bloom in the first week of September? I need them for my daughter's wedding! We live in Harlingen. Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |