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)
Monday - May 10, 2010
From: Cleveland, MS
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: How to care for non-native gardenia
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
My gardenia is about 20 years old about 5 feet tall and for the first time is leggy looking this year, not too many leaves and they don't look real healthy. Do I need to cut it back some. Last year it was full of blooms and beautiful. Thank youANSWER:
The Wildflower Center's focus and expertise are with plants native to North America. Since the gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides) is a native of China and Japan, we can't provide you with advice on its care. We can, however, refer you to other sources for help. The internet has many resources related to plant care that can help you. Google "gardenias care" and you will find many articles such as: Gardenia Plant Care from LookToKnow Garden and How do I grow thriving gardenias from GardenWeb. You can also pose your question on one of the gardening forums such as the GardenWeb Forums or the UBC Botanical Garden Forums. Please visit us again if you have questions about North American native plants.
More Non-Natives Questions
Non-native Norfolk Pine suffering in Corpus Christi TX
August 02, 2011 - About ten yrs. ago I transplanted my Norfolk Pine into the ground in my backyard. With all the frosty weather of 2010/2011 the Spring brought a browning/dying of a lot of the Norfolk Pines in this are...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native ixora in Punta Gorda, FL
April 16, 2009 - We are having problems with our Ixora plants. The leaves turn yellow, then fall down.
view the full question and answer
Are non-native hostas causing fly invasion from Eastpointe MI
July 14, 2013 - I live in Michigan with a small backyard. I have 5 large hostas with the purple flower blooms which are located by my patio. I was wondering if they can be causing my large population of unwanted flie...
view the full question and answer
Winterizing non-native sedum in Saskatchewan CA
October 31, 2011 - What should be done to winterize a autumn joy (sedum)?
view the full question and answer
Replacement for Globe Thistle in Virginia
June 15, 2013 - Hi,
We are trying to get our garden to be 100% North American Native and are at about 90% native to our region. One of the last plants we have to replace is our Globe Thistle. Do you have a good r...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |