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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Tuesday - February 28, 2006
From: San Antonio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Plants for winter color in native wildflower meadow backyard
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
I am establishing a wildflower meadow in my backyard (150'x50'). it will have native Texas wildflowers, Buffalo Grass and Blue Gramma grass. Is there any plant that you can recommend for winter interest amongst the 'resting' wildflowers and grasses? Thanks very much!ANSWER:
There aren't too many things that bloom in the wintertime, but you might try some of the windflowers, such as Ten-petaled anemone (Anemone berlandieri). They often pop up in February after a winter rainy spell. Other possibilities are Four-nerve daisy (Tetraneuris scaposa) and Greenthread (Thelesperma filifolium), both of which can be found blooming in February. In some years I have seen Prairie verbena (Glandularia bipinnatifida) blooming in December, January and February, as well. You could also add a few Twisted-leaf yucca (Yucca rupicola) or Coral yucca Hesperaloe parviflora) to your meadow. Their foliage is always interesting to see.More Wildflowers Questions
Perennials for Sandy Shade in California
December 17, 2015 - Are there any native perennials that would do well in sandy shade? I have a difficult corner in my garden that does not get much sun. The soil is sandy though I have added some amount of compost to en...
view the full question and answer
Wildflower seeds that may be planted in late spring
April 21, 2007 - Monday April 09, 2007
Is it too late to plant wildflowers? I know nothing of the planting season of wildflowers however we are doing a residential ranch development and I would love to throw some see...
view the full question and answer
Can bluebonnets be made into jelly from Ennis TX
May 07, 2013 - Are Texas bluebonnet flowers okay for human consumption? I have seen recipes for wild violet jelly,so was wondering about making bluebonnet jelly from the bluebonnet blossoms if they are not poisonous...
view the full question and answer
What about the Bluebonnets at Muleshoe Bend Recreational Area in Spicewood, TX ?
April 27, 2015 - We had heard about vast field of bluebonnets out at Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area - an LCRA park in Spicewood. We went out today and there are indeed vast fields . . . all where Lake Travis would be ...
view the full question and answer
Flowers for sandy loam and sun in Fayette Co., Texas
May 15, 2007 - Hi I am looking to know what the best flowers are to plant in sandy loam and no shade?
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |