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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.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Tuesday - April 11, 2006

From: Fallston, MD
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Orientation of roots of Ranunculus
Answered by: Dean Garrett

QUESTION:

I need to know how to plant "Ranunculus". I don't know which way to put the rhizomes/bulbs in the ground. Do they go flat side down or strange long tubular things upward ?

ANSWER:

The tuberous roots go "strange long tubular things" downward. Think of the shape of an octopus or a small bunch of bananas as you orient the root.
 

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