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)
Thursday - January 12, 2012
From: Douglassville, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation, Cacti and Succulents
Title: Speeding up growth of Hesperaloe parviflora (red yucca)
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Sean Watson
QUESTION:
I have germinated Hesperaloe parviflora, Red Yucca, for our Caddo Native plant sale. I have kept in the cool greenhouse for 2 months and they are about 2 inches. A friend put one outside and they froze down. Could you supply transplant and growing information to facilitate fastest growth for a sale in May?ANSWER:
Our nursery manager, Sean Watson, has this advice:
"They will grow faster in warmer temperatures (if possible, 80 to 90 degrees would be great). If not, you can keep them in your cool greenhouse until danger of frost has passed and try to let the greenhouse get as warm as it can. Really well drained media helps decrease death by rot (you can water them more than you think to make them grow much faster). They do fine outside in pots after they have developed their "bulb" and have been allowed to harden off before the coldest winter temps come. I have never had problems with mature plants down into single digits, at least."
I hope this helps you get your plants ready for your Caddo Native Plant Society plant sale.
More Propagation Questions
Growing mosses in the Pacific Northwest
February 05, 2015 - Can you provide information on types of Mosses as well as Microferns in the Northwest Mountain region near Seattle?
I assume that Mosses and Microferns are more resilient to foot traffic (i.e.Cush...
view the full question and answer
Adventitious sprouts on oak tree in Austin
April 26, 2010 - Hello, I have an Oak tree which was planted in about 2002, which has adventitious sprouts. The tree has always sent these up, and we cut them off below ground. The tree has always been a 'runt', b...
view the full question and answer
Removing competition of mustang grapes from live oaks
January 26, 2006 - We have several native mustang grape vines on our rural property that seem to be taking over the live oaks on which they are becoming entwined. Is it advisable to remove them or are they harmless? And...
view the full question and answer
Yucca sprouting shoots in Oxfordshire, England
July 11, 2010 - I have a 20ft outdoor yucca with four huge branches.It is 11 years old. For the first time it has sprouted two side shoots on one of the trunks. They are about 12 inches in length. What is the best wa...
view the full question and answer
Will blue eyed grass grow under black walnut trees?
January 18, 2016 - Will blue eyed grass grow under black walnut trees? I know the Siberian Iris is tolerant but the scientific names are not the same yet everything I read indicates that blue eyed grass is not in the g...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |