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)
Wednesday - May 25, 2016
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Cacti and Succulents
Title: Questions about hollyhocks and yucca
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have 2 questions. In Western N.Y. State the hollyhocks grow like weeds but add color with their large stalks. I've sent for seeds and the best I can do in N.W.Travis county is 9 inch plants that die. Is it possible to grow them here? Love the individual white blooming yucca. They grow wild and are used for yard plants. I would like one but don't seem to find them at plant stores. Any ideas? Richard TroianoANSWER:
First of all, hollyhock (Alcea rosea) is not native to North America; and, since the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the preservation, conservation and promotion of the use of plants in their native North American habitats, we are the wrong organization to ask about care of hollyhocks. I suggest you address your question about hollyhocks to one of the gardening forums such GardenWeb.
As for the yucca, you may be referring to the one native to the Austin area Yucca rupicola (Twistleaf yucca). You can look for native plant suppliers in our National Suppliers Directory by typing your city into the "Enter Search Location" slot.
From the Image Gallery
More Non-Natives Questions
Native alternatives for Japanese maple
September 05, 2007 - Hi, I am a landscaper trying to create a landscape in a shaded area with no sun. The person likes a Acer palmatum, but I am not sure it will grow there. We live in South Lake Tahoe. So I know of some ...
view the full question and answer
Replacing non-native iceplant in El Cajon CA
June 11, 2010 - Help! We are clearing fungus dead iceplant on a massive steep bank. Should I avoid replacing it with more iceplant? Would myaporum prostrate be a better option? Fast growing, erosion resistant, zero m...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native Cleyera in Georgia
September 30, 2008 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
I had a landscaper plant 4 Cleyera around my front porch. I have had them for about 9 years now and they are very hardy, each one being about 4 feet in width, 5 feet high ...
view the full question and answer
Thrips on non-native roses in Austin
June 11, 2009 - How can I get rid of thrips that have totally invaded all of my roses?
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native Chinaberry tree from Tucson AZ
September 05, 2013 - I have a 30+ year old Chinaberry tree and this year the branches are much sparser with leaves and there are a lot of small dead branches. Should I fertilize and what should I use? Thank you
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |