Native Plants
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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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Sunday - August 17, 2008
From: San Gabriel, CA
Region: California
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Can orange trees be grown in Albany, CA
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Can we grow an orange tree in Albany, CA?ANSWER:
The orange is unknown in the wild state; it is assumed to have originated in Southern China, northeastern India and perhaps Southeastern Asia. The orange was brought to San Diego, California by those who built the first mission there in 1769. According to one site we found, if you live in Zone 9a to 11, with an annual rainfall of 40", you can grow oranges. Albany, CA in Alameda County is in the Central California coastal zone, and appears to be in Zones 9a to 10a. Since the orange is non-native to North America, we probably can't tell you too much more about growing them, but the University of California Alameda County Extension Office should have that kind of information available. They may very well have information on what are the best cultivars to grow there, what adjustments are needed for soil types, and how much supplemental watering might be required.
More Non-Natives Questions
Heirloom plants for Gault Homestead in Austin
April 15, 2009 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
The Gault Homestead at 2106 Klattenhoff in the middle of Wells Branch Subdivision is to be planted with heirloom or heritage plants soon. There is some sun for the planter bo...
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Non-native lambs ears wilting in heat from Fredericksburg TX
October 19, 2011 - 3 days ago I had professional landscaping done in an area with plants that tolerate heat & sun well. We planted 7 healthy, large lambs ear & mulched. Everything planted is doing well except the lambs ...
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Green fruit dropping from non-native navel orange tree
September 17, 2008 - Hi, I have a seedless navel orange tree that is dropping the green fruit as of late and when I find the oranges laying there they have a large split in them that exposes the fruit. I don't think the...
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Planting plumereia and bird of paradise palm outside in Austin
May 23, 2007 - I have a plumeria and a bird of paradise palm in pots that I want to place in the ground. I've seen plumeria's planted in the ground at a house leading to Bryan College Station that seem to have bee...
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Leaves shriveling on non-native Japanese maple in Redmond WA
July 18, 2009 - My husband and I bought a Japanese Maple 3 years ago which we planted in an old wine barrel for our patio, along with some ivy and grass to keep the surface covered. Until recently, it has been doing ...
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