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
Sunday - April 15, 2012
From: West Valley City, UT
Region: Rocky Mountain
Topic: Non-Natives, Propagation, Shrubs
Title: Non-native lilacs for Salt Lake City, UT
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Is the weather in Salt Lake City UT good enough to plant a lilac bush root? If not, how long should I wait?ANSWER:
Syringa vulgaris (lilac) is native to southeastern Europe and eastern Asia and therefore out of the range of expertise of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, home of Mr. Smarty Plants, which is dedicated to the growth, propagation and protection of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which they grow naturally. This USDA Plant Profile map shows lilac growing in the proximity of Salt Lake City. As far as when to plant, since it is not native and will not appear in our Native Plant Database, here is an article that should help you: Growing and Planting Lilac Bush Plants.
More Shrubs Questions
Difference beteen two non-native photinias from Nashville TN
June 07, 2013 - What is the difference between red tip phontinias and fireball phontinias. I read that fireballs are also called red tips but I thought that red tips grow to like 12 ft. and the tag on the fireball I...
view the full question and answer
Pruning Wax Myrtle trees & bushes
February 28, 2016 - When is the best time of year to prune Wax Myrtle trees & bushes.
view the full question and answer
Shrubs not toxic to cattle in NJ
December 09, 2013 - I am working to rejuvenate the hedgerows on a farm in New Jersey by removing invasive plants and planting native shrubs. How do I find out which native shrubs are toxic to cattle and should not be pl...
view the full question and answer
Yellowing leaves of Texas Sage (Cenizo) from Las Vegas NV
November 21, 2013 - Leaves of Texas Sage are turning yellow. Can you tell me why?
view the full question and answer
Getting rid of wild plums (Prunus angustifolia)
July 28, 2008 - When I bought my land, there was a humongous thicket of wild plums (Prunus angustifolia) approx 10 ft high and covering 5-10 acres. I raise goats, and have known that wild plums (the leaves) can cause...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |