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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - July 22, 2015
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Problem Plants, Trees
Title: Why is my Texas mountain laurel growing so slowly?
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I have a Mountain Laurel, Anacacho Orchid Tree and Desert Willow on the northern side of our yard - all three get full sun most of the day. The Mountain Laurel is closer to the east side. The other two trees planted in 2012 have doubled in height and are well above 10 feet tall. The mountain laurel looks like it has grown maybe 2 inches. What am I doing wrong? Does it need fertilizer (I haven't amended the soil since planting) or less/more water (weekly sprinkler per water restrictions and occasional hand watering during really hot days). It always has shoots growing from the base - flowered this year for the very first time (had two little purple blooms).ANSWER:
I'm betting that your slow-growing tree is a Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain laurel). if so, relax. You are probably not doing anything wrong. TX mountain laurel naturally grows very slowly for the first few years. Perhaps because it is busy sending a large taproot deep into the soil. As this web site indicates, there will ultimately be a noticable growth spurt one spring, and the tree will continue growing in subsequent years. It is well worth waiting for.
More Trees Questions
Appropriate use of redbud from Austin
May 04, 2014 - I am considering purchasing a hearts of gold redbud; I
am also xeriscaping my front yard. I live in Austin,TX.
Will this tree do ok in full Tx sun (8+ hours) with once a week watering?
If this...
view the full question and answer
Germinating Mexican Persimmon seeds in Austin, TX.
November 15, 2011 - I'm planning to germinate Mexican Persimmon seeds, and plant them this spring. I want a female for fruit. Is there any way to encourage a plant to be female, and if not, is there any way you can iden...
view the full question and answer
Fast growing native hedges for Sachse, TX
March 30, 2007 - I just bought a house in Sachse, Tx and want to plant a privacy hedge. It will be about 220' long and I want it to grow to at least 10'-12' high. I also want it to be fast growing and be evergree...
view the full question and answer
Advice on planting Korean dogwood (Cornus kousa) in Vancouver, BC
October 26, 2007 - I live in the Vancouver, BC - Pacific Northwest area and the front of our yard faces south to southwest. If I were to plant a tree other than an evergreen, would the Korean Dogwood thrive in this are...
view the full question and answer
Pests on Fan Tex Ash
July 30, 2015 - We planted a Fan Tex Ash last year on our property. It's doing very well, but there are a lot of large stink bugs, yellow jackets and red wasps on it daily. We cannot seem to find any information on ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |