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 - November 22, 2015
From: Bakersfield, CA
Region: California
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Containing Japanese Wisteria Roots
Answered by: Anne Van Nest
QUESTION:
I have some Japanese wisteria plants that I would like to plant inside root barriers but I cannot find any info on how deep the roots go. Do you know if a 2 ft deep root barrier for trees can contain wisteria roots?ANSWER:
Francesco Vignoli on his Wisteria website has this to say about the roots: The wisteria roots spread so strongly and abundantly that if planted near walls or pavements they can easily grow into them causing serious damage. To prevent this from happening it is advised, whilst planting, to insert a corrugated plastic panel which will force the roots to take other directions, as they are unable to pass through it. Place the plastic panel (at least 2m long) 80cm deep, between the plant and the wall or pavement (or the surface to be protected). In the case of walls and pavements made with cement this problem does not exist.
He recommends a barrier that is almost 3 feet deep on his Wisteria website.
Also, Barbara Medford has answered a question about planting non-native wisteria near a well or septic system (a similar situation) that you might want to read. Her answer is found here.
More Non-Natives Questions
Do non-native globe willows have a taproot from Midland TX
April 06, 2012 - Do globe willows have a tap root?
view the full question and answer
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...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native Carrotwood tree in Toluca Lake CA
June 25, 2009 - My Carrotwood tree leaves are turning yellow and curling down, Why? Also due to a bad trim, the outer limbs are dying. Can you tell me what is wrong? It is an old tree and I would like to save it!
view the full question and answer
Disease in non-native pittisporum in Central Texas
July 13, 2008 - Is there a disease in central Texas (Round Rock) affecting dwarf pittosporum? Specifically, clusters of dead leaves and much leaf drop. Some white, cottony residue on wood but not sure if it is mealyb...
view the full question and answer
Planting non-native sago palm and philodendron from Pflugerville TX
September 15, 2012 - I have a small/young sago palm and philodendron I'd like to plant. Do you advise to plant them now with fall/winter approaching or wait until next spring.
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |