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
Wednesday - May 09, 2007
From: Lago Vista , TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Winter damage to non-native Jasminum mesnyi
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
I planted 6 shrubs in 2006 that I think are some type of jasmine that have yellow flowers. Can't remember the name. I live in Lago Vista TX just outside Austin. This year 3 are doing really well and 3 appear to be dying. I have fertilized them and we have had ample rain. Any suggestions?ANSWER:
We aren't absolutely sure what you have, but suspect that it is probably Jasminum mesnyi, Primrose jasmine. This is a non-native and since our focus and expertise is with native plants of North America, it is not really within our purview. However, we do know that they are tough. Hard freezes can knock them back, but most of them in Austin survived this past winter unscathed. Perhaps Lago Vista temperatures were enough colder to make a difference to those three that are not doing well. Overwatering can also be a problem for them—they don't like standing in constantly wet soil. You can find more information about the care of your primrose jasmine at Backyard Gardener and The Flower Expert.
More Non-Natives Questions
Yellowing leaves on non-native globe willow in Las Cruces, NM
June 26, 2010 - I live in Las Cruces, NM. I have a good size globe willow tree. The leaves are turning yellow and brown dryness at tips and leaves are falling off. Does it just need water?
view the full question and answer
Non-native Gingko biloba in Austin
October 22, 2007 - Does a Ginkgo biloba tree grow easily in the Austin area? Does it take extra care to keep it alive?
view the full question and answer
Drooping leaves on iris in Phenix City, AL
May 02, 2009 - I had a bed FULL of iris rhizomes so I thinned them out and made two beds. They flowered perfectly but some of the flower stalks and some of the leaves began drooping over. The flowering is over. The ...
view the full question and answer
Ridding non-native centipede grass of native rattlesnake weed in Myrtle Beach SC
April 25, 2010 - How do I get rid of "rattlesnake weed" in my lawn of centipede grass in Myrtle Beach SC?
view the full question and answer
Is Purple Hopseed poisonous to dogs?
September 03, 2011 - Is the Purple Hopseed plant safe for dogs? We would like to plant a hedge of the purple hopseed at my parents home. They are elderly and have a small (8lb.) dog that they just love so much..I would ...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |