Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_43.gif)
Sunday - November 11, 2007
From: Lago Vista, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pruning, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Winter trimming of Greggs mistflower
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Do I cut my gregg's mist back to the ground for the winter or just leave it alone?ANSWER:
We're assuming that you're referring to Conoclinium greggii (palmleaf thoroughwort). This is a sturdy native plant with a long blooming season, extending to November. It has an extensive root system, and will come up from the roots after the winter. In cases like this, we suggest waiting until you are sure the plant has finished blooming, and then cut the stalks down to about 3 inches from the ground. There usually will be a green leaf crown still growing close to the ground. These stalks left above the ground are just a marker so we know where to expect the mistflowers to start coming up in the spring.
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Optimal time for trimming Fall asters
July 04, 2014 - RE: fall asters
What is the latest date in the summer that I can trim my fall asters and still get a good amount of blooms in October?
view the full question and answer
Companion plant for columbine in Summer
February 01, 2009 - Please suggest a companion plant for Texas columbine that will hide them when they are ragged in summer but won't interfere with their seeding out to make new plants.
view the full question and answer
Petals on Black eyed Susans not developing from Austin
September 04, 2012 - I just read Barbara Medfords response to undeveloped petals on perennial black eyed susans and was disappointed not to find a better explanation. I have had the exact same thing happen to mine, and I...
view the full question and answer
Red sister Cordyline problems in Brownsville TX
July 27, 2010 - I bought a Red Sister Cordyline plant but once the leaves grow they dry from the ends.
view the full question and answer
Will Convallaria majuscula grow in Texas?
September 10, 2015 - Can I transplant Convallaria majuscula,
American lily-of-the-valley I originally brought from northern Wisconsin a few years back to the Chicago area to my new home in Buda Texas?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |