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.

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Thursday - July 12, 2012

From: Greensboro, NC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Water Gardens, Planting
Title: Planting times for aquatic plants from Winston Salem NC
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

I need to know the correct time of year to plant the following pond plants Swamp Rose Mallow, Southern Blue Iris, Soft Rush, American Bur-reed, American lotus, Woolgrass and Duck Potato Is it better in spring? fall? by species job is in Winston Salem NC

ANSWER:

Since all the plants you asked about are native to North America, and therefore in our Native Plant Database, it looks like you started out with our database (which we appreciate) and are asking about those that had no Propagation Instructions in them. We are always touched when our correspondents believe we know everything about native plants, but usually we just know what it is our database.

We are going to see what we can find on the Internet. You can do this by following each link below, scrolling down the page of our webpage on that plant and, under Additional Resources, click on Search Google on (_plant name____). Obviously, you are planning a water garden, as these are all aquatics.

You probably already know you will seldom find these at a big box store with a nursery, and will have to go to specialty water gardening shops. The people there should be more knowledgeable than we are, and can give you help on propagation methods and seasons. If you have difficulty locating these specialty shops, go to our National Suppliers Directory, fill in your town and state or zip code in the "Enter Search Location" box. This will give you a list of native plant nurseries, seed companies and consultants in your general area. All have contact information so you can check for availability before you start driving.

Hibiscus grandiflorus (Large-flowered hibiscus) - Floridata

Iris virginica var. shrevei (Shreve's iris) - U. S.Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers,

Juncus effusus (Common rush) - North Creek Nursery,

Sparganium americanum (American bur-reed) Center for Aquatics and Invasive Plants

Nelumbo lutea (American lotus) - Center for Aquatics and Invasive Plants

Scirpus cyperinus (Woolgrass) - Illinois Wildflowers

Sagittaria latifolia (Broadleaf arrowhead) - Illinois Wildflowers