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
Thursday - March 14, 2013
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Drought Tolerant, Shrubs
Title: Drought resistance of non-native Abelia from Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Are abelias drought resistant? I have a spot that is sunny from early morning till about 2-2:30 in the afternoon. Is this enough sun?ANSWER:
The Abelia is native from Japan west to the Himalayas, which takes it out of the expertise of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, home of Mr. Smarty Plants. We will only recommend plants native not only to North America but to the area in which that plant grows natively, in your case, Travis County TX.
We did, however, find this web site from North Carolina State University on Abelia x grandiflora, which says that particular cultivar is drought resistant. That article also addresses the amount of sun that shrub will need.
More Non-Natives Questions
Identity of rubbery-looking tree with long green thorns
March 21, 2012 - I am trying to identify a tree that has a green rubbery look with long, sharp, green thorns. This tree is on my property in Conroe, TX and the soil type is Gladwater clay frequently flooded.
view the full question and answer
Red pods on Canna Lilies from Windsor VA
July 21, 2013 - What are the dark red pods on my canna lilies?
view the full question and answer
Information about non-native Night Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)
June 23, 2009 - Hello, I have been trying to identify a shrub that has been in my backyard for many years, and I happened to come across your website. I was able to identify the plant as Night-Blooming Jasmine, but t...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native plumbago in San Antonio
November 21, 2009 - Plumbago problem. Live in San Antonio. Planted about 7 of these last spring, all from same store and at the same time. They are HUGE, blooming, thriving, except for the two on the end. They're in a d...
view the full question and answer
Distinguishing non-native Wisteria from Austin
June 25, 2012 - How do I distinguish a native wisteria from a non-native wisteria?
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |