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_30.gif)
Tuesday - July 02, 2013
From: Richland, MO
Region: Midwest
Topic: Planting, Herbs/Forbs, Wildflowers
Title: Will maroon and Texas Bluebonnets prosper in Richland MO?
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I live in Richland, MO and have obtained both Maroon and Texas Bluebonnet seeds from Fredricksburg, TX. Will they prosper in this area and when is the best time to plant? I have read how and what type of soil and drainage, etc. Thank you for your help.ANSWER:
The Texas Bluebonnet is the state flower of Texas and is planted along roadways throughout the state which brightens up spring time travel in the Lone Star State.
I’m going to refer you to several sites that will give you more information about bluebonnets and eventually answer your questions.
There are at least six species of bluebonnets that are designated the state flower as explained in this link to aggie-horticulture
Each species has a page in our NPIN Database
Lupinus texensis (Texas bluebonnet) ; distribution (scroll down to distribution map for each species)
Lupinus subcarnosus (Sandyland bluebonnet); distribution
Lupinus concinnus (Annual lupine); distribution
Lupinus havardii (Big bend bluebonnet); distribution
Lupinus perennis (Sundial lupine); distribution
Lupinus plattensis (Nebraska lupine); distribution
Notice the growing conditions and distribution of each species. You will see that none of these species occur in Missouri, however, L. perennsis and L. plattensis come close.
Will they prosper in Richland, Missouri? Maybe, maybe not.
A plant’s basic needs are light, water, nutrients, soil (or other growth medium). appropriate pH, and a suitable temperature. Compare the temperatures in Missouri with those in Texas where the bluebonnets grow on this USDA hardiness zone map. Our “How to Article” on Bluebonnets recommends fall planting for the seeds. This may not work for Missouri, unless the seeds are germinated in flats inside, and later transplanted outside when the weather warms. However, it seems that the cold winters would also interfere with the plants re-seeding.
This link to aggiehorticulture tells the interesting story of the development of the maroon bluebonnet.
More Wildflowers Questions
Can bluebonnets be made into jelly from Ennis TX
May 07, 2013 - Are Texas bluebonnet flowers okay for human consumption? I have seen recipes for wild violet jelly,so was wondering about making bluebonnet jelly from the bluebonnet blossoms if they are not poisonous...
view the full question and answer
Green thread-Thelesperman filifolium
May 13, 2007 - Looking for information on a wild flower called green thread. Can you tell us the actual name or any information about this flower.
view the full question and answer
White Bluebonnets
March 15, 2004 - Are white Bluebonnets rare?
view the full question and answer
Deer Resistant, Fast Growing Groundcover Suggestions for Georgia
April 20, 2013 - Our driveway is 1/4 mile in length and is steep on both sides (one side up one side down). It currently has grass that our contractor planted using seed when we built our house. We are unable to cut t...
view the full question and answer
Winter wildflower blooming in East Texas in the winter
October 06, 2009 - Is there a wildflower that will grow/bloom in east texas during the winter that can be tilled into garden in springtime. We put rye and red clover but were interested in getting some color/variety to ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |