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
Non-native bougainvillea annual or perennial in Las Vegas?
April 04, 2010 - Are bouganvilleas annual or perianneal plants? What do you do w/them in the winter time. We live in Las Vegas NV
view the full question and answer
Disease on non-native French hollyhocks
April 16, 2008 - I live in Georgetown, Texas. I have some French hollyhocks that have some kind of disease on the leaves - I would like to know what to spray them with to get rid of it. It looks like brown blemishes...
view the full question and answer
Non-native genista racemosa from Leander TX
March 28, 2012 - Hello, Mr. Smarty Plants. I fear I've made a horrible purchase at a local plant place. Bought a "broom" plant--it's not listed in your database. Latin name: genista racemosa, according to tag. ...
view the full question and answer
Removal of thistles from Columbus TX
May 20, 2014 - I am sorry if you have an answer in FAQs but I could not find it.
We recently cleared property near Columbus Texas of many cedars (ash junipers). This spring we experienced a profusion of thistle -...
view the full question and answer
Planting a non-native Solandra nitida in Cape Town, South Africa
August 26, 2009 - How long does it take a Cup of Gold (Solandra Nitida) to flower when planted from a cutting. The site is against a North facing wall. It gets afternoon sun. Plant looks healthy and is approximately ...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |