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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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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

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Saturday - June 03, 2006

From: Carthage, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Care of non-native Easter lily, Lilium longiflorum
Answered by: Joe Marcus and Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I have a white lily that is in a pot and has already bloomed four flowers. will it bloom again? Can I replant this outside right now or what should I do with it?

ANSWER:

Our focus and expertise are in plants native to North America and, as far as we know, there are no native lilies that are white. We can't be absolutely sure, but we suspect your lily is an Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum), native to Japan. Aggie Horticulture has information about the history and cultivation of this species. You should be able to grow it in your garden if you follow the directions given in the attached article.
 

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