Explore Plants
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.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Sunday - November 11, 2007
From: Lago Vista, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pruning, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Winter trimming of Greggs mistflower
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Do I cut my gregg's mist back to the ground for the winter or just leave it alone?ANSWER:
We're assuming that you're referring to Conoclinium greggii (palmleaf thoroughwort). This is a sturdy native plant with a long blooming season, extending to November. It has an extensive root system, and will come up from the roots after the winter. In cases like this, we suggest waiting until you are sure the plant has finished blooming, and then cut the stalks down to about 3 inches from the ground. There usually will be a green leaf crown still growing close to the ground. These stalks left above the ground are just a marker so we know where to expect the mistflowers to start coming up in the spring.
More Pruning Questions
Pruning Saucer Magnolia in Eatontown, NJ.
January 12, 2013 - Adult Saucer Magnolia (tulip tree). Branches were getting heavy to where they were ready to break. I pruned them back leaving 1 to 3 inch diameter cuts on many branches. Should I put something on th...
view the full question and answer
Removal of pods when pruning Tecoma stans
May 10, 2013 - When pruning Tecoma stans for growth and shape control,should I cut off the pods?
view the full question and answer
Survival of yucca plant mowed down in Oklahoma
April 15, 2009 - I have a yucca plant that came from a very old plant of my late father, and had transplanted it 6 years ago and it came back every year and bloomed. This morning I went outside and noticed my husband...
view the full question and answer
Brown leaves on possumhaw holly in Grandview TX
July 02, 2009 - What would be likely causes for brown leaves on possumhaw holly? We have 2, one was planted in spring 2008, and a slightly larger one planted late winter/early spring this year. Most of the leaves a...
view the full question and answer
Pruning practices from Austin
May 16, 2013 - I need to do some pruning in my front beds and I know nothing about plants. From what I have been able to identify I have bicolor irises, plumbago, Japanese Aralia. I don't even know where to begin o...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
