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.
From: San Gabriel, CA
Region: California
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Can orange trees be grown in Albany, CA
Answered by: Barbara Medford
The orange is unknown in the wild state; it is assumed to have originated in Southern China, northeastern India and perhaps Southeastern Asia. The orange was brought to San Diego, California by those who built the first mission there in 1769. According to one site we found, if you live in Zone 9a to 11, with an annual rainfall of 40", you can grow oranges. Albany, CA in Alameda County is in the Central California coastal zone, and appears to be in Zones 9a to 10a. Since the orange is non-native to North America, we probably can't tell you too much more about growing them, but the University of California Alameda County Extension Office should have that kind of information available. They may very well have information on what are the best cultivars to grow there, what adjustments are needed for soil types, and how much supplemental watering might be required.
Comparison of native and non-native bulbs from Fayetteville NC
November 28, 2010 - I am just a gardener seeking natives. As I could not find Crinum americanum bulbs/plants specifically, I checked further online. Here's an excerpt of what I found from the Louisiana Native Plant Soci...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native orchid
January 26, 2009 - I have vanda sanderiana that has wrinkled and yellowing leaves.They are located outdoors, northeast section, plenty of morning direct light and still bright even when the sun is at 3:00 oclock.I water...
view the full question and answer
Spacing of non-native crapemyrtle in Anniston AL
August 04, 2009 - We bought some Dazzle dwarf crepe myrtle bushes. We need to know how far apart to plant them.
Thanks
view the full question and answer
Bark splitting on non-native Royal Poinciana in tree in Merritt Island FL
August 10, 2010 - Information on splitting bark along the branches like an overstuffed sausage: A royal Poinciana tree, about 5 years old. The upper branches are doing this, although I'm afraid little splits or tear...
view the full question and answer
Long-legged bugs eating roses in Richmond VA
May 22, 2011 - There are bugs eating my roses. What can I do? They look like long bugs with a lot of legs.
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. |