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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 - August 30, 2008

From: 98250, WA
Region: Northwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Transplants
Title: Propagation on bamboo in Washington State
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

I have been trying for some time to grow bamboo in my garden. They rooted very well in the house but as soon as I put them in a large planter under the fir trees they turned yellow.They have a large healthy root system but this is the third time I have tried to transplant them outdoors with problems. Any ideas?

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants, being by nature lazy, would like to refer you to a previous answer which pretty well covers your question.

In addition, the Phyllostachys aurea, if that is what you are trying to plant, would do better not in the shade of the fir trees. 

 

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