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
Wednesday - December 24, 2008
From: Virginia Beach, VA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Native wildflowers for farm in Virginia
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am looking for wildflowers native to VA to spread in various beds around our Virginia Beach farm - does a mix exist, similar to what would have been spread along highways, that you can help me locate? Ideally, including diffferent perrenials that bloom all season. Thank you.ANSWER:
The Virginia Department of Transportation has the Virginia Wildflower Program with a a list of the wildflowers that they use. Not all are native to Virginia, but they do indicate which ones are. They also have a list of Wildflower Seed Sources. Additionally, you can find a list of "commercially available native plant species suitable for planned landscapes in Virginia" by selecting the state from the map or pull-down menu on our Recommended Species page. You can then "Narrow Your Search" by making choices under the various criteria (e.g., Habit—general appearance, Light requirement, Moisture requirement). Also, t sounds as if you might benefit from reading one or more of our "How to Articles" (e.g., Meadow Gardening). You will notice that the "Meadow Gardening" article recommends planting grasses with the wildflowers. Here are a few wildflowers from our Recommended Species list and some attractive grasses that are native to Virginia:Aquilegia canadensis (red columbine)
Lobelia cardinalis (cardinalflower)
Liatris spicata (dense blazing star)
Monarda fistulosa (wild bergamot)
Oenothera fruticosa (narrowleaf evening-primrose)
Phlox divaricata (wild blue phlox)
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England aster)
Andropogon glomeratus (bushy bluestem)
Bouteloua curtipendula (sideoats grama)
Carex blanda (eastern woodland sedge)
Chasmanthium latifolium (Inland sea oats)
Muhlenbergia capillaris (hairawn muhly)
Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem)
More Wildflowers Questions
Identification of Texas bluebell (Eustoma exaltatum)
June 27, 2006 - Very recently on the 6 o'clock news there was a report about The Center joining UT. There was a picture of a large, purple lily-like/trumpet flower with a yellow pistil.
I recall my Grandmother call...
view the full question and answer
Viewing times for wildflowers from Ouchitas to Austin
November 03, 2006 - I'm a geographer and wildflower enthusiast considering a spring visit to the Austin area and want to find out the best time to view wildflowers and farm crops around Austin and also on the drive from...
view the full question and answer
Smarty Plants on Rain-lily
April 12, 2005 - What is the common lily (I think) that grows in the ditches and especially this year because of all the rain.
The flower is trumpet shaped and has red stripes in the petals? Very common everywhere t...
view the full question and answer
Can I Divide Rudbeckia in July in NC.
July 22, 2009 - How do I transplant Blackeyed Susans so I can add them to other parts of the bed. I started with one and it is crowding out other plants, so I would like to transplant to other parts of the yard.
view the full question and answer
Plants for winter color in native wildflower meadow backyard
February 28, 2006 - I am establishing a wildflower meadow in my backyard (150'x50'). it will have native Texas wildflowers, Buffalo Grass and Blue Gramma grass. Is there any plant that you can recommend for winter inte...
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. |
