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 - October 18, 2009
From: Hunt, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Chilopsis linearis Bubba in Hunt TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I purchased 3 desert willows (label: chilopsis linearis) to create an oasis area around a fountain which is in the center of my circle drive. But I need one more. Now I can only find the "chilopsis linearis bubba" variety. Since they're all to be planted close to each other, will the bubba variety stand out as different from the other three? It appeared to me that the bubba variety has shorter/darker green leaves..and I'm not sure what else might be "different". My options: wait to find a match, or get two bubbas and mix two and two? What would you do? Thanks.ANSWER:
The cultivar (cultivated variety) of Chilopsis linearis (desert willow) 'Bubba' is very little different from the native variety. There will be no damage done by having them grow together in a garden. In fact, the 'Bubba' cultivar ordinarily produces no seed pods, so you won't have to worry about cross pollination. Whether you have all of one species or mix them up is pretty much a matter of personal preference. Personally, we prefer the more natural look of mixing them up, letting them look like they just "grew that way." And we also have a personal preference for an odd number of plants when there is a grouping, 3 or 5, and so forth. But, it's your garden, you just decide what you like, you're in charge.
From our Native Plant Image Gallery:
More Trees Questions
Tx Mt. Laurel and Mex. Buckeye seed propagation in drought
July 01, 2011 - I live in the Hill Country near New Braunfels. Since I am only at my house in July and August, I would like to plant both Texas Mountain Laurel and Mexican Buckeye from the seeds harvested from mothe...
view the full question and answer
Care of Live Oaks
July 11, 2012 - We have Two Young Live Oaks in the front of Our home. We had them treated for insects, ect. Now what can we do to make them Full Green and Happy Happy Happy again.Thank You
view the full question and answer
Growths on Shumard Red Oak leaves from Katy TX
April 01, 2013 - Our beautiful Shumard Red Oak has developed lots of light green grape like growths on the leaves. Please inform us what this could be and how we should treat it?
view the full question and answer
Clipping of beans from newly planted Tecoma stans
April 22, 2008 - I purchased a Esperanza Plant in a pot from a nursery in April of 2008. We planted it and it is doing fine, but came with blooms and beans. Do I need to do clip or prune the beans at this stage of g...
view the full question and answer
Blackening of top growth of yaupon in Sunrise Beach TX
June 09, 2010 - My question regards a Will Flemming yaupon which I am thinking may be within your scope of expertise. These were recently planted under windy conditions, then hit with a neighbors antiquated jet type ...
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. |
