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
Monday - June 25, 2012
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Non-native bougainvillea from Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford and Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
Bougainvillea isn't a native, but since they are so prevalent here, I hope you can help. I have three, one established in-the-ground, which is pruned almost to the ground every winter; two new this year. I'm east in heavy clay. The two new ones were planted in LARGE holes with soil highly amended with sand, garden soil, sand, more sand, and a little compost.. all mixed about half-and-half with yard dirt. They are growing like crazy, but the leaves are puckering and rolling up on the edges. They're not wilting and I haven't seen any bugs. I don't think I'm overwatering, since they get the same treatment [and full sun] as the established plant. Any help would be greatly appreciated!ANSWER:
We're very sorry, but we must decline to directly address your question. The focus of our research and the extent of our expertise are limited to plants native to North America. We hope you understand. However, we may be able to point you in the direction of more helpful resources. The user forums on the University of British Columbia Botanical Garden's website are an excellent source of information for non-native plant culture. Other potentially helpful resources are listed below:
The National Bougainvillea Society
Bougainvillea (from Austin)
Bougainvillea from Aggie Horticulture
More Non-Natives Questions
Non-native hylocereus undatus for Austin
February 24, 2012 - Can we plant Hylocereus (Dragon Fruit) here in Austin, TX? We are going to have a large xeriscape bed and want to know what all we can put in it. We are new to Texas so we have no clue what grows here...
view the full question and answer
Needs Help with Peonies
January 14, 2011 - With the clay soil in North Texas (Frisco) which variety of peony would thrive and become a reliable bloomer? I do work on amending the soil with expanded shell and compost, but ultimately, we still h...
view the full question and answer
Looking for yellow bottlebrush (Callistemon sp.) and native substitutes
February 14, 2008 - I have been looking for years for a yellow bottle bush. It is identical to the red but is yellow. there are several varieties, but the one i want is just like the red one in appearance. I live in Flor...
view the full question and answer
Invasive, non-native Paulownia
May 03, 2006 - Hi. We would like to plant a fast growing tree that will provide shade for our house. What do you think of the Paulownia tree (Empress Tree) as a possibility for the Austin area? If this is not a g...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native ixora in Punta Gorda, FL
April 16, 2009 - We are having problems with our Ixora plants. The leaves turn yellow, then fall down.
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. |
