Native Plants
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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Thursday - May 01, 2014
From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Diseases and Disorders, Pests, Transplants, Shrubs
Title: Problems with non-native Banana Shrub from Houston
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
My 7' beloved Banana Shrub (magnolia) has white dots on top of the leaves and nasty black stuff covering the backside of the leaves. The plant is dropping leaves. What can I do to save it? I has been in a big pot for 13 years and when I saw the white spots and black nasty stuff last week, I transplanted the root bound tree into the ground where it will get more sun. I pulled open the roots and cut them as best I could. I have been spraying and wiping the leaves, top and bottom with Palmolive dish soap in water for three days now. But the tree looks very sick. Please, please help. Madalene Hill of Festival Hill in roung Top gave me this tree 13 years ago so it is very dear to me.ANSWER:
We were very confused when you referred to your plant as a Banana Shrub (magnolia). Here is information we got from Wikipedia:
"Magnolia figo (also called Banana Shrub, Port Wine Magnolia, Michelia figo) is an evergreen tree growing to 3-4 m tall. It is native to China. Susceptible to black soot."
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the growth, protection and propagation of plants native not only to North America but also to the area in which those plants are being grown; in your case, Harris Co., TX. That is what confused us, we knew that Banana Shrub was not in our Native Plant Database but magnolias are native to North America and, in fact, Magnolia grandiflora (Southern magnolia), is native to Harris County.
Magnolia figo, alas, is not, but is native to China. This puts it out of our area of expertise; however, we might be able to make a couple of suggestions as to what is wrong. The first thing that comes to mind is aphids - they are small white bugs, and deposit aphid poop on the bottom side of leaves of affected plants, which then turns a moldy black. Check out this article from the University of California Integrated Pest Management on what that pest looks like and how to deal with it. The article from Wikipedia also mentioned "Susceptible to black soot." When we searched the Internet on "black soot plant disease" we got this article from Gardening Know How on Sooty Mold. When we read that article it sounded a whole lot like aphids, again, were causing the problem. Hopefully, from one or the other you will get help for your plant.
More Diseases and Disorders Questions
Fungus Spots on Native Bush Honeysuckle
December 03, 2010 - My native bush honeysuckle plants that I have along my back fence have leaves that are turning yellow with spots. It appears to be a type of fungus, but not powdery mildew. Any suggestions as to what ...
view the full question and answer
Leaf burn on hydrangeas
July 11, 2008 - What causes my leaves to burn on my healthy hydrangeas?
view the full question and answer
Mexican oak and red oak not looking healthy
August 02, 2014 - I purchased a Mexican oak tree and I believe a red oak tree from your center about 1 year ago. Recently I've noticed that they don't look as healthy as they have been, and I just looked at the leave...
view the full question and answer
Death of Texas Betony and Blackfoot Daisy from Austin
April 18, 2013 - I have one small area that there are two plants - Texas Betony and Blackfoot Daisy withered and died eventually. Same kinds of plants are doing fine close by. It is my front yard close to walk way.I w...
view the full question and answer
What is eating the plants in my garden?
August 08, 2008 - I have both purple and yellow coneflowers. Something is coming into my garden and eating the flowers off the stems. We don't have deer but may have other small animals that can get into our yard. Do ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |