Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

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!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Monday - October 06, 2014

From: Hattiesburg, MS
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives, Pruning, Shrubs
Title: Pruning Citrus Suckers
Answered by: Anne Van Nest

QUESTION:

Mr. Smarty Plants, you are the only person that has "not" insisted that the little balls on Satsuma and lemon trees were clumps of bugs. They are surely what you described in the answer to my previous question. And though I am a heavy duty gardener from NY to MS for many years, may I ask you how I would know where the graft site is on my trees? Just as you described, all the little seed balls are on shoots with leaves from the base. The only two real Satsumas are on a normal upper stem. The two trees are full with mostly shoots. Shall I cut them down? Assuming that shoots are like babies that will grow into adult stems is incorrect? Sometimes I do not cut the shoots wondering if they grow into adult stems. Last fall I cut them down and wondered if cutting caused the little seed balls. Without any problems, do you recommend routine pruning of the shoots? Regardless of rootstock, I guess what I really need to know how do I find the graft site? Thank you for clarifying what I never believed were bugs. Cold might have caused this, but usually I only worry about the lemon tree having no protection. The Satsuma leans against the house and is always protected until last year, I guess. I am grateful for your vast knowledge.

ANSWER:

Glad to see that the Satsuma problem diagnosis is correct and shoots (suckers) from the rootstock have sprouted up and are taking over the plant as well as producing inferior fruit. The graft on a citrus tree should be visible where the trunk swells or has a zigzag growth pattern where the nursery cut off the rootstock and let the Satsuma grow. 

If you can, try to prune out all the shoots coming from below the graft. These shoots probably have trifoliate (3 parted) leaves and thorns. Keep these shoots from the rootstock continually pruned out so that just the real Satsuma stems are allowed to grow.

 

 

More Shrubs Questions

Thoughts on non-native Italian Cypress in Austin
January 01, 2014 - I would like to know your thoughts on growing Italian Cypress trees in Austin Texas? We are looking to create a privacy screen(and prepared to pay more for mature trees to cut down the wait to grow...
view the full question and answer

Suggestions for native perennials in Staten Island, NY
April 03, 2008 - My back yard garden has a good base of evergreen shrubs and perennials all doing well in clayish soil and I am ready now to add color and texture in an area with partial sun. Can you suggest hardy...
view the full question and answer

Propagation of wax myrtle from Lafayette LA
December 10, 2012 - Hello, I have a good portion of Wax Myrtle Seeds. How do I get them Started for planting? Have been told to put several seeds in a Jar lid in a very damp paper-towel & leave them there till they ...
view the full question and answer

Plant for part sun in Nampa Idaho
May 20, 2010 - What could I plant in arid SW Idaho on the northwest side of my house along a border against the house? Most of the day this area is in shade, but at the hottest time of the day it gets a couple of h...
view the full question and answer

Plants purchased at Duke Gardens From Durham NC
April 09, 2013 - I went to the plant sale at a local garden this week and bought some very small plants. I am happy to wait for plants to grow but wondered if I need to do anything special. I live in Durham NC and...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.