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
Sunday - April 10, 2016
From: San Antonio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pests, Shrubs
Title: Red bugs have appeared on my Texas mountain laurel
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
What should I do about the red bugs on my mountain laurel?ANSWER:
The red bugs are most likely Lopidea major. These lnsects can disfigure the TX mountain laurel foliage, but they do not cause serious damage. They are difficult to eliminate with insecticides because they are members of the True bug order, which feed on foliage by piercing the leaves and sucking out the contents. They thereby avoid insecticides sprayed onto the leaf surfaces. And the waxy leaf cuticle prevents the plant to efficiently take up systemic-type insecticides. It is probably best to leave them alone or, for cosmetic purposes, spray them off with a hose. In any case, they willl disappear in time, leaving the plant unharmed.
More Shrubs Questions
Need a shrub to conceal a privacy fence in Knightdale, NC.
August 03, 2011 - Could you recommend a medium-sized shrub/bush (max height of 6-7 feet) to plant along a privacy fence (purpose is to conceal the fence from the street view per HOA)? I live in Zone 8.
view the full question and answer
Plant for full sun behind waterfall
March 21, 2009 - I have a 24 inch waterfall around my pool. I need to plant something behind it. I have full sun and hot Texas weather. I will be watering everyday, so what do you think would grow well in this area?
view the full question and answer
Converting a Texas backyard to grow Xerophytic native plants
January 09, 2015 - I am planning the conversion of our backyard, about 4000 sq ft of largely St Augustine, into a grassless landscape of hardscaping and native plants. I’ve been an avid gardener of rock garden plants i...
view the full question and answer
Plant ID and pruning in Portage IN
April 09, 2009 - I'm looking for information on trimming a bush about 6 feet in diameter with orange horns in bloom and its name.
view the full question and answer
Pruning Texas Mountain Laurel
September 04, 2014 - I've had a Texas mountain laurel for 4 years that's being trained into a tree. I think it was a 3-year old tree when I purchased it. Unfortunately, it has suffered from overwatering, and the two mai...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |