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 - May 25, 2008
From: Washington, DC
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Planting, Transplants, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Transplant shock in Liatris spicata
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I bought a liatris spicata start a month ago, and transplanted it into my front yard (full sun, clay soil, moist due to all the rain recently). The plant immediately wilted so I transplanted it in a pot filled with organic potting soil on the porch, in full sun again. The plant perked up for a week, and then started wilting again and now appears to be close to death. The weather has been a bit cool, but usually no colder than 50 degrees at night, and up to 70 during the day. Any idea why my plant is not happy? Could it be some sort of insect, or too much rain?ANSWER:
Looks like your Liatris spicata (dense blazing star) has experienced a double case of transplant shock. The first time, a small "start" might have needed a little more shade right at first, and clay soil does not drain well, which this plant needs. So, transplanting it to the pot probably was a good idea, but it might have just been too much all at once. It is native to the Eastern United States, so it should be fine in Washington, DC; hopefully, it just needs some first aid. To begin with, move that pot into an area where it will get morning sun and not so much afternoon sun, at least at first. Then, trim off about one-half to one-third of the upper structure of the plant, leaving still-vigorous green leaves on the lower part, in order to provide nutrition for the plant. Don't fertilize until the plant has recovered. Keep the soil in the pot moist but, again, make sure it is draining well. This plant is found naturally in moist woodland openings, and marsh edges so you need to try to emulate those conditions. It will tolerate dryness more when it is established. You may not get much in blooms this year, but since it grows from a bulb that will possibly help to carry it over and be more vital next year. This article from North Carolina State University Extension can give you more information.
More Diseases and Disorders Questions
Sap dripping from a lacey oaks in San Antonio
September 06, 2012 - I have a lacey oak tree, approximately 6 ft. tall that has been in the ground almost a year. The tree looks healthy but there is a small area on the trunk that looks and feels wet. The substance is s...
view the full question and answer
Older leaves yellowing on Savannah holly in Dallas
May 01, 2009 - I planted a Savannah Holly in Dallas, TX in the Fall of 2008. It has new growth and some white buds all over it, but some of the older leaves are turning yellow and dropping off. Is this normal?
view the full question and answer
Freeze damage to Mexican olive in Austin
December 13, 2009 - I have a Mexican Olive tree/bush. It is young - about 8 ft. tall. This last freeze in Austin made many of its leaves turn black. I got this from your database: "Its native range extends no farther...
view the full question and answer
Treating cuts in tree trunks
November 21, 2009 - We have two young trees that deer made bad cuts in the trunks. What can we put on cuts to keep bugs and disease from getting in them.? Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Rose canker in roses on cedar posts
May 24, 2007 - While visiting the wildflower Center I saw that some of the plants were growing on trellis' made of posts cut from cedar trees. I made a trellis for my climbing rose bush and where the stems touched...
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. |
