Native Plants
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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
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Monday - November 30, 2009
From: Granbury, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Problems with non-native Ligustrum in Granbury TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Hi, I am hoping you can tell me why my Ligustrum is dropping leaves? At purchase I was told they are evergreen. We are using them for a privacy hedge and would like to prevent any more leaf drop. They were planted about 6 months ago. Should I fertilize now? Thank you.ANSWER:
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is committed to the care, use and propagation of plants native to North America and to the area in which they are being grown. The various species of Ligustrum are native to China, Japan and Korea, and therefore fall out of our range of expertise. Furthermore, this plant can become invasive and is subject to many pests and diseases. We found this website from the University of Florida IFAS Extension on Ligustrum japonicum that might give you some clues on the problems you are experiencing.More Non-Natives Questions
Non-native Dietes bicolor leaves brown after freeze in Austin
January 31, 2010 - I live in Austin, and my butterfly iris (Dietes bicolor) that I've had for the last 6 years are all turning brown after the most recent freeze. Should I cut them back, with the thought being they wo...
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What will grow under non-native, invasive Norway Maple in White Plains NY?
April 17, 2010 - Is there anything that will grow under a Norway Maple? The soil is dry and the area is small hill next to my driveway. It is an eye sore! Thank you!
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Plants to replace hydrangeas in a wet area in New York
July 09, 2010 - Dear Smarty,
Two years ago I planted 4 Endless Summer Hydrangas in front of the front porch of my summer cottage on Saratoga Lake. The first year they struggled the second they are limp. Can you give...
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Will a non-native smoke tree, Cotinus coggygria, be harmful in Utah
May 08, 2009 - Can one plant a smoke tree in Utah without causing and harm to the environment? I'm worried that this plant may be a species that could cause a problem since I believe it is not a native plant.
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Pruning of non-native oxblood lilies from Austin
March 27, 2014 - My Oxblood Lilies flowered quite late last Fall. Their foliage is still very green. Can I cut it down now or do I have to wait until it goes brown?
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