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
Thursday - May 13, 2010
From: Katy, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Problems with non-native fruit trees in Katy TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have several species of fruit trees growing. pear, lime, orange, pluot, plum, variegated orange, peach, lemon all planted in ground, some this year and some last year: My lemon (approx 15 gallon) and orange (approx 10 gallon) (both planted this year) are not doing so good. The lemon has fruit since purchase. The orange does not. Both trees get water for about an hour twice a week along with all of my other thriving fruit trees. The lemon and orange are losing leaves, they are turning yellow and falling off. I do not see bugs or bug trails on the leaves. Can you please assist or advise?ANSWER:
All of those fruit trees and, in fact, most plants that have fruits you would buy in the grocery store are either non-native to North America and/or have been so extensively hybridized that recognizing their parentage would be impossible. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the use, protection and propagation of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which the plants are being grown. The County Extension Offices usually have good information on food plants, fruits and vegetables. We would suggest you contact theTexas A&M AgriLIFE Extension Office for Harris, Ft. Bend or Waller County, since Katy is in all three.More Non-Natives Questions
Moving potted plants from California to Georgetown TX
February 10, 2012 - Hi, I am moving from Gilroy CA to Georgetown TX, I have many potted plants I would love to take with me but I am not sure what would survive in my new location. These plants have been cared for so ma...
view the full question and answer
What purple mushrooms grow in Texas from McKinney TX
July 14, 2012 - What purple mushrooms grow in North Texas?
view the full question and answer
Non-native Indian Hawthorn not flowering in Fairfield, TX
March 17, 2012 - My indian hawthorn shrubs won't flower, they are the white variety and I live in Freestone County, Texas, greenery is beautiful and very healthy plants but no flowers Have had the plants for over tw...
view the full question and answer
Black fungus on non-native ixora from Palm Beach Gardens FL
January 29, 2011 - We have 7-8 ixora plants that are side by side and all have developed a black fungus or substance on them. The substance is not only on the plant, but has spread to the wall they are adjacent to. Ca...
view the full question and answer
Yellowing branches on non-native sago palms after freeze in Rusk TX
January 30, 2010 - My Sago Palms experienced a good freeze. Now they have a multitude of yellowing branches, in fact most of the plant is yellow. Please advise what to do to save my plants. They are about nine years ...
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. |
