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
Monday - October 07, 2013
From: Cedar Park, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Diseases and Disorders, Shrubs
Title: Problems with non-native photinia in Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Hi, I live in Cedar Park, TX (Austin Suburb)and have planted a number of Photinia shrubs in various areas of my property. All about 10 months old. The leaves are curling along their length on many of them in two area. They are curling up into semi tube shapes that resemble a closed Venus Fly Trap plant in shape. The plants appear to be otherwise healthy, with lots of new red growth appearing after the heavy 2" rainfall of about 10 days ago. I have sprayed them twice with Neem Oil mixed at the higher concentration that works for either Fungus or insects, and have seen no change. The curled leaves do not have any evidence of catepillar pupae or webs as might be the case with a leaf roller infestation, however, I DID notice when I last sprayed them with the Neem oil, that I did have some tiny moth like insects flying off as I sprayed them. Any suggestions or ideas? These are still under warranty, for a few more weeks, and I have talked to Home Depot where I bought them, and they have told me I can return them with no questions asked.ANSWER:
It would be nice if you could return the photinias; read this previous Mr. Smarty Plants answer to see why,
More Non-Natives Questions
Care for non-native, invasive Bauhinia variegata
March 03, 2006 - I live in Fellsmere just south of Melbourne and we have about 5 orchid trees on our property; one is fairly tall, about 20 ft, and the others are about 6 ft tall. My smaller ones have several air p...
view the full question and answer
Information for native garden in Guadalajara, Mexico
July 24, 2006 - I am trying to start up my native garden in Guadalajara Mexico but have not been able to find many databases or info. Any advice or suggestions?
view the full question and answer
Browning of non-native Plectranthus in Dallas
November 28, 2010 - I live in Dallas and planted 'Mona Lavender' which is now brown and limp after overnight temps in the low 30's. Is it dead or will it come back? Do I need to cover these plants during the winter m...
view the full question and answer
Acre-scale Grass Removal near Austin, TX
July 04, 2014 - How do I get rid of 10 acres of Kleingrass?
view the full question and answer
Trees to replace some non-native invasives in Deltona FL
February 02, 2012 - I would like to replace 3 large ChinaBerry & 3 large Chinese Tallow trees in my good sized back yard with some local wildlife friendly trees native to the Deltona area(first area.) What do you recomme...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |