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 - August 03, 2015
From: San Antonio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Shrubs
Title: American beautyberry losing leaves in San Antonio
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I planted 3 American beautyberry last fall, and 2 of them are doing great. All the leaves on the 3rd one suddenly started dropping about 2 weeks ago and it looks dead. I can't find anything to tell me what could be going on. I can e-mail a photo if it will help.ANSWER:
It is hard to diagnosis plant problems from afar, either with or without photos. You have neglected to provide any information that would make it easier such as; What kind of soil are they in? Are they in sun or shade? Are all of the plants in the same location? How much water do they get?
Care information for American beautyberry Callicarpa americana (American beautyberry) is included on its plant profile page. If you scroll down the page to Additional Resources, and click on Callicarpa americana beside USDA, you will get a distribution map that indicates the plant isn’t native in Bexar County.
One possibility could be transplant shock. I’m providing two links from Northscaping.com that describe the conditions, and provides for preventing it and treating it.
First year tree and shrub care
Ten tips for minimizing transplant shock.
To determine if your third plant is alive, you can do the "scratch test". Select an upper branch and remove some of the bark with your thumbnail. You are looking for green tissue beneath the bark. If you find none at the first site, continue testing further down the stem. If you get to the bottom of the plant without finding any green tissue, most likely the plant is dead.
For help closer to home, you may want to contact the folks at the Bexar County Office of Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service.
From the Image Gallery
More Shrubs Questions
Identification of bush/vine with purple berries
August 09, 2014 - I was clearing fence line and came across this plant it looks like a Bush but underneath grows like a vine it has long broad leaves that reminded me of Polk salad but it grows berry clusters the berri...
view the full question and answer
Two Holly Cultivars for a Texas Front Landscape?
February 22, 2016 - We are starting a new with our landscape. All existing 30-year-old plants are going to be removed. We would like a focal point at the front door area and are considering 'Savannah' or 'Nellie R. St...
view the full question and answer
Arctostaphylos Hanging Basket for Texas
April 24, 2015 - I would like to plant an Arctostaphylos uva-ursi in a hanging basket with a coco liner. Will this work, or will the roots grow too long? it's the 'Massachusetts' cultivar.
view the full question and answer
Rust on Amelancier Foliage in PA
February 03, 2015 - I live in Pennsylvania and have been plagued with a rust on my serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis) trees over the past few years. I am unable to find very much information on this disease on the we...
view the full question and answer
Native shrubs for containers in Los Angeles, CA
September 23, 2010 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants -
We are looking for some non-vine potted plants to grow on our balcony for privacy in Los Angeles. The balcony receives partial direct sunlight & we would like the growth to...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |