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

Saturday - June 12, 2010
From: El Dorado Hills, CA
Region: California
Topic: Non-Natives, Diseases and Disorders
Title: Non-native blue potato bush in El Dorado Hills CA
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have two blue potato bush topiary planted in my front porch in a very big planter. It's getting a full afternoon sun. I am wondering why they are losing their leaves??? Am I overwatering them??? Also, how much water do they need considering the amount of heat they're getting. When is the best time to water them???ANSWER:
Solanaceae lycianthes. synonym Lycianthes rantonetti, common names Paraguay Nightshade or blue potato vine, take your pick. All are native to Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil and other areas of South America. All are part of the Nightshade family, to which eating potatoes and tomatoes also belong. Most parts of these plants are poisonous, even the unripe fruits, but the fruits on most of them can be eaten. Since they are non-native to North America and therefore not in our Native Plant Database, we have found some references that might help you. When you are reading forums, you need to remember that these are not experts writing the responses, but they are gardeners who have some experience with your plant.
Dave's Garden Forum: Blue Potato Bush
gardenguide.com How to Plant and Care for Blue Potato Bush
More Diseases and Disorders Questions
Red spider mites in native bluebonnets in Austin
April 02, 2008 - What would you do if the WFC bluebonnets developed a bad case of red spider mites? That is what has happened to many of mine here in Austin. I noticed them the other day and I must have been asleep be...
view the full question and answer
Shy blooming non-native Crape Myrtle, in Littlestown Pennsylvania
July 25, 2011 - My Crape myrtle has been planted about three years, and reached a height of about 4'. It blooms late July and for the past two years, has only had one or two blooms on it. I have a lot of buds whic...
view the full question and answer
What's causing holes in trunk of white oak tree in SouthBend IN?
June 10, 2013 - We have a huge White Oak in our backyard that is approx. 130 years old. This evening I became aware that there are several small holes around the trunk that appear to be oozing a dark sappy liquid. ...
view the full question and answer
Bugbane Leaf Blotch
January 24, 2013 - My bugbanes (Cimicifuga/Actaea) seem to suffer from black blotches on the leaves in the summer. This happens even when they have adequate moisture. I also see it on the ones growing wild. Is this a fu...
view the full question and answer
Stressed Ashe juniper is dropping needles
May 07, 2015 - We have a large Ashe juniper tree in our backyard, at least 20 ft tall. This past winter/spring, several limbs have died and it's dropped a ton of leaves (clumps of "needles" really). Is it slowly ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |