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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Thursday - June 24, 2010
From: Clearwater, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Shrubs
Title: What to do about leaf spot on Vaccinium myrsinites in Clearwater FL?
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I have recently planted many Vaccinium myrsinites (shiny blueberry) in my yard. These plants seem to have many dead twig branches without leaves. The remaining leaves have red spots. I visited a native nursery yesterday and noticed that their Vaccinium myrsinites have the same issues. The nursery salesman could not explain the cause. Do you have any suggestions on how I can correct the problem? Or tips for healthier Vaccinium myrsinites? Thanks!ANSWER:
To Mr. Smarty Plants, its sounds like your blueberries Vaccinium myrsinites (shiny blueberry) may be suffering from leaf spot which is a fungal disease. This site of the Plant Pathology Extension of North Carolina State University has pictures of the symptoms, names of the causative agents, and suggestions for treatment. The Blueberry News, the official Newsletter of the Florida Blueberry Growers Association, also has useful information about this problem.
I would also suggest that you contact the folks at the Pinellas County office of the UF/IFAS Extension for some help closer to home.
More Shrubs Questions
Leaves on yaupon holly turning brown/black
July 20, 2011 - Arlington TX Yaupon Holly has leaves on stems closer to the bottom of the plant and moving up that are turning brown/black. Is this a disease, over/under watering? There is black gummy soil, but it ha...
view the full question and answer
Acidity of soil for blueberry plants
May 11, 2007 - We have 8 blueberry plants and we have just taken out several Juniper shrubs. How will this effect the acidity of the soil for the blueberries? Do we need to add more acidity? We heard that the junipe...
view the full question and answer
Why do the leaves of my potted Esperanza plant look droopy?
August 13, 2009 - My Esperanza plant leaves look droopy. I have it in a big pot and have for 3 years.
view the full question and answer
Privacy hedge for Palm Springs CA
July 04, 2013 - Dear Mr. Smarty Pants
I have a 6 foot block wall, and my house is elevated, and I need a privacy hedge or tree (even flowering) to create more privacy. I do not want to use Ficus as I hear they can d...
view the full question and answer
Landscaping north facing wall
November 08, 2010 - We live in the Dallas area and have a north facing home with a large, bare wall. I would like to plant a tall, flowering shrub that will look nice all year round. Or are there flowering vines that a...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |