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
Sunday - June 17, 2012
From: Elgin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Pests, Shrubs
Title: Problems with non-native yellow lantana from Elgin TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Why do my yellow lantana buds turn brown and do not open fully? The sprinkler system does not spray onto the lantana.ANSWER:
While there are 4 lantanas native to North America and 3 native to Texas, none of them are yellow, which may mean that you have the hybrid Lantana camara 'New Gold', which is not considered native. Our focus is on plants native not only to North America but also to the areas in which the plant grows natively. Since you live in Elgin, you might have purchased Lantana urticoides (Texas lantana) from the Wildflower Center Plant Sale, but it is not yellow. The other two native to Texas are Lantana achyranthifolia (Brushland shrubverbena) and Lantana canescens (Hammock shrubverbena).
Although this sounds like an insect problem, possibly whiteflies, it also could have to do with how much sun the plants are getting. The natives require full sun, which is 6 hours or more of sun a day, and are low water plants.
From Texas A&M University Extension Lantana and Verbena - How to Combat Insects and Mite Pests.
Pictures of Lantana camara 'New Gold"
From the Image Gallery
More Pests Questions
Leaves wrinkling on Tecoma stans from San Antonio TX
August 16, 2013 - My two year old esperanza (planted in the ground) froze back last winter, came back from the roots & has been doing well all summer. Recently one branch has leaves that are nice & green but very wrin...
view the full question and answer
Plants that donkeys won't eat
August 08, 2012 - What plants/trees do donkeys NOT like? I live in Hawaii on the Big Island and they visit once a week in my yard. I like them but would prefer that they stay just outside. Unfortunately they like my...
view the full question and answer
Killing oak sprouts from El Paso TX
August 16, 2011 - I want to know how to kill oak root sprouts and seedlings. Very dense and out-of-control in huge area of front lawn. I had tree cut down and I still cannot get rid of them. They're only getting wors...
view the full question and answer
Oaks emitting substance in Lakeway TX
August 14, 2012 - We have two large oak trees in our yard that are emitting a clear, very sticky, non-fragrant substance. The leaves are beginning to be covered as is our deck. Bees are now attracted and I am worried ...
view the full question and answer
Weeds in Buffalograss from Edmond OK
September 20, 2012 - We have a patch of buffalograss surrounded by patio/flower garden/vegetable garden. We like B-grass, but are getting a lot of weeds despite preemergents, and some bermuda had appeared.
Are there h...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |