Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Wednesday - August 01, 2012
From: Austin , TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Pests, Trees
Title: Crape myrtle in Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Please don't bother to answer my question about how to treat a crepe myrtle with sticky stuff falling from it. I just found the answer on your site. Good site, by the way.ANSWER:
Thank you. It often saves a lot of time (ours and yours) to read our previously answered questions, searching on a specific word or phrase. Aphids seem unusually bad this year, and even worse in the non-native crape myrtle. We may have already answered your question, because it is so common and easy to answer. Mr. Smarty Plants is a team of volunteers working on their own computers at home.
More Non-Natives Questions
Esperanza failing to bud out in Georgetown TX
March 28, 2010 - I planted esperanza shrubs last summer and they did well. I did not prune them back in the winter. They are not showing any signs of life (No greenery) Will the plants start to form leaves and flow...
view the full question and answer
Care of non-native house plant, Pachira aquatica
October 14, 2007 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
I have just bought a miniature money tree. I would like to plant it on a metal like decorative pot. What advice would you give me how to prevent the plant from getting any metal re...
view the full question and answer
Non-native Senna corymbosa
September 28, 2008 - I have a large Texas Senna tree - at least 7'x8'. It is covered in beautiful yellow blooms; however, it will need to be pruned in the winter. Please let me know how much to prune it and when is th...
view the full question and answer
What will grow under non-native, invasive Norway Maple in White Plains NY?
April 17, 2010 - Is there anything that will grow under a Norway Maple? The soil is dry and the area is small hill next to my driveway. It is an eye sore! Thank you!
view the full question and answer
Propagation on bamboo in Washington State
August 30, 2008 - I have been trying for some time to grow bamboo in my garden. They rooted very well in the house but as soon as I put them in a large planter under the fir trees they turned yellow.They have a large h...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |