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
Sunday - May 19, 2013
From: Fredericksburg, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Pests, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Problems with Gregg's mistflower from Fredericksburg, TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants: Something is wilting the tops of my Gregg's mistflower, Conoclinium greggii. I cannot see bugs on the plant, so I am wondering if it's a disease. The problem is widespread to three separate stands of the plant. I am hoping to hear that others who have had a similar issue know how to correct this problem on what has generally been a problem-free plant. Thank.ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants is not a forum but a team of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower volunteers who answer questions on plants native to North America and to the area in which those plants evolved. We did search in our Previously Answered Questions to see if we had any similar comments on Conoclinium greggii (Gregg's mistflower). We found this previous question that addressed a similar problem. You will note from this USDA Plant Profile Map that it is native only to Hudspeth County, deep in West Texas and about a half a state away from Gillespie County. That doesn't mean it won't grow in Centtral Texas, certainly it does, but it is basically a desert plant and requires very good drainage iin the soil. From our webpage on this plant:
"Native Distribution: W. TX to s.e. AZ & adjacent Mex.
Native Habitat: Frequent along stream beds and overflow areas in the Trans-Pecos, east to Edwards Plateau and Rio Grande Plains. Sand, loam, clay or limestone. Seasonally flooded stream beds; plains; overflow areas"
We would first suggest you take another look at the blooms with the possibility of whiteflies on the blooms, as discussed in our previously answered question above. Also, make sure the roots of your plant are not standing in soggy soil, and particularly that you are not sprinkling it from above.
From the Image Gallery
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Poppies on Pflugerville, TX lake
April 26, 2008 - I live on the new Pflugerville Lake. We are trying to get wildflower seed to plant around the lake in the mitigation areas. Will Poppies grow here?
view the full question and answer
Green blooms on Cedar Sage in Lucas TX
September 22, 2010 - I have two Cedar Sage (Salvia roemeriana) one purchased from your plant sale and one from a local nursery planted in part shade in the Dallas area.
They seem to be quite happy and are blooming but ...
view the full question and answer
Plants for underneath oak tree
October 10, 2012 - I have a North facing wall of my house that gets half sunlight half shade depending on the season. I would like to layout some native South Texas plants and complete fill in area to prevent the live o...
view the full question and answer
Garden planning for wedding in Tallahassee
July 18, 2012 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I would love your advice on creating a Wildflower Garden Plan. Earlier this spring in Tallahassee (North Florida). I sowed Wildflowers for the first time to see what would blo...
view the full question and answer
Blue mistflowers not blooming in Houston
June 09, 2012 - My blue mist flower plants are not blooming, but they did last summer. I have tried spreading manure, but it hasn't worked. What should I use to stimulate blooms. Thanks.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |