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 - April 10, 2016
From: San Antonio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pests, Shrubs
Title: Red bugs have appeared on my Texas mountain laurel
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
What should I do about the red bugs on my mountain laurel?ANSWER:
The red bugs are most likely Lopidea major. These lnsects can disfigure the TX mountain laurel foliage, but they do not cause serious damage. They are difficult to eliminate with insecticides because they are members of the True bug order, which feed on foliage by piercing the leaves and sucking out the contents. They thereby avoid insecticides sprayed onto the leaf surfaces. And the waxy leaf cuticle prevents the plant to efficiently take up systemic-type insecticides. It is probably best to leave them alone or, for cosmetic purposes, spray them off with a hose. In any case, they willl disappear in time, leaving the plant unharmed.
More Shrubs Questions
Hardy shrub for Canton, MI
May 06, 2009 - I have an 8' x 8' area between my front walk and driveway. I am interested in filling up the space (especially in height) with a shrub or tree. This area gets a lot of wind in the cold MI winter,...
view the full question and answer
Shrubs for privacy in wet area in Ohio
July 13, 2011 - I am looking for flowering shrubs for Ohio that reach 8-10 feet and can handle wet feet. I am trying to avoid building a wall for privacy and would like to use flowering shrubs instead.
view the full question and answer
Trees & Shrubs for a NY Slope
July 03, 2012 - Our community has a large steep slope (100'high by at least 600' wide) that is sunny & dry. The builders planted "wild flower seeds" on the slope that is now just weeds. We would like to know what...
view the full question and answer
Sap oozing from trunks of Cherry Laurels in Austin, TX
January 24, 2015 - I have several mature compact cherry laurels whose leaves are beginning to turn yellow. They are in raised beds, have been properly fertilized, have compost spread around them, and are properly water...
view the full question and answer
Junipers for restoring area in Bulverde TX
November 03, 2012 - Are ashe or virginiana junipers for sale around the hill country? I would like to recreate the natural plant life that was bulldozed next to my home. Do you recommend any other types of juniper that ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |