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)
Thursday - June 18, 2015
From: Blanco, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders
Title: Dying Damianita in Blanco, TX.
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
My Damianita bloomed its heart out and since all the rain here in Blanco the biggest plants turned brown and look dead. I've trimmed back some and do see green stems. Will they come back? How far should I trim them back or should I leave them. I know they don't like water. They are about 3 years old and were beautiful. Now look dead. Thank you for your help.ANSWER:
You are correct; Damianita (Chrisactinia mexicana), a native to dry, rocky habitats, resents being waterlogged. You did the right thing by cutting your plants back, but only time will tell whether or not they will recover. A trick to help Damianita to survive rainy weather is to plant it in well-drained soil on a slope or on a mound above the surrounding soil-level.
More Diseases and Disorders Questions
Problems with hibiscus in Florida
November 09, 2008 - Have a hibiscus in Florida. It has always done beautifully planted in the ground. This year, it has developed something where the branches are sort of white, and the buds (and ends of branches) look ...
view the full question and answer
Moth using Agarita as its larval food in New Braunfels, TX
March 27, 2009 - What moth uses agarita as its larval food? It is a perennial problem that can nearly defoliate the specimen and severely limit its flower production.
view the full question and answer
Grasshopper-resistant landscape plants?
May 20, 2009 - We have a ton of grasshoppers in our area. I would like to plant bushes and flowers that the grasshoppers will not eat. Can you suggest any??
view the full question and answer
Spots on persimmon tree leaves from Dripping Springs TX
July 10, 2013 - We are in rural Hays County Texas off Hamilton Pool Rd Texas. Large persimmon trees are turning yellow, blackish spots on underside of leaves. What do we do?
view the full question and answer
Bark problems with Monterrey oak from Austin
September 15, 2012 - I planted a 65 gallon Monterrey Oak (White Oak) in my front yard in February of this year. I water it once a week.
All of the leaves and branches appear very healthy and there is no discoloration....
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |