Native Plants
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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.
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Monday - November 30, 2009
From: Granbury, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Problems with non-native Ligustrum in Granbury TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Hi, I am hoping you can tell me why my Ligustrum is dropping leaves? At purchase I was told they are evergreen. We are using them for a privacy hedge and would like to prevent any more leaf drop. They were planted about 6 months ago. Should I fertilize now? Thank you.ANSWER:
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is committed to the care, use and propagation of plants native to North America and to the area in which they are being grown. The various species of Ligustrum are native to China, Japan and Korea, and therefore fall out of our range of expertise. Furthermore, this plant can become invasive and is subject to many pests and diseases. We found this website from the University of Florida IFAS Extension on Ligustrum japonicum that might give you some clues on the problems you are experiencing.More Non-Natives Questions
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Bringing Non-native Cannas out of Winter Storage
February 15, 2013 - Mr. Smarty Plants - Is it possible to force canna tubers? Would placing them on a heating pad help? I am in Ohio -
zone 5.
Thank you
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Native replacement for bamboo from Houston
May 21, 2013 - I've read one reply where you do not advise using Bamboo as a privacy fence plant. What do you suggest in its place? The suggestions on the one I read will not work for me. Your suggestions were My...
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Non-blooming toad lily in Kentucky
April 20, 2008 - I have had a toad lily for three years and it has never bloomed. What do I need to do?
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Locating toxic, non-native, invasive Castor Bean seeds
March 04, 2006 - Where do I find castor bean seeds? Thank you.
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