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
Monday - July 11, 2011
From: Liberty Hill, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Planting, Transplants, Watering, Shrubs
Title: Possumhaw losing leaves in Liberty Hill, TX.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I have two female possumhaw trees and one of them is losing its leaves. I planted both of them in February and they were doing very well, getting green and full. What's happening?ANSWER:
Whenever Mr. Smarty Plants hears about plants that have been planted recently and are not doing well, his thoughts turn to transplant shock and watering problems. This case is complicated by the fact that only one of the two plants is suffering. Possumhaw Ilex decidua (Possumhaw) is a beautiful Texas plant whose native distribution includes Williamson County, so lets see what we can do to save your plants.
I’m going to refer you to some links that deal with three important aspects of the problem; planting, watering, and transplant shock.
Planting
Watering
Transplant shock; (also see)
Then of course there is the drought.
From the Image Gallery
More Watering Questions
Why are the leaves of my century plants yellowing?
June 22, 2009 - I am taking care of the Agaves (century plants) for my condo community here in Austin. They are planted in 18" or 20" pots. A couple of the plants have leaves that are yellowing around the bottom....
view the full question and answer
Repotting of lemon cypress for drainage
October 26, 2008 - Hi, I bought a lemon cypress tree in a nice tin,
It is in Plastic and the bottom has about 1.5" of water with no drainage in the plastic or tin.
It will be kept inside. Does the plant need to be in...
view the full question and answer
Problem with American Beautyberry in Houston.
July 02, 2014 - My American Beautyberry is dying one branch at a time. The entire plant looks great, now flowering and starting to put out berries. Then one or two branches will completely die. Trim those off, wi...
view the full question and answer
Yellowing leaves
May 06, 2008 - What causes yellowing of native garden plant leaves?
view the full question and answer
Water eroding corner in Austin
October 25, 2011 - I live close to the Wildflower Center. My yard slopes - as do my neighbors' yards to one corner in my yard. The result is constant moisture in one corner. The rest of the yard is caliche, rocks (m...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |