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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Thursday - July 22, 2010
From: Bay Point, CA
Region: California
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Suckers on non-native crape myrtle in Bay Point CA
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
How can I stop suckers on a Crepe Myrtle tree? I have bought sucker stopper in the past, but find it hard to locate now. Is there something else I can spray or paint on the base of the tree to stop the suckers? Thank youANSWER:
Legerstroemia indica, Crapemyrtle, is native to temperate and tropical Asia. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the growth, protection and propagation of plants native not only to North America but to the areas in which the plants are being grown. However, from The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension website, here is an article on Crape Myrtle Culture, Pages 3 and 4 of this document covers both pruning and control of suckers. They do mention a growth inhibitor for the suckers, but ordinarily just snipping them off will suffice, although you will have to keep doing it-there are no permanent fixes in Nature.More Non-Natives Questions
Planting petunias around base of oak tree from Houma LA
March 30, 2013 - I live in south Louisiana and I want to plant petunias. Can I plant petunias around the base of an oak tree?
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native corkscrew willow in Homerville GA
May 25, 2009 - I have a corkscrew willow tree and it the branches are turning dark and dying. What could be the problem?
view the full question and answer
Growing non-native Cabernet Sauvignon vines in Central Texas
July 01, 2013 - Hi. I recently moved into a remodeled home in Taylor, TX, and have experimented with Cabernet Savignon vines before. I have a 1/2 acre and a chain-link fence I want to put vines on. (I have a book o...
view the full question and answer
Replacement for grass under non-native weeping willow from Yorba Linda CA
April 24, 2012 - What would be a good replacement for the grass currently growing under a weeping willow? Something requiring low maintenance, the problem is with mowing over and around the roots.
view the full question and answer
White spots on Hibiscus leaves
August 06, 2008 - My hibiscus trees have white spots or splotches on the leaves. What is it and what can I do to get rid of it?
Also, the birds are eating my tomatoes faster than i can grow them. I've used the owl &...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |