Q: Why is my plumbago shrub not doing well? I have seen the one in the UF/IFAS Nassau County Demonstration Garden and the ones at your Yulee satellite office. They all look beautiful. What am I doing wrong?… Read More
A: Several people have called in telling me they are experiencing problems with this shrub. While some of the species seem to be doing quite well, others appear to be dying limb by limb. First, be sure the… Read More
Q: This year, we noticed that one of the hydrangeas was not fully blooming, and then my hubby noticed mites/aphids underneath the leaves. Some of the leaves at the very ends look almost burnt or fried and the… Read More
A: Your plant is showing signs of Cercospora leaf spot which is a disease caused by the fungus Cercospora hydrangeae. The spots will start out as small circular purple dots which later will turn tan or grey. Small… Read More
Q: Some of my camellias are not looking their best. The leaves of a few of them are brownish-gray. They seem to have specks of something all over them but I can not tell exactly what they are. … Read More
A: There are environmental reasons for browning of camellia flower petals such as cold temperatures, too much sun or severe wind exposure. However, there is a serious disease of camellias which can cause the flower petals to turn… Read More
A: The leaves on the camellia have wilted but I suspect the culprit is a root rot. Your camellia probably does not have the same disease causing agent, Phytophthora ramorum, as sudden oak death (SOD). You have no… Read More
A: There are several possibilities. It could be the Cranberry rootworm beetles, Rhabdopterus picipes, or the Black vine weevil. Both of these insect adults feed mostly at night. Both have larval stages feed on roots during part of… Read More
A: Most likely a fungus is causing the leaf spot on your azalea leaves. Be sure the irrigation heads are not hitting the leaves directly; it would be better for the plant to receive water at the root… Read More
A: Your vine belongs to the smilax family and is called Laurel greenbrier, Smilax laurifolia. It is an evergreen vine which produces a large, starchy root. The leaves are alternate, simple with a waxy covering. If left unchecked,… Read More
