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)
Saturday - April 28, 2012
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Pests, Shrubs
Title: What is hollowing out my rosebuds in Austin, TX?
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I recently noticed some of my rose buds had been hollowed out from the inside. I have seen no evidence of insect though. What do you think it is and how can I treat the problem?ANSWER:
First, a word from our sponsor; The mission of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes. While there are over a dozen wild native roses in the US, Mr. Smarty Plants is thinking that you probably have one of the varieties of cultured roses that are hybridized descendants of roses whose origin is China or Europe. These fall outside the focus and expertise of the Lady Bird Johnson Wild flower Center.
However, I’ve been able to find some information that you may find interesting and helpful.
This site from Dave’sgarden.com has an interesting history of native roses and naturalized roses in the US.
The Rose Gardening Guru.com has some rose growing tips and identifies two possible culprits for your rose molestation.
Two other sites with helpful information about growing roses are lillysrosegarden.com, and planet natural.com.
For help from folks here in Austin, you may want to contact the Austin Rose Society.
More Pests Questions
Pests on Fan Tex Ash
July 30, 2015 - We planted a Fan Tex Ash last year on our property. It's doing very well, but there are a lot of large stink bugs, yellow jackets and red wasps on it daily. We cannot seem to find any information on ...
view the full question and answer
Failure to bloom of lantanas in San Antonio
July 22, 2010 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
We have lantanas in our front yard. This summer the leaves have turned white and they die to a brown color all the while the leaves are "crispy". At the beginning of the season...
view the full question and answer
Possible leaf cutter ants in Elgin, TX
December 08, 2014 - I've planted many beautiful native vines and flowering plants this fall. However, in the past week I've noticed something has been eating these plants, including coral honeysuckle vine, salvia, and ...
view the full question and answer
Tree with brown spots on leaves containing caterpillars
July 14, 2011 - We have a new little tree we planted in our yard and I went over to admire it and on each leaf there is a brown spot in which little worms are living. They are alive and moving around in the pocket th...
view the full question and answer
Do Deer Eat Orchid Trees?
March 08, 2013 - I have planted three anacacho orchid trees, however we have a lot of deer around us. Is this a tree they will want to eat? Do you have any ideas to keep deer away?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |