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| Q. I have scale on my burford hollies
and other plants. What do I do? |
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| A. Scale is a small
armored insect that attaches itself to the plant and sucks out the
sap. A severe infestation will drain the plant’s energy and
stunt its health. The leaves may also be covered with sooty mold,
a fungal growth due to the scale’s secretion of honeydew.
If only a few leaves are affected, simply cut them off. Otherwise,
smother the insects with an application of horticultural oil.
In summer, use a light-weight horticultural oil. To stop sooty
mold, use a baking soda or potassium carbonate solution: 1 tsp.
baking soda to a quart of water, mixed with a few drops of liquid
dish soap. If scale persistently attacks, it may be time to select
plants that are not susceptible.
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|  Duranta
(Golden Dewdrop)
Duranta or Golden Dewdrop is a beautiful plant with an arching to
weeping growth habit. Clusters of bright blue flowers are followed
by golden yellow berries.
New flowers form as berries appear, for a simultaneous shower of
gold and blue. A white-flowered form and a blue with white edges
are also available.
Butterflies are attracted to the blooms. In our central Texas climate,
duranta is a tender perennial, freezing to the ground in winter
and returning in spring to reach a height of 4-6 feet depending
on growing conditions. It loves a morning sun with late day shade
location but will take full sun. Mulch the base well in winter to
protect against the cold. Duranta is relatively free of pest and
disease problems.
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<<view past Plants
of the Week
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- Houseplants and other containers that have overwintered indoors
or in the garage can go outside. Gradually introduce them to their
new location under trees or in other bright shady spots. Expect
ficus to lose its leaves. Give everyone a dose of liquid seaweed
or Medina Hasta-Gro to get them off to a good growing start. Be
cautious with granular fertilizers containing salt. If it’s
time to repot, go to the next size up.
- Once the flowers fade on azaleas, spiraeas, Lady Banks roses,
Carolina jasmine, mountain laurels, and other spring-flowering
plants, go ahead and gently shape them.
- Continue planting warm season vegetables.
- In the next few weeks, it’s okay to begin fertilizing
the lawn. You only need about ½ pound of nitrogen per 1,000
square feet. Too much nitrogen will encourage brown patch. Look
for a 4-1-2 or 3-1-2 ratio on the bag.
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