Q: We built our house 10 years ago. A local landscaping company (no longer in business) planted a dwarf magnolia tree in a sunny spot. The tree is now 20 feet tall. Were we actually sold a dwarf tree?

A: Southern magnolias ("Magnolia grandiflora") grow to be 60 to 75 feet tall and 35 to 40 feet wide at maturity. About 35 years ago, a dwarf form called 'Little Gem' was brought into the marketplace, and it's been a popular way of having the grace and beauty of magnolias without having the huge mature size. 'Little Gem' grows to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide, so it's half-size in all respects to its big sister.

More recently, a smaller-still variety called 'Teddy Bear' has become available. It matures at 16 to 18 feet tall and 12 or 14 feet wide, yet it has full-size leaves and flowers. So, yes, it sounds like your landscaper provided exactly what was promised.

Q: I've attached photos of my fig trees. They both bear fruit, but neither plant is growing well at all. Can you figure out what I'm doing wrong? Each tree is several years old.

A: The plants look healthy - ample growth this spring and leaves of good size. There are dead stems that suggest the plants might have gotten dry last year or the autumn before. That will stunt or even stop growth.

You could apply a light dose of nitrogen (one-half cup per plant) to them now to promote a bit of vigorous new growth, although it's usually best not to apply much fertilizer at all to figs.

Mulch over their roots with 3 or 4 inches of shredded tree leaves or compost and soak them regularly during the summer. Weekly waterings during all that heat last year would have been necessary.

Q:I have a white substance growing on my crape myrtle twigs and leaves in the Dallas area. What is it, and how do I deal with it?

A: If you had asked me this 10 years ago, I would have said you had powdery mildew, the fungal problem that always has plagued older varieties of crape myrtles in Texas.

However, since 2005, parts of North Texas have seen a new scale insect attacking crape myrtles, particularly in cool, moist weather. It is still being identified.

Systemic insecticides such as Merit applied as a soil drench in late April or early May and again in July seem to give the best control.

You may also see an unusual species of beneficial ladybugs feeding voraciously on the scales. They're black, with two orange spots on their backs. If you see them, or their larvae, leave them alone. They'll probably remove all the scales for you.

Q: My mom had a plant she called a "fireman's bush" because its flowers resembled a fireman's hat. It had thick, red petals. Do you have any idea what that might be?

A: Search the web for "Photos of Erythrina cristi-galli." My bet is that's what you're looking for. It's a curious and strong-growing plant.

Mulch and cover it when temperatures are expected to be in the low 20s.

