Azaleas are spring showoffs, even though some newer varieties now bloom in other seasons. Most of us may not realize that azaleas represent the main nursery crop grown in many states in the southeast and along the Gulf Coast. In Louisiana, they represent 7% of all nursery plants grown.There are many factors that play a role in the success or failure of an azalea planting in a landscape. These issues include planting time, sun exposure, soil pH, bed preparation and more. . .

(Distributed 07/29/11) It’s the time of the year, or at least one of the times of the year, when home gardeners have crape myrtle questions. We will answer a few here.

(Distributed 07/08/11) Many great plants perform well in summer and fall in Louisiana. Some of these are tropical-like in appearance, including esperanzas, Pride of Barbados and cassava. All of these are low-maintenance in the landscape.

(Distributed 07/01/11) Louisiana has many great plants that thrive in summer and fall. Some are tropical-like in appearance. They include cassias, princess flowers (also called tibouchinas) and durantas. All are low-maintenance.

(Distributed 06/16/11) Azaleas either do great in Louisiana, or they do poorly. The LSU AgCenter regularly receives questions on azalea issues this time of year, but more inquiries than usual have come this spring.

(For Release On Or After 06/17/11) There is still time to add colorful bedding plants to your landscape, but it’s important for you to choose plants that are able to thrive in the intense heat of a Louisiana summer. Summer bedding plants come in a variety of heights, textures and colors, and they are adapted to grow in everything from moist, shady areas to hot, dry, sunny locations.

Landscapes across the Florida parishes area are under significant drought stress at the current time. Rainfall has been lacking over the past two months with only 2.0 inches recorded at the LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station. Lawns and landscapes need to be properly irrigated and maintained at this time.

There are seven new lantanas from Plant Introductions in Georgia that we are evaluating at the Hammond Research Station.

320 Louisiana Master Gardeners attending an “Appreciation Day” at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station on Friday, May 13 were provided an opportunity to vote for their two “favorite” plants in the sun garden plant trial evaluation area at the station.

Over 500 cultivars of annual bedding plants (cool- and warm-season), herbaceous perennials, roses and companion shrubs are being evaluated currently at the LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station in the sun garden trial area. Here is a brief summary of a few of these plants from February-May 2011.