Oriental or Saucer Magnolia
This is a small widely grown flowering tree planted throughout the south. The scientific name is Magnolia X soulangiana. It obtains a height of about 20 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide.
Oriental magnolia will grow well in full sunlight and well-drained loose, loamy soil. It is noted for its open, saucer-shaped flowers that are four to six inches across, purplish or rose colored outside with a creamy-white to pale pink center.
The flowers appear in late winter and early spring before the foliage.
Brief Recognition Factors
- Smooth, gray multi-trunked form.
- Highly fragrant flowers.
- Flowers late winter and early spring.
- Many cultivars with various colors to choose from.
This is a small accent tree that can be planted near the home or structure.
Negative Aspects of the Tree
- Well drained soil is needed to do well.
- Leaf spot is common disease on newly planted trees.
- Scale insects attack tree.
If taken care of and fertilized well and planted in a well drained area, this tree will provide colorful flowers in the late winter and early spring months.
Ornamental Sweet Potatoes
I have received a few calls about a low growing vine that looks like a sweet potato vine but real bright green.
These are ornamental sweet potato vines that are being widely planted in the landscape areas. The newest line for home owners and commercial landscapers is the Sweet Caroline group. Currently this Sweet Caroline series is available in green/yellow, red, light green, bronze and purple.
Ornamental sweet potatoes have been selected for shorter internode lengths and reduced root size. They are more compact and mounded in habit.
They are widely being used throughout the landscape industry and add unique color and growth form to landscape bed areas.
Hummingbird Feeders
The ruby-throated hummingbird migrates here. Questions arise about feeders and how often do you need to replace the sugar water food and clean the feeder. The standard answers are generally every three to seven days, depending on if it is hot. There is not much scientific data published on this, so a group of Wildlife Management Techniques students at LSU are testing the hypothesis that hummers prefer fresh food over older food. Preliminary data – the ruby-throated hummingbirds are a lot less finicky than internet sources suggest. Birds don’t start showing a clean preference for fresh food unless the old food is two weeks old. This looks good as it will mean less time at the sink washing the feeders.
This project has led other students to guage whether birds feeding on fresh food are in better health than birds feeding on the 14-day old food. Once data is collected on this, information will be passed along.
Vegetables to Plant in January
Beets, carrots, radishes, turnips, cabbage, broccoli, mustard, spinach, kale and Irish potatoes. Transplant onions, shallots and celery.
Question
Do citrus trees require annual fertilization?
Answer
Citrus trees require annual fertilization for good growth and high yields of good size, high quality fruit.
Question
When is the best time to fertilize citrus trees?
Answer
After the second year of growth, fertilize citrus trees in late January or early February.
Question
Can I get information on fertilizing citrus trees?
Answer
Yes, we have a very good publication – number 1234, titled Louisiana Home Citrus Production.