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

Crape myrtles are the most popular summer flowering landscape tree in Louisiana. Here are the keys to blooming issues.

Vinca (Catharanthus roseus) is a very popular warm season annual bedding plant. Recommended cultural practices include a full sun planting location, acid soil, a well-drained bed, limited irrigation and correct variety selection.

The 'Drift' series roses from Conard-Pyle are being evaluated in landscape studies at the LSU AgCenter's Burden Center. Colors are red, pink, coral and peach. New for 2010 will be apricot and sweet.

Green industry professionals attending the landscape horticulture field day at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station in June were given the opportunity to “pick their winning plants” from the sun garden evaluation trial gardens at the station. Over 340 varieties were planted this year. The planting mostly consists of annual bedding plants and herbaceous perennials, but new roses and some “companion” woody ornamental shrubs (such as Southern Living plants) are also included.

A handy reference chart with information on changing soil pH with lime and sulfur applications.

Unfortunately, some plants used for landscapes in Louisiana are considered poisonous in some situations. Click on the link for a list of some that are commonly grown.

A current effort at the Hammond Research Station is the development of a “firewise” landscape around the new office building. We do not hear a lot about this topic in Louisiana, but “firewise” effort in home construction and landscaping needs to be considered.

How long does it take for a newly planted tree to become fully established in the landscape? How much irrigation is required during establishment?

A demonstration of different landscape mulch materials is on-going at the Hammond Research Station. Here are photos of the different mulches currently being evaluated.