A photo gallery of the new 'Sun Spun' petunia varieties (Ball FloraPlant) from landscape trial plantings at the Hammond Research Station.

Photo gallery of varieties in the 'Songbird' series columbines from landscape trials at the Hammond Research Station, spring 2009.

Photo gallery of varieties in the Swan series columbines from landscape trials at the Hammond Research Station, spring 2009.

The LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station evaluates landscape plants for adaptability to Louisiana's growing conditions. Here are some photos of "nice looking" plants from late April 2009.

The LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station evaluates landscape plants for adaptability to Louisiana's growing conditions. Here are some photos of "nice looking" plants from early and mid April 2009.

The LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station evaluates landscape plants for adaptability to Louisiana's growing conditions. Here are some photos of "nice looking" plants from late March 2009.

What mulch in your landscape using colors from your favorite teams. The newest mulch to debut in south Louisiana in the last couple months is Sports Mulch. This new mulch is one display at the Landscape Horticulture Research and Extension Center located at the LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station.

Vinca series were evaluated at Burden Center in Baton Rouge in 2005 for landscape performance. Series evaluated were: ‘Sunstorm’ (8 cultivars and a mix), ‘Cooler’ (12 cultivars and a mix), ‘Victory’ (9 cultivars), ‘Titan’ (3 cultivars), ‘Pacifica’ (13 cultivars and two mixes), ‘Sunglow’ (1 cultivar), ‘Sundress’ (1 cultivar), ‘Sunshower’ (5 cultivars), ‘Mediterranean’ (6 cultivars and a mix) and ‘Nirvana’ (2 cultivars). The results are in the attached PDF file.

The Profusion series of zinnias from Sakata Seed continues to expand. Starting in 2009, 13 varieties will be available. New double-flower forms are debuting. In addition, we still have the old, good-performing standbys -- Orange, White, Cherry (improved), Fire, and Apricot. See photos of all the Profusion zinnias in this PowerPoint presentation.

Ball FloraPlant, a division of Ball Horticulture, debuted three exciting new coleus varieties this year. These are vegetatively propagated and recommended for full sun plantings. Henna and Indian Summer have been top performers in our LSU AgCenter landscape trials at the Hammond Research Station in 2008 and Mocha Mint has been an above average performer.