Little Gem Magnolia
If you like the Louisiana State Flower (Magnolia) but you want a smaller tree to produce it, an option is the “Little Gem” Southern Magnolia. This is a slow-growing hybrid (cultivar) of the Magnolia grandiflora that is sometimes called a “dwarf”.
This cultivar has a compact, upright growth habit that can reach 30-35 feet in height with a spread of 8-12 feet and flowers at two to three years old.
Brief Recognition Factors
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Branch spread and height smaller than traditional Magnolia grandiflora.
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Leaves are smaller and more “golden rust” color on underside.
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Blossoms are smaller, but just as pretty .
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Can be planted in smaller settings.
Some Negative Aspects.
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Slow growing.
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Scale insects can be a problem.
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Subject to leaf spot and blights.
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Leaf fall can be messy.
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Root damage can severely damage or kill tree.
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Prone to girdling roots.
This tree can be used as a dense screen or windbreak where there is plenty of soil space for root expansion.
If you like magnolia trees, this can be a good addition for a small residential property or business.
Hibiscus Whiteflies
The hibiscus plants are showing a pretty display of flowers now. You need to keep a close eye on the underside of the foliage as we are beginning to see a high population of adult and nymph whiteflies.
You can detect their presence by the sooty mold on the leaves an if you flip the leaves over, you see the white fly adults and nymphs with what looks like strings of angel hair or white-cottony material underneath the leaves.
They are hard to control. Treat with insecticides that include hibiscus on the label.
Most insecticidal sprays and summer horticulture oil sprays will work, but it may take several sprayings to effectively control on large plants.
Bluebonnets
We have several individuals that are growing bluebonnets in the parish. They are most often called Texas bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis) and are native wild flowers that have a blue flower spike with white coloring at the tips.
Yes they can be grown here and do quite well. So, how do we get them started?
Bluebonnet plants are now regularly available at some retail garden centers in Louisiana during late winter and early spring according to LSU Ag Center Horticulturist. They can be planted into the landscape at that time and will last through May. Another option is fall sowing of seed.
This needs to be done until around mid November. Bluebonnets do not like wet feet or clayey type soils. They like a raised bed with incorporation of organic matter or good silty loam soil. A full sun location is needed. Sow seeds at a rate of 1 pound per 75 square feet of bed area. Seeds need to be slightly raked into the soil or lightly covered. Keep moist but not wet until germination occurs (15 – 60 days).
If planting transplants, the spacing is 12 inches between plants within a row and 24 inches between plants between rows. One source of bluebonnet seeds is Wildseed Farms – http://www.wildseedfarms.com/.
Vegetables to Plant in July
Transplant tomatoes and bell peppers in mid-July for fall production. Plant okra, southern peas, cucumbers, squash, cantaloupes, pumpkins and watermelons. Mid July seed broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, collards and winter squash.
Question: Is silver maple a good tree for this area?
Answer: No. They grow fast but die out soon. They get a fungal disease that causes cankers on the trunk and branches. A better choice would be a Drummond Red Maple.