US (LA): Landscape plants featured at Jenkins lecture
Gary Bachman of the Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi told the audience of landscape contractors about leading landscape plants doing well in Mississippi. His recommendations included Supertunia varieties Picasso and Bubblegum, Zahara zinnia, vincas and hydrangeas.
Bubblegum Supertunia produces such a large, colorful plant that it can show up on Google Earth, Bachman said as he showed a slide of a pink plant next to his own home.
LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings reviewed new plants that have come on the market during the past few years.
The bedding plant trials at the Hammond station included new vinca varieties that have better disease resistance, double zinnias, ornamental sweet potatoes, Cannova cannas and New Guinea impatiens.
LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings reviews new plants that have come on the market during the past few years during an industry open house at the Hammond Research Station on May 12. Photo by Rick Bogren/LSU AgCenter
Monarch Promise is a new variegated milkweed that attracts Monarch butterflies, and Vermillionaire cuphea attracts bees and hummingbirds, he said.
Distylium is a new plant species that makes a good foundation plant, and Limelight hydrangea is a colorful plant choice, Owings said.
LSU AgCenter researcher Yan Chen explained how crape myrtle bark scale is causing problems in many areas of Louisiana.
She has several insect growth regulators in trials to try to identify those that may be effective against the insect. “Horticultural oils or contact insecticides also can be used as alternatives to neonicotinoids.” she said.
AgCenter researcher Jason Stagg outlined the AgCenter Plants with Potential program. “A core component of the program is offering plants that can be propagated without any restrictions,” Stagg said.
Gary Bachman of the Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi tells the audience of landscape contractors about leading landscape plants doing well in Mississippi during an industry open house at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station on May 12. Photo by Rick Bogren/LSU AgCenter
Plant species or varieties selected for the program currently have limited or no distribution and little use in the state. Using non-patented plant material free from propagation restrictions can present a significant cost savings and lower risk of offering these new selections, Stagg said.
The AgCenter has recommended seven additional plants for 2017. They are: variegated Ganges primrose, Philippine violet, Grandpa’s Pumpkin Patch lantana, bellpepper basil, Rebel Child salvia, dwarf light blue porterweed and white turnera.
Rogers Leonard, AgCenter associate vice president, announced to the group that Regina Bracy, southeast region director, and Owings are both retiring from the AgCenter at the end of June.
Searches for their replacements are underway, and industry advisory panels will have the opportunity to meet candidates and offer suggestions and feedback, he said.
“Help us make the right choices as we move forward,” Leonard said.
Source: LSU