Home > Lawn & Garden > Home Gardening > Flowers > Coleus Landscape Trials for 2008 - The Top Performers [Image: red hot rio] Forty three coleus varieties were trialed in landscape evaluation plots at the Hammond Research Station in 2008. Top performers were Red Hot Rio, Big Red Judy, Zen Moment, Lancelot, Ruby Ruffles, Mariposa, Henna, Indian Summer (not pictured), Royal Glissade, Pineapple Splash and Fishnet Stockings. Here is a photo gallery. Results are based on plant vigor, foliage attractiveness, and resistance to flowering. Plants were grown in full sun. Marigolds Effective Against the Southern Rootknot Nematode [Image: yellow marigolds] Marigolds produce substances that are toxic to at least one or more kinds of nematodes. Petunias are Popular Bedding Plant [Image: petunias] Information on the use of petunias in our Louisiana home landscapes. All-America Rose Selections named for 2008 [Image: Mardi Gras rose] (Distributed 01/18/08) With the New Year come announcements of ornamental plant winners. One popular competition is the All-America Rose Selections. AARS winners for 2008 are Mardi Gras and Dream Come True.  more articles... Horticulturist Says Rose Care Needed in Late Summer [Image: Pruning] Louisiana in August may not be the most enjoyable time to work in the yard, but rose bushes need attention to ensure good performance this fall, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. Hot Weather Gardening: Freshen with new flowers, pruning, pest control [Image: zinnias] Yards and gardens generally look a little frayed by this time of the year. The final really hot days that usually come at the end of a long, hot summer are especially hard on plants, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill. Daylilies Good for Late Spring and Early Summer Color [Image: Daylillies] Daylilies are one of the most popular flowering plants for late spring and early summer landscapes in Louisiana. Many new flower forms and flower colors are now available. Growing Gladilous in Louisiana [Image: Gladiola] Gladiolus, or sword lily, has been a favorite of Southern gardeners for generations. LSU AgCenter Scientists Testing Weed Control For Louisiana Iris Growers [Image: Louisiana Iris] LSU AgCenter scientists are nearing the end of a two-year weed control study designed to help Louisiana iris growers save money. It is the only weed control study in the state concentrating on field production of Louisiana iris, and its purpose is to increase yields and reduce weed competition. Consider Profusion Zinnias For Great Warm-season Bedding Plants [Image: Profusion Orange] One of the newest groups of zinnias catching on the last five years have been the Profusion series. These zinnias are rapidly gaining popularity among home gardeners and landscape professionals. All-American Daylilies Chosen For 2006 [Image: Buttered Popcorn Daylily] A relatively new category has been added to All-America Selections, home of the popular All-America Rose Selections, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. That group is daylilies. Plan Color Scheme for Your Cool-season Landscape October is a transitional month in Louisiana flower gardens. Many warm season annuals have finished or are finishing, and gardeners' thoughts are just beginning to turn to cool-season bedding plants for fall, winter and spring color. Jefferson, Orleans Soil Contamination May Not Be As Serious As Feared LSU AgCenter experts say soil contamination in Jefferson and Orleans parishes from flooding after this summer’s hurricanes may not be as serious as originally feared. Initial results of tests conducted in October indicate no need for special preparations to the soils prior to planting and that there should be no danger for individuals digging or planting in the soil. Photo Gallery: Sweet Peas [Image: Sweet Peas] Sweet peas are an excellent cool-season annual for Louisiana. The flowers are popular for cutting and bundling because they come in an array of colors and have an intoxicating scent. Seeds should be sown directly in the garden in October or transplanted from containers in November. Sweet peas are vines so the plants need support (fence, netting, etc.) or a trellis to grow on. Sweet peas start blooming in late March and last up to two months, longer if deadheaded regularly. Click for more information...