more... > Research Stations > Hammond > Look What's Growing > Vinca Landscape Performance Evaluations from 2005 [Image: burgundy] 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. Profusion Zinnias - 2008 Photo Gallery 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 (warning - very large file size). Ball FloraPlant Coleus - 2008 [Image: mocha mint] 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. Newest Cannas for 2008 - Photo Gallery [Image: tangelo] Three new canna varieties from Horn Canna Farm in Oklahoma debuted in 2008. They are being evaluated in landscape performance trials at the Hammond Research Station.  more articles... 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. Explorer Petunia Cultivars - Photo Gallery [Image: blue] The 'Explorer' petunias are from Sakata Seed and are seed propagated spreading type petunias. They have performed very well in LSU AgCenter landscape trials the last five years. Plant Evaluations - Sun Garden 2008 A written overview of plants being evaluated in the sun garden landscape area at the Hammond Research Station in 2008. Ball FloraPlant, Ball Seed and Pan American Seed Herbaceous Plant Trial Report - 2007 Landscape evaluation observations were taken on new plants from Ball Seed, Pan American Seed and Ball Flora Plant in 2007. Here is the completed report from LSU AgCenter work at Burden Center and the Hammond Research Station. Razzle Dazzle Crape Myrtles - Introduction and Landscape Performance in 2007 [Image: cherry dazzle ] The newest series of crape myrtles are the 'Razzle Dazzle' series. There are hybrids and are dwarf in form. Landscape performance evaluations are underway at the LSU AgCenter. Newest Ornamental Sweet Potatoes [Image: field day photo] The newest ornamental sweet potato cultivars are the 'Sweet Caroline' series. These are being evaluated in LSU AgCenter landscape plant trials. Plush Petunia Cultivars - Photo Gallery [Image: overview] The new 'Plush' series of petunias are the newest of the seed propagated spreading type petunias. They are available from S & G Flowers. Here is photo gallery of the cultivars. Easy Wave Petunia Cultivars - Photo Gallery [Image: blue] The 'Easy Wave' series of petunias are smaller versions of the original 'Wave' series. This group has also allowed for the expansion of flower color options in the series. Here is a photo gallery of the cultivars. Several "mixes" are available also. Tidal Wave Petunia Cultivars - Photo Gallery [Image: cherry] The 'Tidal Wave' series of petunias are hedgiflora type petunias. They are the tallest growing and widest spreading of these petunia groups. Here is a photo gallery of the four cultivars in this series. Wave Petunia Cultivars - Photo Gallery [Image: blue wave] The 'Wave' series of petunias are very popular with commercial landscapers and home gardeners at the current time. Here is a photo gallery of the cultivars. More...