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.

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.

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.

A written overview of plants being evaluated in the sun garden landscape area at the Hammond Research Station in 2008.

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.

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.

The newest ornamental sweet potato cultivars are the 'Sweet Caroline' series. These are being evaluated in LSU AgCenter landscape plant trials.

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.

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.

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.