Plants initiated in Spring 2010 (first year data):

This completes the twelfth year of the statewide plant evaluation program. The current team of cooperators includes Dr. Jim Robbins, Dr. Jon Lindstrom and Qingfang Chen.

The three test sites are the Hope Research Center (USDA cold hardiness zone 8), Little Rock (zone 7a), and the Fayetteville Horticulture Research farm (zone 6b). As much as possible, the three test sites were prepared in a similar manner. Full sun plants were grown in row-type beds 3' wide with a 7' grass alley. Plant groups are planted together (i.e. trees are planted together). Trees are spaced 10' apart, shrubs 6' apart, and herbaceous perennials 4' apart. The Little Rock site was planted on April 16, 2010; Fayetteville was planted on May 25, 2010; Hope planted on April 21, 2010. Irrigation at all three sites is by a drip system. Plants were fertilized and mulched after planting. Post-emergent herbicides were used at all three test sites. No disease or insect control was implemented during the first year. To maintain a tree-like habit, trees are pruned following final growth measurements. Pruning consists of removing the bottom one-third of limbs. SHRUBS are NOT pruned. Final growth measurements were taken at Little Rock on October 1; Fayetteville on October 10; and Hope on September 28.

Weather data at all three test sites is summarized. 

 

2010 Average Monthly High and Low Temperatures

View larger image

 

Precipitation

View larger image

 

Ratings

		Width	Height	Caliper (6")
	Rating	(growth after 1 year)
Lagerstroemia x 'Delta Jazz'		41	29
Lagerstroemia 'Early Bird White'		24	30
Lagerstroemia 'Early Bird Purple'		24	28
Lagerstroemia 'Early Bird Lavender'		19	24
Pieris 'Mountain Snow'		13	14
Michelia maclurei		27

Rating

CJ = cannot judge due to insufficient information or other reasons
1 = Plant has performed well statewide
2 = Plant has performed well in zones 7a and 8.
3 = Plant performed fair statewide
4 = Plant performed fair zones 7a & 8
5 = Plant not recommended
6 = Plant performed well in 6b, poor in 7a & 8
7 = Plant performed fair in 6b, poor in 7a & 8

---

Lagerstroemia x 'Delta Jazz'

Three-gallon plants were donated by Flowerwood Nursery. There were no plant losses at the end of the first growing season. Average plant size statewide is 41" tall by 29" wide and a year-end growth index (GI) of 0.504 m³. Flowers are very striking. Medium-pink flowers contrast well against the darker burgundy foliage.

---

Lagerstroemia 'Early Bird White

Three-gallon plants were donated by Flowerwood Nursery. There were no plant losses at the end of the first growing season. Average plant size statewide is 24" tall by 30" wide and a year-end growth index (GI) of 0.288 m³. Flowering on White and Lavender is earlier than Purple.