Common Louisiana Landscape Plants

Lantana

• Lantanas are vine--like plants that can grow upright or in a trailing manner. Their blooms are white, yellow, golden, orange, pink, red or purple. They can be planted in yards but also do well in pots and planters. They require full sun, plenty of water and warmth. These plants like to be fertilized twice every growing season, and can be planted mid-April through summer. The flowers bloom year-round.

Angel Trumpet

• Angel trumpets are vines that grow in tropical environments. The flowers are a soft yellow and white, and trumpet shaped. They need full sun, damp conditions and cool nights. They require biweekly fertilization and plenty of water. Plant in Zones 9 and up.The flowers open at night and close in the morning, and are highly toxic. These plants also fracture easily, and should be planted in protected areas where they are not in risk of falling.

Azaleas

• Azaleas are bush-like plants that grow jewel-bright five-petaled flowers. Flower size can reach 3 inches across in some varieties. Flower colors can range from white and yellow to pink, purple, red and orange. Plant height ranges from 3 to 6 feet in most azaleas, but can reach up to 15 feet in some varieties. Azaleas drop their leaves in fall, but bloom riotously throughout the summer in warm, bright conditions. They require good drainage around their roots. Grows best in Zones 6 to 8.

Agapanthus

• Agapanthus plants are members of the lily family. They originated in South African and are naturally inclined to thrive in warm weather. Agapanthus presents as a long stem with a bushy, many-section head. Each section of the head grows a flower that looks like a small lily. Agapanthus is known as African Lily or Lily of the Nile for this reason. They can reach 2 to 6 feet in height, with long slim leaves that surround the flowering heads. Colors range from white to purple and dark blue. The plants bloom from late spring to early autumn. These plants can be grown as part of a landscape or in pots. Hardy to Zone 7 to 11.