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News By Department: Plant and Soil Sciences

The bloom of the Titan arum is an inflorescence, a collection of many individual flowers. This inflorescence is composed of a petal-like structure called a spathe that has a ruffled edge. The spathe surrounds a fleshy central spike called a spadix. Male and female flowers are produced in rings at the base of the spadix. (Photo by MSU Extension/Gary Bachman)
June 27, 2016 - Filed Under: Flower Gardens

Most of the time, I write about what I think are great landscape plants for gardeners in Mississippi to try in their landscapes. But this column is a bit different as I’m writing about a plant I don’t recommend for the home gardener.

So I ask your pardon while I turn to my alter ego as a plant nerd.

At the South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station in Poplarville, a very unusual plant is going to bloom shortly. Called a titan arum, this plant originates a long way from Mississippi -- in Indonesia.

Hardy hibiscuses can withstand Mississippi winters and have massive flowers. Many bright and beautiful colors are available, such as this Summerific Cherry Cheesecake. (Photo by MSU Extension/Gary Bachman)
June 20, 2016 - Filed Under: Flower Gardens

Hibiscus has to be one of the best groups of plants you can have in your garden and landscape. Here’s several reasons why.

The deep purple of a Sweet Caroline Bewitched sweet potato vine grows alongside the Bright Ideas Rusty Red and Bright Ideas Lime varieties, with Diamond Frost Euphorbia providing a pop of tiny white flowers. (Photo by MSU Extension/Gary Bachman)
June 13, 2016 - Filed Under: Flower Gardens

The Old Farmer’s Almanac says the official start of summer is June 20 at 6:34 p.m., but after this past weekend, I’m convinced we’re already into summer.

Vitex flower spikes can reach 18 inches long. During the initial flush, the show of flowers may resemble a hazy blue or purplish cloud. (Photo by MSU Extension/Gary Bachman)
June 6, 2016 - Filed Under: Flower Gardens

The first week of June is one of my favorite times in Mississippi landscapes and gardens. This is the time of the year when the vitex begins to bloom with the regularity of Old Faithful.

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