Louisiana Super Plants: The MVPs of Your Garden
The LSU Ag Center has done the homework for us with their Louisiana Super Plants program, highlighting top-notch plants that grow well across the state. These are the all-stars that will thrive in our unique climate and soil conditions.
1. Camelia sasanqua
Why It’s Great: Camellias are practically made for Southern gardens, giving you gorgeous blooms from fall into winter. The Camelia sasanqua is a tough cookie, adapting well to our acidic soil and looking fabulous in groups.
Planting Tips: These beauties love partial shade and well-drained soil. Throw some mulch around them to keep the roots happy during our hot summers.
2. Azalea ‘G.G. Gerbing’
Why It’s Great: Who doesn’t love a classic azalea? The ‘G.G. Gerbing’ variety brings large, white blooms in spring and can handle our heat. Perfect for that dreamy, Southern garden look.
Planting Tips: These prefer partial shade and soil rich in organic matter. Don’t forget to keep them watered, especially during those dry spells.
3. Sweet Olive (Osmanthus fragrans)
Why It’s Great: Sweet Olive isn’t just a pretty face—this evergreen shrub smells amazing and fits right into our warm, humid climate.
Planting Tips: Give it some sun to partial shade, and you’ll have a low-maintenance, fragrant addition to your garden that needs only a little pruning.
4. Encore Azalea
Why It’s Great: Encore Azaleas give you blooms over and over throughout the growing season. Plus, they resist pests and diseases, so less worry for you.
Planting Tips: Filtered sunlight or partial shade is best. Make sure the soil drains well and has a slight acidity to it.
5. Blue Daze (Evolvulus glomeratus)
Why It’s Great: Looking for a ground cover that’s tough as nails? Blue Daze is drought-tolerant and perfect for those sunny spots.
Planting Tips: Full sun is the way to go. These plants are low-maintenance and only need watering when things get really dry.
A Few More Favorites for the Northshore
These plants might not have the official “Super Plant” title, but they’ll still bring your garden to life:
1. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
Why It’s Great: Crape Myrtles are like the cherry on top of a summer garden—heat-tolerant with stunning blooms. Plus, they shrug off powdery mildew like it’s nothing.
Planting Tips: Give them full sun and well-drained soil. Pruning in late winter helps them burst into bloom when summer rolls around.
2. Louisiana Iris
Why It’s Great: This native plant loves wet spots, so if you’ve got a low area or a spot near water, it’s a perfect match. And let’s face it, the colors are just spectacular in spring.
Planting Tips: Full sun to partial shade, with plenty of moisture, will keep these happy.
3. Lantana
Why It’s Great: Tough, drought-resistant, and butterfly-friendly—Lantana is a fantastic choice for our hot summers. It brings bold colors that last.
Planting Tips: Full sun and well-drained soil will do the trick. Just water them now and then if it’s particularly dry.
Making It Work: Tips for a Thriving Garden
Test Your Soil: Before you plant, check your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. The LSU Ag Center offers soil testing that’s super helpful.
Mulch: Mulching keeps your soil moist, cuts down on weeds, and stabilizes temperatures. Plus, it looks neat!
Water Wisely: Summers here are no joke. Keep an eye on your watering, especially with new plantings, but don’t drown them—good drainage is key.
Wrap-Up
Creating a garden in Mandeville, Covington, Abita Springs, or Madisonville that looks like it belongs in a magazine isn’t just about picking pretty plants. It’s about choosing the right plants that thrive here and planting them in groups for that full, flowing look. With these Louisiana Super Plants and a few extra favorites, you’re well on your way to a garden that’ll turn heads.
For more tips and detailed planting info, definitely check out the LSU Ag Center's website. Happy planting!
