RESEARCH 1TI RNR SERYMN
H-eryP. Orr, Kenneth C., Sancderson, 
Fred P. Perry, Jr.,
W-illi s C. Martin, Jr ., and Errol 
J . Donovan
Horticulture Series No 
. 7
AGRICULTURAL EXPERhiNT STATION
OF
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
E.V Smith , 
Director 
Auut16AbunAlam
August 1,066
Auburn, Alabama
RESEARCH RESULTS FOR NURSERYIIEN
1966
1C. SURVIVL GROWTH WOODYJ00D ORNJI NTAS ALONI~G RODSIDE
The Horticulture Department, Auburn University Agriculture Experiment
Station in conjunction with the Alabama Highway Department and the Bureau
of Public Roads, United States Department of Commerce, initiated a study
in April 1963 to determine the method of establishing and adaptability
of woody plants on roadsides. Detailed results giving all plants and -
procedures used are reported in the Alabama Highway Research HPR Report
No. 13, 1965.
Plantings were made on undisturbed rightemof--way, on large cuts, on
small cuts, and on fills. The plantings were made in January, February,
and Iarch 1964.
Sixty species of shrubs and small trees were planted on undisturbed
righto-of-ways at three locations. Per cent survival and rate of growth
were recorded for each species. The data indicate that 4a rnilora
(Glossy Abelia), Elae ffnus puens (Thorny Elaeagnus),Foyjaant edia
(Border Forsythias), hia susens (WeepingForsythia
viridissa. (Greenstem strum lucidum (Glossy Prive),
Lonicera maack (Amur Honeysuckle), Photinia ser (Birmingham Fraser
Photiia), Phjotinia labra (Japanese Photinia37hotinia villosa (Oriental
Photinia), Pyracantha crenata s e rata (Yunnan Chinese Pyracantha), Roia
seudoacaia Black Locut Rossa hu ois (Father Hugo Rose) and t
auscastus (Lilac Ohastetree are excellent plants for roadside usage.
The per cent survival for these species ranged from 85 to 100 per cent.
Twenty species of woody and herbaceous ornamentals were evaluated
for use on large cuts. A total of 240 plants of each species was planted
in January and February of 1964. The outstanding plants in this study
are Jun er j einss r ni (Sargent Chinese Juniper), Juipeu
conf erta (Shore Juniper), ux usabna 
luianc (Vonehron Portuguese
Savin Juniper), Lonicera iaponica halliana (Halls Japanese Honeysuckle),
Lonicera hekrt (.Everblooming Honeysuckle), Robinia hispida (Roseacacia
Locst) Rsa u s (Father Hugo Rose), and Rosa w jcuraiana (iWichura
Rose). Survival of these plants was excellentT 85-f 100 per cent) with
the exception of Robinia his ida which had a survival of 66 per cent.
This plant did not survive in excessively wet areas at bottom of the cut,
but it was very vigorous and suckered freely at the top of cut.
Tientymeight species of woody and herbaceous ornamentals were
e vlu.atedfonr useonn fills. A.total of 1 4lans f ach seiswas
2
Seventeen species of vines, ground 
covers, and herbaceous perennials
were evaluated for use on 
small cuts. Survival, vigor, 
and rate of
growth of these species were 
excellent. The outstanding 
species were
Celastrus orbiculata (Oriental 
Bittersweet), Lonicera 
ha n
(Halls Japanese Honeysuckle), 
Lonicera heckrotF (verblooming 
Hone--
suckle), Lonicera s ervirens 
(Trmpet Honesuckle), 
us
colratus Piu~rplteaf Wintercreeper 
Buonymus , and Hemerocallis 
sp.
(DaySiLy). Survival percentages of these species 
ranged from 95 to
100 per cent.
Five species, selected from 
1964 observations, (Qarus 
cula,
J~upe s conferta, Ju 4gers 
hors. nta -and
Rosa r osawtereplanted along 
a fill in February 1965. Ninety-si
per cent of these plants (120 
of each species) survived. 
Their vigor
and rate of cover were excellent. 
?atus orbiculata was the 
best
plant in this test, 
and it appears to 
be quite adaptable 
to roadside
conditions.
The choice of shrubs, vines, 
and small trees included a few 
native
species. Most of the species 
chosen were introduced plants 
that had
landscape characteristics that 
would be valuable in roadside 
landscape
and for erosion control. Much 
is already known about the 
use and value
of adaptable woody plants 
native to Alabama.Cornusfgrda 
(Flowering
Dogwood), Cercis canadensis (eastern 
Redbud), rea ejfb'a 
(Oak.
leaf Hydrangea), hs sp. 
Sumacs), Gelsemiums 
(Carolina
Jessamine), NYT12ca cerifera 
(Southern and many 
other native
have been used widely. Others, 
less knoiwn, but more specific 
to the
flora of Alabama, such 
as Croto ensi.s, 
(Alabama Croton). 
sia
alabamensis (Srowwreath), .?jomerps 
orbi u~au (Indian Currant
CoThiberry, and Diervilla 
sessilifolia (Southern Bush Honeysuckle), 
will
be used in later studies as 
stock is multiplied.
Control: ff' weeds around 
the plantings is one of 
the major problems
encountered. Hand hoeing 
is too costly and mowing 
is practically
impos sible . Use of selective 
herbicides soon after planting 
seems to
be the most practical 
solution. Four herbicides 
-- Azak, Casoron, Dacthal,
and Herban ow were evaluated 
for use in July 1965. 
Of these four, Herban
6 lb./A., Casoron 8 lb./A., 
and 4 lb./A. were effective 
in controlling a
broad spectrum of weeds. 
Dacthal at 10 lb. /A. was 
also effective in
controlling weeds, but 
it was not as effective 
as Herban and Casoron .
Azak 20 lb./A. controlled 
crabgrass but it did not 
control any other
weeds.
This 3-year project terminate 
June 30, 1966. The following 
con-
1. Abe].za_ randi~flora , r a znzs pis n, Fosti ~n reaa
Fosyh~_sus ensa, Fsi .ka virdis sj ., als p. llr Mlu
sp. ' Ho ;,a ,eustrum lucifun, Loni~iera maacl3. htxi rsr.
hiio a gabra Photinia vil.lp.os, ntvrcanthaceaa~ert, 
oinh
pseudoacaciaR, osa Iju and 3'x Vcastus 
are suitabl.e for
planting on undisturbed rights-of-way. The per cent 
survival of these
species range from 85 to 100 per cent, and they remained relatively
free of insects and diseases.
2. Of the 20 species of plants tested on the large cut, 
uons
fortune coloratts, Hemerocallis sp., Jungp s insiss ,
Ju spes conferta, Juni~eru sabina ' nan ', 
Lonicera
j c haliana, Lonicera heckrotti, Robinia ijda, Rosa 
honis,
and Rosa i churaiana are suitable for planting on cuts. Survival of
these species is excellent (85 to 100 per cent) 
wth the exception of
Robinia his ida.
3. Juniperus conferta, Junierus sabina 
lus ca'Vonehron,
bis4da, and Rosa wichuraiana are excellent for erosion 
control.
4. Jasrinum floridum, a4nu f h a s rugosa,
and Vica ma or performed poorly in excessively wet 
areas; therefore,
their use in such areas should be avoided.
Of the 27 species planted along 
the fillu eush?nsis
sa en Junipeus consta, Junieus h ntalslumosa,
Sabna tusi cani c '9Vonehron', Lonicera hecRosahugonis,
ruosa, and Rosa ichurajana are suitable for 
planting along the fill.
Survival of those species range from 
75 to 98 per cent.
6. onicra heckrotti., Rasa 
ndh,,2, , ,nana
performed better on the fill than on the large 
cut.
7. The shallow rooted ground covers 
and vines were not suitable for
planting on the large cut or fill because 
they could not compete i th
grass or weeds for nutrients and mois ture .
8. Of the 18 species of vines and ground covers 
tested on the sall cut,
Celatru jculata, L~c jecrtti 
, Lorce j n4ca h..aa
Lox.cra mp .eveuon mus runico 
atus, and Hmeoci~ is sp.
are most adaptable to the cut. The survival 
of these plants range from
95 to 100 per cent.
1. Hlardoot ctns of Celastrus rbcuat, 
uxtru s onfrbiculata, and
11. Herban 6 lb./A. actual, and Casoron at 4 and 8 lb./A. 
controlled
a broad spectrw of broadleaf and narrowleaf weeds ithout 
any phytotoxicity
to the ornamental plants.
12, Mow ing or bush hogging ground covers and woody 
vines did not effect
plant survival, but did significantly reduce amount and rate 
of cover.
13. Grasshoppers that feed on crimson clover in early spring 
attack
ornamental plants after the clover dies in mid-May. 
Therefore, at least
one insecticide application should be made to minimize damage.
II . GARDE~N CHRYSANTMMS
Twenty--eight varieties were planted as rooted 
cuttings, one per 4-
inch pot, on June 3 and transplanted in beds 
in the garden on July 2.
Records were taken on date of full flower, height, 
spread. The following
varieties (height x spread) were most outstanding Raggedy Ann (214' x 1611) ,
Golden Fantasy (17" x 15" ), Pinknificent (23" x 16"),.1 
Milionaire (22" x
20"1), Rosey Nook (1911 x 18"), Sleigh Ride (14" x 
16"), Newgo (13", x 1611),
Dan Foley (18." x 22" ) , Mango (18" x 17") , Marbletop (16'f x 
22") , Spark-
ling (214" x 20').
The following is a listing of choice varieties selected
study:
from a 5-year
variety
Corsage Cushion
Sleigh Ride
Marbletop
Chris C olumbus
Kings Ransom
Golden Fantasy
Yellow Chris Columbus
Peking
Tranquility
N 
e 
g 
oSu 
k 
oDo 
l 
l 
i 
-
e 
t 
t 
e
Cochi s e
Rambler
Falcon
Champion Cushion
Ruby Mound
Red Mschieof
Ann Ladygo Li j
Comet L
lann Pink
Mischief Del
#~2 Fuschia Fairy Del
Mango Del
Purple Waters Del
Chcearden Chr sant s
Average Average
Colo2r height spread
inches inches
White
White
Mhite
White
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Jden Bronze
]den Bronze
Bronze
Bronze'
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze
Deep Red
Red
ght Pink
,ght Pink
Pink
ep Pink
ep Pink
ep Pink
ep Purple
12"1
15"1
16"1
1 7"i
22"1
17'
16",
19";
15"1
15"1
16"1
17"1
15"1
19"1
15"1
17"1
12"1
1211
18"1
18".
14"
15"1
18"
17"1
15"1
15"
20"
22'
16"1
15"1
16"
16"1
19"1
20
17"
18"1
17"1
25"1
18"1
?20'1
16"
18"1
19"
16",
18'i
20"1
17'1
15"1
Date
full
flower
Oct .
Oct.
Oct .
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
Oct .
Oct.
Oct.
Oct .
Oct.
Oct.
Oct .
Oct.
Oct .
Oct .
Oct.
Oct .
Oct.
Oct.
Oct .
Oct.
Oct.
Oct .
Oct.0
16
16
16
12
16
16
12
16
8
12
16
8
12
16
26
16
26
16
20
16
26
20
12
16
5
III . HERB3ICIDAL STUDIES33
Efforts were concentrated on weed control under 
container-groin
stock, weed control of field-grown 
plants.
Continer stock Casoron at Ix 
(10 lb./A actual), 2 x, 4 x and
8 x rates under Hetz Japanese Holly container-grown 
stock gave very good
control of crabgrass and nutgrass. At the 
lower rate, some broadleaf
weeds did persist as well as some bermudagrass 
from stolons. All rates
of Casoron gave complete control of broadleaf 
weeds, annual and perennial
grasses when used under sawdust. There 
was no plant damage of the con-
tainer stock from this'herbicide.
Field- roam plants Three rates each of 
Azak, 80 per cent W.P.,
Casoron, 50 per cent "U.?., ptam, 6 lb./gal. 
E.C., Herban, 80 per cent
W.P., X14421-38C, Simazine,80 per cent W.P., 
and Vernam, 6 lb. /galE .C.,
were used in the nursery row of Common 
Boxvrood, Shore Juniper, Roundleaf
Japanese Holly, Poinsettia stock plants, and 
Chrysanthemums. The high
rates of X14421-38C, 16 lb./100 sq. ft., 
caused some damage of Doxioods,
although very good pusley and nutgrass 
control was obtained. Good control
of nutgrass and pusley was obtained by 
Casoron 8 lb. and 16 lb./A. and
Vernam at 8 lb. and 16 lb./A.
IV. HMAR.STING
A preliminary nursery survey was conducted 
in Alabama that
established pertinant facts about the 
industry in the State. The
nurseries contacted were listed by the Division 
of Plant Industry,
State Department of Agriculture and Indus 
tri e s. Businesses producing
crops other than woody ornamentals were omitted.
There were ll6 nurseries responding 
to the first card survey. The
nurseries were divided into two 
groups : those who were wholesale 
and/or
retail and those who. were retail only.
The wholesale m- retail firms
reporting $4,154, 497 gross sales.
acres of nursery or 73.7 per cent
made up the majority of nurseries,
This amount represents 
5, 210 combined
of the nursery acres in Alabama.
Type of nursery stock grown and wholesal 
value:
Broadleaf evergreen shrubs
Narrowleaf evergreen shrubs
Deciduous shrubs
Ornamental trees
Value
$2, 519.,542
548,088
591,879
239,565
Types of Stock
Broadleaf evergreen shrubs
Narrowi~leaf evergreen shrubs
Deciduous shrubs
Ornamental trees
P nofna torsbe.
0 "040 41-an50
29 21
63
15
16
6
Per cent of nurseries
pro grProdu .n
98.28
84.48
72.41
55.17
51 w 60
21
Over 60
29
6
V. AZAEA #41, C O.A L SRAYS
I- --- mom~P~~ L
Results show that Cycocel and 
B-9 growth regulator cover 
sprays
on azaleas are just as effective 
applied to the upper leaf surface
only as applied to the low 
surface or whole leaf surface. 
Cloudy, dark
conditions at time of application 
is not a factor if rain 
does not wash
off treatments soon after they 
are made. A dry period of 
8 to 12 hours
is desirable after applications 
are made. Coral Bells azaleas 
treated
Adth Cycocel bloomed 3 to 
4, days earlier than those 
treated with B--9.