Dr. Gary Knox, President of Magnolia Society International and Professor of Environmental Horticulture at the Unistery of Florida/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center, was in Chipley on Wednesday morning to talk with local gardeners about problems with Crape Myrtles and the best deciduous Magnolias for the Panhandle.
Discussing Crape Myrtles, Knox warned the gardeners that beetle infestation is projected to become a problem for local growers (as they are currently in Texas) within the next several years and warned them to keep an eye open for any problems related to their plants.
Knox reported that more than 100 selections of Magnolias are plants in the PCN National Magnolia Garden on the grounds of the University of Florida/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy, with more being planted annually. The plants are evaluated for ornamental characteristics, growth, and overall adaptability to north Florida and the Gulf Coast.