Landscape Plant Evaluations
Abelia chinensis
The University of Arkansas Plant Evaluation Program began in 1999 as a joint program between Dr. James A. Robbins, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, and Dr. Jon T. Lindstrom of the Department of Horticulture at the University of Arkansas. The program has two main goals. The first is to assess the adaptability of broadleaf evergreens across zones 6, 7, and 8. The primary consideration for broadleaf evergreens in zone 6 is cold hardiness. The second is to evaluate underutilized evergreen or deciduous plants, or plants with a specific landscape use such as screens or hedges. The program has three sites across the state. Plants are evaluated in Fayetteville, Little Rock, and Hope, Arkansas.
Viburnum utile
Each plant is replicated at each site, and plants are evaluated for five years. Plants for the trial are either obtained from commercial sources or propagated from stock material maintained at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
Further information on the goals of the program and a list of plants under trial can be found at this web site:
Statewide Plant Evaluation Program
Dr. Jon Lindstrom, Associate Professor
Dr. Jim Robbins, Research Associate Professor