The Mississippi Medallion program was established in1996 by the Mississippi Nursery and LandscapeAssociation (MNLA) to increase awareness of plantmaterials and to promote sales and production ofornamental plants in Mississippi. Compared to nation-al campaigns such as All-American Selections andPerennial Plant of the Year, the Mississippi Medallionprogram focuses on plants adapted to the environmentin Mississippi to benefit both consumers and the greenindustry. This publication gives an introduction to the2008 Mississippi Medallion Plants and is part of aseries of publications that promote awareness of theseplants.

‘All Around Purple’ Gomphrena (Gomphrena globosa ‘All Around Purple’) Characteristics: full-sun annual; fresh or dried cut flower

For gardeners—‘All Around Purple’ Gomphrenagrows to about knee height (16 inches tall and 8 incheswide) and has excellent basal branching with strongflower stems. It produces rich, deep purple, 1-inchflowers that contrast beautifully with the plant’s darkgreen foliage. It is an excellent cut flower, both freshand dried. Gomphrena tolerates both high heat anddry conditions once established. In the landscape, itfits nicely as a background plant for smaller plantssuch as ‘Profusion’ zinnia (2006 Medallion winner),portulaca, and ornamental sweet potato vines.

For growers—Seed count 12,000/oz; germination10–12 days after sown at 77 ºF; growing media: pH of5.8–6.2 and EC of 1.0–1.5 dS/m; high light level; suffi-cient drying between irrigations; suitable for finishingin 1 gallon.

Diamond Frost® Euphorbia(Euphorbia graminea ‘Inneuphdia’ )Characteristics: full-sun annual; heat and drought tolerant

For gardeners—Once established, Diamond Frosteuphorbia can put on a nonstop flower show untilfrost. Diamond Frost® Euphorbia (Euphorbia graminea‘Inneuphdia’) is a plant that looks good almost any-where—in a container, in the landscape, or as a house-plant. Different from the weedy species, DiamondFrost® is more compact with an upright and outward-ly spreading habit. The white flower bracts resemblethe flowers of gypsophila (baby’s breath). Unlike itsrelative, poinsettia, Diamond Frost® does not haveany photoperiodic requirements and flowers fromplanting until frost. The ever-blooming plant withmultiple uses makes “recycling” an easy job. Plantsome Diamond Frost® in the landscape or in contain-ers in the spring and enjoy the flowers until frost.Then, dig some plants out or bring the containersindoors, and add them to your red poinsettia pot for a“poinsettia in the snow” effect. Next spring, replantthe Diamond Frost® in your landscape or outdoorcontainers. The plant performs well in partial shade,

Mississippi Medallion Plants: 2008

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but high light conditions may give a higher flower-to-leaf ratio. Diamond Frost® requires minimal mainte-nance, watering, fertilization, and pinching after estab-lished in the landscape. This plant has no known dis-eases or pests.

For growers—pH 5.8–6.2; EC 0.6–0.9 for 2:1 extractionmethod; growing temperature 65–72 ºF; holding tem-perature 50–60 ºF; fertilization 150–200 ppm N; highlight level; moderate to moist; early spring throughsummer finish; no pinching necessary but can bepinched to shape; plants can recover from adverseconditions; finish time 4–6 weeks for 4- to 5-inch con-tainer and 10–12 weeks for 10- to 12-inch container.

Rush Varieties(Juncus effusus, J. inflexus, J. pallidus)Characteristics: moisture-loving, full-sun perennial

For gardeners—Rush is comprised of more than 200species, and some are native to North America. Juncuseffusus (common rush or soft rush), J. inflexus (hardrush), and J. pallidus (pale rush) are some commonlyavailable commercial rushes. Unlike the popular orna-mental grasses, their leaves are not flat and flexible butoften cylindrical with an upright habit. Many cultivarsof common rush feature twisting and curly shapes(‘Frenzy,’ ‘Unicorn,’ ‘Twisted Arrows,’ ‘Curly Wurly,’and ‘Big Twister’). In their natural habitat, rushesfavor moist or wet conditions such as the edges ofponds, bogs, and river banks, but they also toleratedry spells. Rushes are normally clump-forming, andthey have a unique strong form and fine texture. Theycontrast stunningly with broad-leaf companion plantsin the landscape. Rushes may stay green or die to theground, depending on how cold the winter is.Regardless, the old stems tend to discolor gradually, socutting to the ground in early spring is recommendedto renew the neat form.

For growers— Rush propagation can be accomplishedthrough division or seed propagation; plugs availablecommercially; pH 5.8–6.2; EC 0.6–0.9 for 2:1 extraction

method; growing temperature 65–72 ºF; holding tem-perature 40–50 ºF; fertilization 150–200 ppm N; moder-ate light level; moist to wet; spring to summer sale; nopinching or growth regulator needed.

Cardoon(Cynara cardunculus)Characteristics: full-sun annual, edible specimen plant

For gardeners—Cardoon produces a large, handsomerosette of gray-green, somewhat fuzzy or even spiny,thistle-type leaves (think Jurassic dandelion). Theplant requires at least a 3-foot spacing to achieve itspotential, and individual leaves can reach 36 inches orlonger! For most of the year, the plant is in this largerosette form, usually not more than 18–20 inches tall.In spring, this perennial plant will send up 4- to 5-footflower spikes topped with large, scaled, green buds.These buds open to yield numerous small, purpleflowers that mature into white and brown wind-spread seeds, similar to those produced by dandelionsand other thistles. The flower spikes can be clipped offat any stage of development without damaging theleaf rosette. The gray of the rosette pairs well withmost flower colors, particularly purples and yellows.Plant cardoon seedlings in the garden at the samedepth as they are in the pot or pack. Select beds thatare not subject to saturated winter soil that can rot thecrown and roots of the plant. Fertilize two or threetimes each year between the last spring frost and latesummer with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or amulch of compost around but not over the plant.Water regularly. Aphids and stink bugs are potentialinsect pests.

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Cardoon’s heart leaves and leaf bases are edibleand are used in Italian and other cuisines. About 120days after planting, the rosette of leaves can be pulledtogether and tied to blanch the inside portions for culi-nary use. Harvest just below the base of all the leaves.This will often end the plant’s landscape usefulnessunless suckers have formed and remain after harvest.Recipes for cardoon can be found online and in manygeneral cookbooks.

For growers—Seeds of cardoon can be propagateddirectly in 72-cell flats or larger containers. SubstratepH 5.8–6.2; growing temperature 65–80 ºF; frost sensi-tive; holding temperature 40–50 ºF; fertilization150–200 ppm N, lower P; moderate to high light level;moderately moist; winter to spring finish; do notpinch; may be transplanted after first true leafemerges; some leaf disease is possible; avoid late-daywatering; possible pests include aphids, whiteflies,and stink bugs (larger plants); manage pests with pes-ticides labeled for this edible crop; germination 7–14days; finish time 6–8 weeks for 72s, longer for largercontainers.

ReferencesKnott’s Handbook for Vegetable Growers, 4th ed.; Oregon

State University North Willamette Research andExtension Center.

http://www.sakataornamentals.com

http://www.provenwinners.com

The information given here is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products, tradenames, or suppliers are made with the understanding that no endorsement is implied and that no dis-crimination against other products or suppliers is intended.

Copyright 2011 by Mississippi State University. All rights reserved. This publication may be copied and distrib-uted without alteration for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi StateUniversity Extension Service.

By Dr. Mengmeng Gu, Assistant Extension Professor, Plant and Soil Sciences; Dr. William Evans,Assistant Research Professor, Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station; and Dr. Guihong Bi, AssistantResearch Professor, Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station.

Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status isa violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination basedupon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated.

Publication 2671Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture.Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director

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