Woody ornamentals refers to plants which produce wood as their structural tissue, given them hard, wooden stems. Common examples in the landscape include hibiscus, hydranea, crepe myrtle, and azalea, among other species. At MREC, our woody ornamental primarily focuses on the utilization of woody ornamentals to reduce irrigation needs in the landscape and identifying more efficient practices for nursery production of woody ornamentals.

Here is some of our research surrounding landscape production of woody ornamentals: 

• The Jasmine Project: A new drought-resistant ground cover alternative for Florida landscapes 
• The Drought Project: Increasing irrigation efficiency in landscape production 
• The Tree Lysimeter Project: Water use of trees species from liners to 7.5" caliper 

MREC Woody Ornamental Faculty

Dr. Richard Beeson
Associate Professor of Landscape Ornamentals
407-814-6172
rcbeeson@ufl.edu