Selections for 2008
Oklahoma Proven is a plant promotion program coordinated by faculty in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Oklahoma State University. The goal of the program is to recommend plants well-adapted for use across Oklahoma.
Tree for 2008
Bosnian Pine
Pinus heldreichii
Bosnian Pine is a slow-growing evergreen with a dense pyramidal form when young. It has the potential to grow to 70' tall in its native environment but is more likely to reach only 25 to 30' in the landscape. In the Pirin Mountains of Bulgaria there is a 70' tall Bosnian Pine estimated to be over 1300 years old! Young cones are purple and turn brown as they mature and the seed they produce is edible. Bosnian Pine prefers full sun and once established is quite tolerant of high pH soils and drought. It is also disease resistant and can be used in the landscape where an evergreen or pine is desired and space is limited.
- Exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Tolerant of dry and high pH soils
- Hardiness: USDA Zone 6
Shrub for 2008
American Beautyberry
Callicarpa americana
American Beautyberry is a native deciduous shrub that produces inconspicuous lavender flowers in mid summer but as fall approaches the plant becomes laden with brightly colored clusters of purple fruit producing a striking display. American Beautyberry prefers light shade or protection from the afternoon sun in Oklahoma. It grows from 5 to 10' high and just as broad but overgrown plants can be rejuvenated by cutting them to the ground in winter without sacrificing fruit since the flowers are produced on new growth. This native shrub can be massed as an informal hedge, incorporated into a mixed border, or used as an understory plant in a naturalistic garden setting. White fruited cultivars are also available.
- Exposure: Light shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Hardiness: USDA Zone 6
Perennial for 2008
Hellebore
Helleborus
Hellebores, also known as Lenten Rose, belong to a genus of mostly evergreen herbaceous plants that are prized for their ability to flower in late winter. The flower stalks rise out of the leaf litter or through the snow to display nodding flowers that range in color from green to white, yellow, or even purple with some cultivars producing spotted flowers. Recently hybrids have been selected for outward-facing flowers and brighter colors increasing their garden value. Hellebores are tough plants requiring little special care other than shade and pruning of old foliage. They are excellent for the woodland garden as understory plants where they will be protected by shade.
- Exposure: Shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Hardiness: USDA Zone 6
Annual for 2008
Spilanthes
Acmella oleracea 'Peek-A-Boo'
‘Peek-A-Boo’ Spilanthes was selected for its yellow flowers, each with a red eye poking up out of the foliage. The green foliage has a purple tinge in full sun turning more purple as fall approaches and the foliage can be used in salads or cooked as a green. Spilanthes is also known as the Toothache Plant because it has been used to numb pain. In the garden it is a great conversation piece when combined with other plants in a mixed container or it can be used as a flowering groundcover growing 12 to 15 inches tall and spreading 24 to 30 inches.
- Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Hardiness: Use as an annual
