Selections for 2003
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 2003
Kentucky Coffee Tree
Gymnocladus dioica
Kentucky Coffee Tree is an Oklahoma native growing to 60 feet tall. It is very heat and drought tolerant and does well on high pH soils. Although it has few branches when young, it matures to a majestic and beautiful tree with large seed pods adding winter interest.
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil: Tolerates a wide range of conditions including dry and alkaline soils
- Hardiness: USDA Zone 4
Shrub for 2003
Pink Velour® Crapemyrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Whit III'
Pink Velour® was developed in Oklahoma for its burgundy spring foliage. Summer leaves have a dark purple cast and highlight the pink flowers that are formed from early July until frost. Pink Velour® forms a ten-foot high, multi-stemmed large shrub, is drought tolerant, and highly resistant to powdery mildew.
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Hardiness: USDA Zone 6b
Perennial for 2003
Japanese Painted Fern
Athyrium nipponicum
Japanese Painted Fern is a deciduous perennial growing to twelve inches tall. It can be used in shaded perennial gardens or massed as a ground cover. Cultivars are available, each with its own pattern of red and silver variegation.
- Sun Exposure: Part to full shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Hardiness: USDA Zone 4
Annual for 2003
Yellow Bells
Tecoma stans
Yellow Bells is a tropical shrub used as an annual in Oklahoma. It can reach a height of three feet and produces striking yellow flowers above glossy green leaves from summer until frost. Orange flowering cultivars are also available. Give this plant a southern exposure; it loves the heat and sun.
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Hardiness: Use as an annual
