New Oklahoma Proven Plants, Drought Tolerant - Cleveland County, Oklahoma

1. Tracey Payton
Horticulture Extension Educator
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension
Cleveland County
601 E. Robinson, Norman, Ok 73071
(405) 321-4774
New Oklahoma Proven Plants
The Oklahoma Proven Plants for 2011 have been determined. What is Oklahoma
Proven, you ask? They are plant selections chosen by experts in the Horticulture field
that have shown to perform very well in Oklahoma’s climate, which as you know can
be unforgiving. We recommend these plants to residents new to our harsh growing
conditions, as well as businesses and experienced gardeners alike. Each year, a tree,
shrub, perennial, and annual are chosen for Oklahoma Proven status. On some
occasions, a Collectors Choice is also selected.
The tree for 2011 includes varieties of the American Elm
(Ulmus americana): ‘New Harmony’, ‘Valley Forge’, and
‘Princeton.’ These varieties of American Elm are a few that are
shown to have resistance to Dutch Elm Disease, which decimated
our charming elm lined streets beginning in the 1960’s. All the
varieties mentioned are broadly vase shaped with dense canopies
and beautiful yellow fall foliage. However, ‘Valley Forge’ is
upright and arching while ‘New Harmony’ has arching and
somewhat drooping branches. American elms can handle
numerous soil conditions, including salts used for melting ice, air
pollutants, drought, and a wide range of soil pH.

2. The shrubs selected for 2011 include varieties from the Abelia Collection
(Abelia x grandiflora): ‘Kaleidoscope’, ‘Little Richard’, and ‘Rose Creek.’ These
smaller varieties of Abelia are becoming very popular in the landscape. All of the
varieties mentioned stay small, around 2-3’ wide and 3-4’ tall. ‘Kaleidoscope’ has bright
red stems and lime green leaves tinged with yellow. The leaves of ‘Kaleidoscope’ won’t
scorch in the sun, may have fall color that ranges from deep orange to red, and soft pink
buds turning to white flowers in late spring. ‘Little Richard’ is evergreen with glossy
green leaves in summer that turn pinkish orange in fall, and white flowers that bloom
from summer to the first frost. ‘Rose Creek’ is another evergreen having red stems, new
growth turning from pink to dark green then
purple come fall, and small white flowers
encompassed by rosy pink sepals. These
compact forms of Abelia can be used
successfully in containers, as an accent hedge
or plants, in a grouping, or as foundation
plants. Hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to these plants, adding another benefit
to incorporating them into the landscape. Abelias prefer sun or part shade with a well
drained and more acid soil.
Giant Coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima) is the perennial
selection for 2011. I couldn’t be more excited about this native
choice, as it is one of my favorite plants. Giant Coneflower has
large grey blue foliage and flowers with bright yellow petals and
a dark inner cone. One reason I love this plant is the flowers are

3. born in early summer above the foliage quite a bit, and get this: are 5-6’ tall! Giant
coneflower is native to the Eastern part of Oklahoma, but does well throughout the state.
It will do well in moist or dry soils once it is established. This Coneflower will thrive in
full sun, but could also tolerate some late afternoon shade. Deadheading, or removing the
spent blossoms, will encourage another flush of blooms in late summer. Giant
Coneflower works best as a border, or planted in masses. It is a great addition to native
beds, woodland areas, or the cottage garden.
The 2011 annual plant selection is Pink Crystals Ruby Grass (Melinus
nerviglumis) variety ‘Savannah.’ As most warm season grasses, it thrives in full sun and
heat and will survive in areas where other plants may scorch.
Another benefit is unlike some grasses it only grows 18 to 22”
tall. Pink Crystals Ruby Grass is a cute ornamental grass with
traditional glossy green to blue foliage. In late spring it has
bright pink blooms with silky white hairs. In addition, the
flowers keep their color and can be used in flower arranging. Pink Crystals Ruby Grass
is a great addition if you need something to fill in small areas of the flower bed, as a
border, or to add height to container plantings.
The Silver Linden tree (Tilia tomentosa) is the Collectors
Choice selection for 2011. This is a lovely large shade tree that
can get 50’ to 70’ tall. It is tolerant of the urban landscape, high
pH soils, pollution, and can be more heat tolerant than other types
of Linden trees. The Silver Linden makes a great street tree or a
nice addition for a large Oklahoma yard. The leaves are a nice

4. dark green on the surface and silvery beneath, which offers an interesting contrast when
the wind blows. In addition, small, fragrant white flowers will attract bees in late June or
July and the leaves may have yellow fall foliage. Some cultivars may be selected for
your desired effect, such as brilliant fall color or better performance.
I hope you will consider incorporating one or two of these selections into your
own landscape. For information on other Oklahoma Proven Selections by year contact
our office at 405-321-4774 or go to: oklahomaproven.org.
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