Superstar plants are super choices for North Texas

The need for the program was identified in the early 1970s and ’80s, when most plants recommended for our area, and most of Texas, were more suitable for Northern climates or Europe.

Texas needed plants that could survive our weather extremes — from heat to prolonged drought to heavy rainfalls.

Texas needed plants that could grow in a variety of soils and pH ranges.

In addition, many plants that did perform well in Texas landscapes were not readily available in the trade or in sufficient numbers to meet consumer demand.

Program development

As a result, a partnership was formed through the Texas A&M University Research and Extension offices and San Antonio nursery growers. Several growers in the San Antonio area grew and researched the plants in the beginning stages of program development.

The program began with the Texas bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis) in 1989, and has grown into more than 88 perennials, annuals, fruits, vegetables and specialty plants. Each one is trialed across various Texas locations using the Earth-Kind system combining the best principles of traditional/conventional and natural/organic gardening and landscaping practices.

Qualities of Superstars

Some of the many qualities of any Superstar plant include an overall attractive appearance, must appeal to the average homeowner regardless of their gardening expertise, and be as pest-resistant as possible (deer-proof is a bonus!). The plant should be attractive enough in its sales container that it “sells itself” to consumers who have never heard of the attributes of the plant.

Texas Superstar labels include educational and cultural information to ensure proper plant care by the consumer. If there are any limitations, those will be mentioned also.

The following is a short list of plants from each category that have proved to be successful in our area. For more detailed information and the entire plant list, refer to the official Texas Superstar website, texassuperstar.com.

Annuals:

Vinca ‘Cora’ series periwinkle

‘Tidal Wave’ petunia

‘Whopper’ begonias

Perennials:

‘Henry Duelberg’ salvia

‘New Gold’ lantana

‘John Fannick’ perennial phlox

Woody shrubs:

‘Belinda’s Dream’ rose

‘Lynn’s Legacy’ cenizo

‘Blue Angel’ shrub althea

Trees:

Lacey oak

Possumhaw deciduous holly

‘Basham’s Party’ pink crape myrtle

Specialty plants:

‘Arctic Frost’ mandarin hybrid

‘Balsamic Blooms’ basil

‘Dwarf Cherry Surprise’ or BHN 968 tomato

‘Purple Flash’ ornamental pepper

‘Green Magic’ broccoli

Texas Superstar is a registered trademark owned by Texas A&M AgriLife Research. Texas Superstar plants are selected by the Texas Superstar executive board, consisting of nine horticulturists from AgriLife Research, AgriLife Extension and Texas Tech University.

Do your own research and look for Texas Superstar plants to try in your own garden this year!

Happy gardening!