A few clouds. Low 72F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph..

A few clouds. Low 72F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.

“If you don’t like the weather in Oklahoma, wait a minute and it’ll change.” Where have we heard that before? What a “roller coaster winter,” going from milder than average to sleet and snow and back again, sometimes in just a matter of a few days. Tulsa’s climate fluctuates outside our normal USDA Hardiness Zone of 6B/7A on nearly a regular basis.

We know those conditions can affect our bodies and overall health, but it also can take a toll on our plants. So, how do we know what will grow well here in our quite unpredictable climate? 

“Oklahoma Proven” is a great place to start. “Oklahoma Proven” is a plant testing and promotion program coordinated by the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Oklahoma State University. Each year it recommends a tree and a shrub, as well as a perennial and an annual plant, that are well adapted for our often-challenging Oklahoma weather. The 2022 selections are: 

The Ginkgo biloba tree is unique in that there is only one species of the genus. Also unique is the leaves have two distinctive lobes that are somewhat leathery, fan-shaped and have nearly parallel veins. Ginkgo trees reach 50 to 80 feet tall and 30 to 40 feet wide in ideal conditions. Keep in mind they are slow growers, so it takes them decades to reach full mature height. If you have the space, this is an excellent selection for an urban environment due to its tolerance to compacted soils, heat and air pollution.

Buttonbush is a native shrub found growing along streams and lakes across most of Oklahoma (excluding the panhandle). It typically grows 5 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide. If you like hummingbirds, buttonbush flowers are attractive to these fast-flying beauties. Bees, butterflies and other pollinators also like this shrub, which is tolerant to both heat and soil compaction. Be sure to keep it watered — it does not like very dry soil. It is an excellent selection for a rain garden, pollinator garden or a native garden.

The Mexican buckeye is a smart choice for the adventurous gardener. This multi-stemmed large shrub or small tree reaches 15 to 30 feet tall and about 20 feet wide. Native to west and central Texas, New Mexico and Mexico, its fragrant pink flowers bloom as it leafs out. It can be used as a multi-trunk shrub or trained into a small tree. It is very drought tolerant and prefers dry areas, thus making it a great selection for the area.

Coral bells love the sun but need to be planted in an area protected from late afternoon sun. The light-colored foliage varieties do best in the shade, while those with dark-colored foliage will tolerate more sun. Although drought tolerant once established, this perennial will need watering during dry spells due to its shallow root system. Coral bells might need to be divided periodically to keep them vigorous and healthy. Add a light layer of mulch around the plant in the winter to protect the roots from freezing.

Coleus is a time-honored plant that is quite diverse and full of character. It features great foliage colors, patterns and forms. It is known as a colorful plant for shade or even as a houseplant. However, many cultivars are now full-sun tolerant, which make them a terrific addition to the landscape. Too much shade will make the plant leggy (with longer, weak stems). Keep the soil moist. Coleus cultivars range in size from dwarf, 6-inch plants to a large, 36-inch mound. It is a great selection for a border, hanging basket or container. If grown indoors, keep it near a window for bright light.

You can find previous years’ “Oklahoma Proven” selections, as well as more information about the 2022 selections at oklahomaproven.org. tp

Thank you to Tulsa County Master Gardeners for their expertise in this subject matter. Allen Robinson has been a Master Gardener since 2010.

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