Oklahoma Proven, a new plant evaluation and promotion program, made its debut in 1999. The program's roots grew out of Oklahoma State University's horticulture and landscape architecture department.

Designed to identify and market plants capable of thriving in Oklahoma's climate, Oklahoma Proven chooses species suitable for state soil. The goal? To excite consumers about gardening by enabling greater gardening success while increasing revenue for the state's green industry. The result? A win win situation in full bloom. 

Still in its infancy, Oklahoma Proven is unique to the state. Modeling itself after similar programs such as Texas SuperStar, Oklahoma Proven is a collaborative effort among OSU's department of horticulture and landscape architecture, the Oklahoma Botanical Garden and Arboretum, and Oklahoma's horticultural industry. Evaluation and marketing are the program's key parts. 

Mike Schnelle, OSU professor of ornamental horticulture and Oklahoma Proven evaluation coordinator, said Oklahoma Proven combines the academic and industry sectors. 

"Oklahoma Proven will contribute to the green industry, while enriching the plant palette available to consumers," Schnelle said.

Each spring, Oklahoma Proven's executive committee will announce four new plant selections including an annual, perennial, tree and shrub. Test sites across the state will judge the plants based on insect and disease resistance and the ability to survive Oklahoma climatic conditions with minimal input. In addition, the plant must not have the potential to become a weed. 

Oklahoma Proven officials will notify industry growers of selection decisions years in advance so they can begin production. Once the selections are made public, retail nurseries and greenhouses will be equipped to meet consumer demand. Because of the lengthy testing, evaluation and production process, current selections are being chosen based on industry recommendations and commercial availability. The inaugural Oklahoma Proven selections included Purple Fountain Grass, Powis Castle Artemisia, Chinese Pistache and Oak leaf Hydrangea. 

Lou Anella, OSU assistant professor of ornamental horticulture and marketing coordinator for Oklahoma Proven, said many consumers are not aware of existing plants that are well suited for Oklahoma gardens. 

"For the first few years, good plants not commonly known to the public will be recognized as Oklahoma Proven winners," Anella said. "However, the potential exists for introducing new plants to Oklahoma gardeners with Oklahoma Proven research."

Schnelle said he hopes to introduce new species and cultivars specifically suited for Oklahoma gardens. 

"In 20 years, I definitely see plants we are not currently aware of becoming commonplace," Schnelle said.

Each March, a massive media blitz will inform consumers about Oklahoma Proven's newest recommendations. Through the Oklahoma Gardening television program and radio and print outlets, Oklahoma Proven will reach audiences and entice consumers into greenhouses and gardens. 

With a grant from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, color posters promoting the year's selections will be mailed to more than 400 Oklahoma nurseries. Selling Oklahoma Proven plant tags and pot stakes to retail and wholesale businesses will generate additional promotion and revenue for the program. 

Joyce Meyer, owner of Oasis Garden & Gift Shop in Stillwater, has an Oklahoma Proven poster displayed in her store and plans to promote its selections each year. 

"Oklahoma Proven is a great idea. A lot of gardeners don't know where to start, so having advice from someone who has tried several varieties will be very helpful," Meyer said.

Not having a green thumb is no longer an excuse. Thanks to OSU's department of horticulture and landscape architecture, gardening can be a green experience for all. 

For more information concerning Oklahoma Proven plants, please contact your local nursery, greenhouse or garden store. For information about the Oklahoma Proven program, contact Lou Anella, (405) 744-6593.