JULY 31, 2003
VICKIE HOPKINS, DORIS
MARTINAK & ANN PARKS-HEDRICK
Have you noticed plant labels in
pots or on large nursery display posters that have Texas Superstar on them?
According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, plants receiving the Texas
Superstar designation are identified to the consumer with this trademarked name
and logo.
After 10 years of testing, only 37
plants have been certified as Texas Superstars. That's saying something special
about the plants that have this distinctive designation.
So, what is a Texas Superstar?
Texas Superstar plants qualify for earthkind landscape because of their beauty, production,
disease resistance, insect tolerance, low maintenance and maximum protection
for the environment. During the Victoria County Master Gardener Spring
Symposium this past April, Nueces County Extension Horticulturist, Michael
Womack explained that Superstars are plants that have been field tested by
Our first to address is New Gold
Lantana because it flowers from spring to fall. It is a drought-tolerant,
heat-loving, low-maintenance perennial with an abundance of yellow flowers that
attract butterflies. Also of note is its deer resistance due in part to the
hairy, prickly stems. When rubbed and bruised, the leaves have a disagreeable
odor. Interestingly, the plant is poisonous to cattle and sheep, though usually
not browsed by them. New Gold reaches a height of 2 feet and spread up to 4
feet and is brushy. It should be cut back to 8 inches tall after a frost. Seeds
are not a problem with native lantanas, so there is no need for deadheading.
Our second favorite is Trailing
Lantana, a spreading perennial with a profusion of either lavender, purple or
white flowers that also attract butterflies. These plants withstand high heat
and are wind and drought tolerant. They should be planted in full to part sun
and will grow to a height of 1 foot and spread to 4 feet. The plants become a
fast-spreading evergreen ground cover, or they can be trained as small vines.
It too should be cut back in winter to produce new growth. The trailing lantana
is known to be resistant to lacebugs, as is New Gold
Lantana.
Our next two favorites are Burgundy
Sun Coleus and Super Sun Plum Parfait Coleus. They were among 70 cultivars
field tested for three years and were identified as being full sun tolerant.
Both varieties of coleus are low
maintenance, annual bedding plants. Being annual, they will freeze. Good
drainage is a primary requirement for coleus whether planted in the ground or
in containers. Poorly drained soil and over-watering spell disaster for these
plants. Plant coleus in the full sun to moderate shade.
The approximate height and width for these coleus is 3
feet tall by 2 feet wide, and they look wonderful in massed plantings. Since
they do grow 3 feet tall, low growing pink or white blooming annuals planted in
front would provide dramatic contrast.
Mr. Womack recommended planting the
Superstar New Gold Lantana and Plum Parfait or
Using Texas Superstar plants helps
to further beautify and protect the
This is the first of several
articles that will appear in this column on Texas Superstars. Photos are
courtesy of the