Texas A&M, the state’s land grant college, is the primary arbiter for horticulture in Texas. Initially founded to support Texas commercial agriculture, the horticulture department and county extension offices gradually increased research and services directed at the home garden and landscape. One result of this broadening of focus was the creation of the Texas Superstar® program in 1989 in conjunction with the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Located in the center of the state, San Antonio horticulturists play a key role in nominating plants for super star status. Once nominated, candidate plants are observed and tested in demonstration trials across the state. Horticulturists, using both object performance measures and subjective assessment of beauty and marketability, make the final recommendations.
Jerry Parsons, professor and horticulturist with the Texas Cooperative Extension, suggests that Superstar winners have the following characteristics:
It is not easy to become a Texas Superstar. In addition to the above selection criteria, the plants during their trial phase receive minimal soil preparation, little supplemental water, and no pesticides.
Once selected, Texas Superstars® are promoted by the state agricultural office through GoTexan with the goal of improving sales and profitability for Texas nurseries as well as beautiful landscapes. From its inception through 2007, the financial impact of the Texas Superstar program has exceeded $15 million.
Examples of Texas Superstar® Plants
There are 43 plants in the Texas Superstar program as of March, 2010 including:
…and many more.
The complete list is located on the Texas Superstar site. Each entry includes information on the appearance, required sun exposure, when to plant and soil requirements, suggested uses, and additional notes of interesting and useful information.
Because of the Texas Superstar® program, many home landscapers tried plants they were not familiar with, but learned to love. The program’s emphasis on choosing plants with few problems and easy care increased all homeowners chances of successfully growing beautiful flowers and shrubs. An additional resource for landscapers is the Texas Superstar Growing Tips that covers planting, pests, vegetables, and problem solving.
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