The annual field trial at Overton evaluates a range of herbaceous ornamentals.
June 23, 2026 - Every June, when the days stretch long and the heat settles in for good, I start thinking about the plants that can truly take an East Texas summer. Not the pampered ones that wilt at the first hint of stress, but the sturdy, colorful, dependable performers that keep blooming long after the thermometer climbs past comfortable. If you have ever wondered which annuals and perennials can handle our humidity, storms, and stubborn soils, there is no better place to find out than the East Texas Annual and Perennial Plant Trial at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Overton.
This year’s event will be held Thursday, June 25, and it remains one of the most valuable horticultural gatherings in our region. The trials bring together dozens of plant varieties, all grown side by side under the same conditions you and I face at home. Homeowners, Master Gardeners, nursery growers, landscapers, and anyone who simply loves plants will find something worth studying.
The trials are coordinated by friend, Dr. Andrew King, Assistant Professor of Ornamental Horticulture, who has assembled an impressive collection for this year’s evaluation. Visitors will see familiar warm season favorites like vinca, petunia, mandevilla, pentas, and lantana, along with a strong lineup of perennials. Salvias and black-eyed Susans will be well represented, along with many others that deserve a place in East Texas gardens. These trials are not just for show. They help guide future recommendations for our region, and your feedback plays a meaningful role in that process.
Tours of the in-ground plantings will take place from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the East Farm area on County Road 133, also known as Don Leverett Road. The container trials and demonstration gardens are located at the main Research and Extension Center, where you can see how different varieties perform in pots, baskets, and mixed plantings. Lunch is available with registration (deadline June 22), followed by an afternoon educational program from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
The afternoon session will feature presentations from Dr. King, myself, and collaborating plant breeders and producers. We will share insights on the trials, highlight standout performers, and discuss perennials, natives, and emerging trends in ornamental horticulture. It is a relaxed, informative setting where gardeners can ask questions, compare notes, and learn directly from the people who work with these plants every day.
Attendance is free and open to the public. Registration is only required if you plan to join us for lunch. Register by June 22 by scanning the QR code on the event flyer posted on Facebook.
If you want to see what truly thrives in East Texas, come walk the rows, study the blooms, and enjoy a day surrounded by people who love plants as much as you do. For more information, call the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Overton at 903-847-0623.
