‘Tis the season of summer phlox and black-eyed Susans. The light to dark pink blossoms of the phlox intermingle with the bold yellow petals and dark centers of the black-eyed Susans.
Their presence in my yard brings a renewed summertime cheer on hot August days.
Even though the black-eyed Susan and summer phlox are native to Illinois, they can overpower other more persnickety native plants. I used to think people were planting too many black-eyed Susans when creating native gardens, and at one time they were everywhere in my yard. But now they’re contained in a few places in the backyard, enough to create a dramatic view.
They get mown over or pulled out when they become too prolific, and you can gather them in a bunch to bring to a friend. Note to gardeners who want to plant black-eyed Susans: You don’t need to buy them at garden shops. Find a friend who has some and they’ll likely dig some out for you to plant in your yard.
They are among the easiest native plants to grow. That’s how I got mine, but also note they may take over your yard depending on various conditions and other plants you have growing. Another note to gardeners: There are other native Rudbeckia species that look a lot like black-eyed Susans, such as brown-eyed Susan.
Now, onto the phlox. At least three decades ago, a neighbor had these summer-blooming perennials growing in her garden and she said she’d give me some to plant in my yard. Gorgeous pink flowers bloomed in summertime, lasting for more than a month. But then they started appearing in other places in the yard, outcompeting rarer prairie plants like ironweed.
I also noticed a white powder on the phlox leaves, which meant it was developing powdery mildew. The fungus doesn’t kill them, though, and they continue to proliferate. I have since learned that powdery mildew can be kept in check by thinning out the phlox so there’s enough air circulation between plants. So that’s another good reason to pull some out each year.
I’ve also learned from my former botany teacher, now a good friend, that those phlox could be cultivars from garden shops and it’s very difficult to tell if they’re the straight native species or one that has been altered by humans.
Nonetheless, summer phlox are having a stellar season in my neighborhood this August. I’ve seen many pockets of phlox gracing people’s yards, as well as a contingent of black-eyed Susans and phlox in my botanist friend’s yard.
After admiring the phlox and Susans in my yard the other day, I walked around to see what other less aggressive native plants were getting ready to bloom. I discovered Missouri ironweed with its tiny, round buds stretching out to the sun next to a few phlox left over from a recent thinning. I planted the ironweed years ago and thought I had lost it, but this year the lovely magenta blooms of this native plant are beginning to open.
In another spot where more phlox are growing, I noticed the tall meadow rue I had planted years ago was in bloom with its tiny, soft pink flowers. It had found a quiet corner in which to thrive near the phlox. I’m not sure of the exact species name, but I’m pretty sure it’s native to Illinois.
Near where the black-eyed Susans are growing, I discovered tall boneset which will soon reveal white flower heads that often last until October. Ironweed, boneset, phlox and black-eyed Susans offer nourishment to pollinators such as bumblebees. A particularly large bee was recently ensconced in the phlox harvesting nectar.
Grow lots of different native plants in your yard, including summer phlox and black-eyed Susans. Keep them in check if you need to, but also leave enough to enjoy the brilliance they bring to the garden this time of year.
Sheryl DeVore has worked as a full-time and freelance reporter, editor and photographer for the baiduhai and its subsidiaries. She’s the author of several books on nature and the environment. Send story ideas and thoughts to [email protected].