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August 2003 Featured Plants
Week of August 18: Summer Phlox
Summer phlox, featured plant for the week of August 18, is
a member of a genus that is very popular with gardeners. Whereas
most phlox species are spring bloomers, including some with
a creeping habit, Phlox paniculata (summer phlox) distinguishes
itself by greater height, larger leaves and later onset of
bloom. Sometimes known as garden phlox, it makes an excellent
border plant for sun. The flowers, which are tubular at the
base, flare out into five lobes held in clusters. Butterflies
are attracted to the flowers for their nectar. The natural
wild color is bold lavender-pink, but gardeners have developed
many cultivars including a popular white variety called 'David'
that is particularly resistant to mildew. Several phlox species
are always offered at our spring plant sale. When visiting
BHWP, look for various species of phlox in our Visitor Center
Garden.
Week of August 11: Blazing Star
Blazing star, Liatris spicata, is our featured plant for the
week of August 11. This native grows in moist open areas and
is easily recognized by its dense elongate spike of pink-purple
flowers. The arrangement of flowers in a spike is a bit uncommon
for a member of the Aster family. Even some other Liatris
species hold their flowers in other arrangements. Also unusual
is the pattern of flowering from the top down that Liatris
spicata exhibits. Blazing star is a fine butterfly-attracting
plant. This native is relatively hardy, reasonably drought-resistant,
and easy to grow from seed. Unfortunately, it is popular with
deer, so plantings made in our meadow outside the Preserve's
deer fence are always at risk. But the plants in our nursery
are safe! So blazing star is a frequent offering at plant
sales. Plant it in a sunny location and enjoy it in the garden
or as a cut flower.
Week of August 4: Oxeye
Oxeye is our featured plant of the week of August 4. Known
to botanists as Heliopsis helianthoides, this native wildflower
is found in woods, fields, flood plains and stream banks where
it can grow over five feet tall. Oxeye is the only wildflower
of the genus Heliopsis found in Pennsylvania. It is most similar
to members of the sunflower group, hence the Latin name and
another common name for it, false sunflower. Oxeye superficially
resembles a number of other yellow composite wildflowers.
But its oppositely-arranged, stalked and toothed leaves help
distinguish it from many other members of the Asteraceae family.
Oxeye has an appealing classic wildflower look that works
well in sunny borders or meadows. This rewarding native is
often sold at our plant sales and can be admired in our Visitor
Center Garden.
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