Black-eyed Susans are wonderful native plants that look beautiful and attract a multitude of pollinators. Among the many varieties, 'Cherokee Sunset' is one of the prettiest cultivars. Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss to grow this wonderful summer and fall flower. Black-eyed Susans are an excellent plant to have around, and ‘Cherokee Sunset’ is a particularly special cultivar. They are wonderfully adaptable and attract a wide range of pollinators. They make wonderful companions in the vegetable garden, and they self-sow freely, multiplying year after year. Growing this plant is easy and straightforward, and quite rewarding. They’re also native to most of North America, making them beneficial to the ecosystem and local wildlife. Of the many varieties, ‘Cherokee Sunset’ black-eyed Susans are one of the prettiest. What Is It? ‘Cherokee Sunset’ black-eyed Susan is an eye-catching, ornamental variety loved for its boldly hued blooms. This dramatically beautiful cultivar is an incredibly prolific bloomer and a pollinator’s dream. It’s wonderful for the cutting garden and is the recipient of a Fleuroselect Award. It also won an All-America Selections award in 2002. Characteristics When it comes to special varieties of classic flowers, ‘Cherokee Sunset’ is at the top of the list. This black-eyed Susan cultivar has the same velvety stems and foliage as the original. This characteristic protects its flowers from ants. It’s a medium-sized variety that’s typical in all respects except for its flowers. Where the standard for this species is a cheerful yellow single bloom with a dark eye, this one is bolder. The flowers are double-petaled and, rather than the run-of-the-mill, solid yellow, they come in a range of warm shades. This ideal autumn flower has excellent variation between blooms. Some are orange, some brown, some yellow, but most are a melange of colors. All have a signature, dark chocolate center where you’re likely to find a native bee or two. Native Area The species, Rudbeckia hirta, is native to a significant portion of North America. It spans from one coast to the other, and from Florida well north into Canada. When it comes to their environment, these are adaptable and tolerant. You will find black-eyed Susans in prairies, meadows, open woodlands, and on rocky slopes. They grow in both moist and dry soil types. They are commonly used in the restoration of disturbed areas. Planting The ideal planting times are in the fall, before the first frost, or in spring, after the last frost. In mild climates, fall planting is preferable, as it results in earlier flowering and better reseeding. In cooler climates, it’s wise to start your seeds about six weeks ahead of the last frost date for a better and longer bloom time. While you can grow these in a container, they tend to grow larger when planted in the ground. These plants require about one foot to 18 inches of space between them, in loose, well-drained soil.

Would you like to grow your own delicious, healthy bananas at home? ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ banana trees are fairly easy to grow, especially if you live in a warm climate, and they can produce harvestable bananas each year. If you’re not sure how to care for a tropical banana species, no worries. Plant biologist Emily Estep will walk you through everything you need to know. The ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ banana tree has been prized for its fruit since the 19th century, and there’s no reason why you can’t carry on the tradition at home. You can grow these tropical plants outdoors in warmer regions or indoors as houseplants. With a pseudostem that starts with a rhizome, these plants get taller and taller as each new leaf grows. The leaves initially have eye-catching red and purple splotches that fade as the leaves age. The central stalks can get up to 10 feet tall before they fruit. These plants are excellent beginner tropicals, as they’re fun and easy to grow. The fact that you can harvest grocery-store-tier bananas from them is a huge bonus. What Is It? M. acuminata ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ is a banana tree cultivar with quite a history. Bananas are one of the world’s oldest cultivated fruits, with cultivation dating back to 8000 B.C. Originally native to Asia, the 6th Duke of Devonshire — William Cavendish — received a gift of bananas in the early 1800s. Though the exact timeline is murky, Cavendish then cultivated and sent the bananas around the Pacific, and the spread of bananas continued. Over time, bananas have become one of the world’s most important staple crops, and if you live in the right climate, you can grow bananas in your yard. These self-pollinating banana trees produce bunches of edible bananas. They’re perennial to USDA zones 8-11, but in cooler regions, grow them in pots and bring them indoors during winter. Characteristics Dwarf Cavendish is an attractive banana tree with new leaves that emerge with purple or red mottling that fades to green as they mature. This perennial plant will come back year after year when in good health, whether you keep it outdoors all year long or maintain it as a houseplant. Relatively easygoing, self-pollinating banana trees should produce fruit each year, and it’s possible for them to fruit in their first year of planting, even when started from a rhizome, in model surroundings. These trees are normally grown for their prized bananas, but they make a lovely landscape plant or houseplant, even without the fruit. Native Area M. acuminata is most likely native to Southeast Asia and India, though its original range may have extended all the way to northern Australia. Its true native range is somewhat difficult to narrow down because bananas have been cultivated for thousands of years. The ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ cultivar was first grown in the greenhouses of Chatsworth House in 19th century England. Planting In zones 8-11, plant Dwarf Cavendish in a sunny area with loamy, fertile, well-draining soil. You can either purchase a young Dwarf Cavendish tree or start from a rhizome. A pseudostem will emerge from the rhizome, followed by big, tropical leaves. Consider that these trees can grow up to 10 feet tall, potentially shading out nearby plants when choosing a location. In cooler zones, Plant these banana trees in large containers and move them indoors when it gets cold. Though it may take a part-time houseplant banana tree longer to grow, don’t forget how tall it may eventually become. If planting in a pot or container, consider placing it on wheels to move it around easily, as moving the plant can be cumbersome.

‘Jeana’ is the total package when it comes to perennials. This native cultivar has highly ornamental blooms that support pollinators and flowers for months. Superior disease resistance makes it a standout among more finicky varieties in the species. Gardening expert Katherine Rowe explores a new one to love among old garden favorites, ‘Jeana’ garden phlox. Garden phlox brightens the border with a profusion of domed clusters with starry blooms. In cultivation since the 1600s, the historic perennials are a beloved staple and form a showy backdrop among other summertime blooms and grasses. Most species are North American natives, particularly to the eastern United States, including Phlox paniculata. Phlox, from the Greek for “flame,” boasts an eye-catching floral display. ‘Jeana’ tall garden phlox is an award-winning cultivar that boasts months of blooming and superior cold hardiness. Trusses of lightly fragrant lavender-pink blooms are a magnet for butterflies and moths (their obligate pollinators), as well as hummingbirds. ‘Jeana’ brims with ecological and ornamental value; it’s just the multifaceted, hardworking, lovely perennial we need in our collections. What is ‘Jeana’ Garden Phlox? Phlox paniculata is the most popular of all the Phlox species. Tall garden phlox, or flowering phlox, has bundles of showy flowers atop upright stems. From pale pink to crimson, color-rich selections abound. Whether old-fashioned pass-along plants or newer cultivars, P. paniculata earns its spot in the border. The exceptionally sturdy and floriferous ‘Jeana’ selection is the 2024 Perennial Plant of the Year. The Perennial Plant Association awards those that grow across various climates, need little additional maintenance, and have good pest and disease resistance and landscape value. Taking top place in Mt. Cuba Center’s three-year phlox trials, ‘Jeana’ shows exceptional powdery mildew resistance, a long flowering time with a spectacular display, and a big pollinator draw. Of all the varieties in the trial, ‘Jeana’ attracted the most butterflies, and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, in particular. They also attract hummingbirds with their tubular, nectar-rich blooms. ‘Jeana’ has a tall, sturdy habit that supports the big show of deep lavender-pink florets. Domed clusters top stiff stems that reach five feet tall. While each floret is smaller than other varieties, the number per bunch and extended flowering more than make up for their size. In addition to its ornament, ‘Jeana’ offers ecological value. The nectar-rich blossoms are a favorite among butterflies and other pollinators. As a native cultivar from a wildly growing selection, it’s a strong performer in optimal growing conditions. ‘Jeana’ is the backbone of borders, cottage gardens, pollinator themes, and naturalistic arrangements. Pair it with other natives and their cultivars like amsonia, monarda, switchgrass, Joe Pye weed, salvia, and hardy geranium. These are a match for pollinator support and a long season of visual interest. Characteristics The clump-forming perennial spreads up to four feet and has tall, five-foot stems. Showy trusses of pips (individual flowers) are smaller than other varieties at half an inch, but the six-inch flowerheads last into early fall. The floral show hits peak bloom in mid to late July and extends into October. ‘Jeana’ produces few seeds and won’t reseed in the landscape like older garden phlox varieties. The lack of seed production means a long-lasting floral display, with less energy directed to seed production and more into continual flowering. With excellent disease resistance to powdery mildew, ‘Jeana’s’ bright green, elliptical, and pointed leaves remain attractive all season. Native Area Phlox paniculata is native to the United States from the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic and southward. It grows naturally along stream banks, riparian areas, and in moist low woodlands and meadows. ‘Jeana’ is a selection of a native wild phlox. Gardener Jeana Prewitt discovered it growing wildly in a large colony along the Harpeth River near Nashville, Tennessee. While others in the group showed powdery mildew, this strong selection was mildew-free. Planting Fall and spring are the best times to plant the perennials. If there is adequate moisture for strong root systems to develop, plant them at any time in areas with mild summers. Avoid planting phlox in stressful conditions, such as high heat, drought, or freezing soil. The cool, moist conditions of spring and fall present the least stress on new plantings. They’ll be able to develop roots before hot summers or cold winters, respectively. Good air circulation is essential for garden phlox and sets the foundation for health. Allow proper spacing at two to three feet apart to plan for the mature spread. At planting, dig a hole two to three times as deep and wide as the size of the root ball. Loosen any tightly wound, pot-bound roots so they can grow outward. Position crowns an inch-and-a-half below the soil surface. Water deeply after planting to settle the roots and soil.