Can black eyed susan's become invasive
by harriet
(illinois)
I have black eyed susan in my garden which have multiplied to the point that it has pushed out any other perennials that were around them. What can I do to prevent further spreading. I have tried digging up and moving some to other areas but now they are starting to overtake those patches of garden also. I have huge tall black eyed susan and don't want to give them up but they are killing the rest of my garden. Help!
Doug says dig and don't replant. Give them away - compost them - burn them as an alternate fuel, plant them in the dead zone between your house and street and/or in median strips on the local roads. But dig and don't replant. Control them with a sharp shovel and understanding that they will indeed try to take over your garden. :-)
Eternal vigilance is the price to keep a perennial garden blooming and free from thugs.
control spreading
by douglas
(chance , va, usa)
the black eyed susans are taking over the garden. What is the best way to control spreading? Use edging of chemical?
Doug says they'll do this - they self sow with abandon. There are several ways to control them. From now on, make sure you deadhead the spent flowers - that will prevent further seeding. Then simply dig out the plants you don't want.
Edging won't stop seed dispersal but if you mean edging the plant with a sharp shovel, that will indeed stop any varieties that tend to wander by rhizome expansion (not usually a problem)
Chemicals won't stop this plant from spreading because there are none registered that will stop this plant and not bother the rest of the garden. It's far easier to deadhead and go at the garden with a shovel to reduce the problem. One it's under control, it should stay under control with deadheading.
Good luck
Should I thin out.
by Bett
(Pittsburgh, PA)
There is an area of black eyed susans in my yard. They come up every year. Should I thin them out or just let nature take its course? I love them.
Doug says that for overall health, it's usually a good idea to thin out black-eyed Susans every 2-3 years. They'll regrow and have more room/energy to flower.
