These two popular perennials combine to make an eye-catching combination in the mid- to late summer border. The billowing purple flower heads of ‘Laura’ provide contrast in shape, size and texture to the golden-yellow flower heads of ‘Goldsturm’ while the flower colors are complementary. Both plants produce attractive foliage from spring until they burst into bloom. The flowers of both plants attract butterflies. Give this combination full sun and medium well-drained soil.
Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Laura’)
Garden phlox are one of the staples of the perennial garden and ‘Laura’ is one of the best. The fragrant flowers are carried in large pyramidal clusters atop stiff upright stems. Each blossom is purple with a prominent white eye and ½-1” across. Butterflies Like many other phlox, ‘Laura’ is susceptible to mildew and should be watered in the morning and spaced so that air can freely circulate around it. Deadhead clusters as the flowers fade to encourage rebloom.
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Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Size: 3-4’ H x 3-4’ W
Hardiness: Zones 4-8
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’)
The daisy-like flower heads consist of vivid gold ray flowers contrasting with the dark disc flowers and are 3-4” across. Each long lasting flowerhead is born singly on stiff, multi-branched stems. Plants are rhizomatous and are good neutralizers as they slowly spread into substantial upright clumps. Deadhead to encourage rebloom.
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Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Size: 24-36” H x 24-36” W
Hardiness: Zones 4-9
