Mid- summer is the time of year that adult Japanese Beetle populations can really explode. We are in the midst of controlling them now, especially in the Rose Garden. Instead of spraying harsh chemicals, we find that mechanical control works well when Japanese Beetle populations are relatively low. Simply put, we hand collect the beetles and put them in a bucket of soapy water. You can also place them in a jar then put them in the freezer. When collecting beetles, make sure you enclose them with your hand because their first defense is to fall to the ground and then quickly fly away (no doubt to attack another rose bush). Never use beetle traps as they have strong attractants (called pheremones) that are guaranteed to attract every Japanese Beetle in the neighborhood! Another organic method of control is to apply nematodes to your lawn in early August, after the females lay eggs. Nematodes (Heterorhabditis species) have been shown to be effective at controlling the grub, or larval stage of the beetle. Remember, squishing always works, it’s just messier!

So, then, it must be Rose Campion, Lychnis coronaria- at least in my opinion! I fell in love with this plant when I first started in the hortiuclture field. The silver foliage and stems contrasting with the intense fuschia of the flowers makes for a very pleasing and surprising combination of colors. I previously thought that Rose Campion only grew in full sun, then I saw it growing quite happily in fairly heavy shade at my parent’s house. Regardless of where you plant it, it will freely re-seed. I divide it on a regular basis and spread the new seedlings throughout the garden. Keep dead-heading it to extend its flowering time throughout the summer. It’s also a descent butterfly attractor and is frequently visited in my garden by a number of small skippers. This is a lovely heirloom plant that will provide you with years of enjoyment.

Rose Campion growing alongside Delphinium