Viewing comments posted by PlantingOaks

I am of two minds about this plant. On one hand, the scent is absolutely amazing, wafting through the garden sweet, plus it blooms later in the summer, which is rare for a bush. That, plus the small height suggests it be used near walkways or entrances where the scent can be appreciated.
HOWEVER, it attracts more yellowjackets, paper wasps, and other stinging insects than any other plant I have grown, even compared to other 'pollinator magnets'. Perhaps this is due to the later bloom time? In any case, it is a hum of activity, but somewhat threatening activity that suggests it should not be near a walkway or patio.
Additionally, it leafs out very late in spring, leaving an unsightly dead-looking clump of twigs in an otherwise booming spring garden.
Otherwise, it does well in our difficult alkaline clay soil, and humid midwest climate, thriving without particular care.
I have not grown other cultivars or the species, but am tempted to try to find a taller one, which could be planted a distance where the positive aspects could be appreciated without so much attention on the downsides.

Drainage seems to be key for perennialization. In central Ohio (zone 6) it has survived several winters in a berm of sand over the local limestone clay. Blooms are tall and rangy, but foliage is consistently neat and evergreen after they are cut back.

Reblooms consistently in central Ohio, zone 5 in September/October. One of my more vigorous SDBs

Very cute and tiny. Flowers open bright pink and fade to pale lavender, giving a multi-colored effect.

I did not find them fragrant unless you stick your nose right in them, which is difficult at under 6" tall

Plants need to be spaced closely (I would say no more than 2 inches apart) for a good, dense show. The plants themselves are a bit sparse, but form a nice clump when close together.

Tolerant of frost as a seedling

Strongly fragrant

When starting from seed, provide seedlings with very minimal moisture or they will become leggy and/or rot.

Will self-seed somewhat in the garden.

sowed in-situ in early spring zone 5. Did not sprout until temperatures were very warm (80s) and is notably behind other species direct sown in the same bed. May try starting inside next time.

Surprisingly tolerant of wet feet as a seedling

Does not like overhead watering. Leaves get soggy and deformed and do not recover well.