DENVER — Every year at this time, the bumblebee daisies burst into bloom. This simple, humble plant, properly called Rudbeckia triloba, produces small golden flowers with dark centers that look like bumblebees - and lots of them.
This plant is a member of the black-eyed Susan clan and is native to the central plains. Anybody can grow bumblebee daisies in sun or part shade. It's a biennial, meaning that it lives for two years and blooms in the second season. Grow it from seed. Get ahold of a seed packet and sow the seeds in your garden this fall. Then you're off and running. New plants will appear every spring. After they finish blooming at the end of fall, let them go to seed.
In contrast, my shady patio has a jungle feeling. The coleus are big and bold. The centerpiece of the patio is an elephant ear called 'Redemption.' Its dark leaves have reddish-pink centers. They'd be more colorful in full sun. But that's a risk because they might burn.
My new miniature roses are blooming on my sunny patio. These cute little roses are sold on Valentine's Day, usually with four cuttings in one pot that have been coaxed into bloom for the holiday. I saved my pot of roses, of course, giving it as much sun as possible. In May, I divided the cuttings and potted them individually. Now they've grown and bloomed. They can be transplanted into the garden or grown on in pots that are protected during winter.
More Proctor's Garden
> Top stories curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS
Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER
Download the 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n
HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
RELATED: Tips to protect plants from the heat