Anyone else have the native smooth oxeye in their gardens? It’s my second year with it (beautiful perennial), but it’s absolutely covered in red aphids. None last year, and I’ve never seen so many aphids on anything before (not even milkweed). I’ve seen a single lady bug this year, and my kid accidentally stepped on it (!!) …I might see if I can buy some to come feast.
That is the plant I am concerned about. And, I seeded it around because it was so pretty. How risky will this be 8’ from my planned mini orchard?
If it becomes a problem the Heliopsis are easily removed.
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I wouldn’t worry about it. The lady bugs should show up soon and take care of the problem. If not, as Richard says, they are easily pulled up. I have heliopsis around my garden/orchard and it’s never been anything that I’ve had to fight. I agree: it’s a beautiful flower.
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Thanks for sharing your experience. I’ve never been that concerned about aphids in the past, as you said, the lady bugs come, but now that Im newly obsessed with fruit, I was worried!