Hello! I have had this plant reseed since I purchased my nursery stock about 5 years ago. It does quite well in my pool area which is enclosed and is a microclimate, as it has southern exposure and is protected from the wind. I also have it growing on the north side of my house, in full sun. The plants are just staring to emerge. Don't weed the area until you are able to recognize the plant. If too many come back, give them to a buddy. This year I left some stalks standing and there is healthy growth from these "dead" stems.It is a lovely plant. Enjoy. Oh, I am near Lancaster. B.

Yes,I have! They love my evening primroses and butterfly bushes. Awesome what you see in them thar' hills! B.

Anyone else having luck with self sowing V. Bonariensis up north in Zone 5?

It self sows here too, I'm between Scranton and Wilkes Barre. It doesn't seem to come up in mulched areas, but on bare ground there always seem to be a few.
I wouldn't call it invasive around here.
good luck!

I'm a bit south of you in the Poconos and a zone warmer. It self sows abundantly for me though it is really too early yet. They need pretty high temps before they sprout, and then they have long narrow pointy leaves with a rough texture and a dark almost purple cast as seedlings. The hairs on the leaves and stems give me a rash on my arms when I work around them, but I love them dearly and wouldn't be without. Unfortunately they have a tendency to reseed in the cracks and crevices rather than in the garden bed.

Thank you ALL very much! I'll keep an eye out for those narrow dark almost purple pointy leaves, and it's good to know it does not seem to run amok this far north. I hope katybird and Kato B get to see one of those cool "Hummingbird Hawk Moths" feeding on your V. Bonar. this summer. Now, lets get that temp. up a little more...

Good evening! As I had previously noted, the old stalks from last year have bushy growth and I may leave more standing this winter. WINTER? Did I say the W word????? B.

hi there!! it also sows here in pontiac michigan!! i was sooo shocked this past spring/summer, when they started popping up all over my property!! i mean EVERYWHERE!!..lol..just love these tiny flowers!!