Rudbeckia Hirta for Annual Plant Gardens
More Easy to Grow Black-Eyed Susans that Attract Butterflies
Feb 27, 2009
Technically a perennial, Rudbeckia hitra is a short-lived black-eyed susan primarily grown as an annual in cold climates. But like all black-eyed susan, it is a good plant for sustainable gardens because of its ability to attract butterflies and be drought tolerant. Newer cultivars have demonstrated less susceptibility to powdery mildew, as well.
More Rudbeckia Ideas for Annuals Gardens
Each of these black-eyed susans is heat and drought tolerant after being established in the garden. Favored for being easy to grow, using this species of Rudbeckia is appropriate for annual plant gardens.
Rudbeckia hirta ‘Cherry Brandy’ is the first red-flowered black-eyed susan grown from seed, an achievement by Thompson & Morgan Seedmen, Incorporated. The flower has red petals that gradually darken while moving towards the center.
Rudbeckia hirta ‘Radiance’ hardly resembles a black-eyed susan except for its sun yellow petals and brown centered flower-color. The needle-like petals and ball-shaped flowers make it an unusual looking Rudbeckia. The plant grows to 18” tall and is less busy but more upright.
Rudbeckia F1 ‘Tiger Eye™ Gold' is heat and humidity tolerant and has demonstrated increased longevity, making it even more appropriate for sustainable gardens. The 3” diameter flowers cover the plant that grows 18” – 24“ tall. The golden colored blooms are likely to remind gardeners of traditional black-eyed susans.
Black Eyed Susan Winners
Gardeners have been given more choices over the past years, than the traditional perennial Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’ with its golden petals and brown center. Gardeners have greater variety of flower shapes and colors while accepting less plant hardiness in these winning black-eyed susans:
- Rudbeckia hirta ‘Indian Summer ‘ won All-America Selections in 1995. It has big bright yellow petals.
- In 2002, Rudbeckia hirta ‘Cherokee Sunset’ won the title from All-America Selections. It is a tall plant with an unusual mix of flower colors including dark yellow, orange, mahogany and bronze.
- Rudbeckia hirta ‘Prairie Sun’ is an early example of nontraditional coloring with its orange petals and green center. It won All-America Selections in 2003.
Easy to Grow Rudbeckia for Sustainable Gardens
Rubeckia is a garden plant described as easy to grow. It grows successfully in full sun planted in moist well draining soil. It will tolerate drought after becoming established, a characteristic that makes it a good choice for sustainable gardens.
The low maintenance description of this plant is another sustainable quality gardeners find. While this plant does not require deadheading, for repeated flowering, removal of dried flower heads is recommended.
Rudbeckia species is susceptible to powdery mildew. Overgrown and crowded plants contribute to the problem because it hampers good air circulation. Now, newer cultivars of Rudbeckia have been improved, making them less sensitive.
Commonly called black-eyed susan or gloriosa daisy, it is a good plant for cutting gardens and attracting pollinators like butterflies but will not entice deer. The blooms flower summer through fall.
These are more ideas for easy to grow annual plants and plants for sustainable gardens.
Permission received for all photos used in this article.
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