Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia are big, round, colorful flowers that fit great in any garden. Let’s take a look at a few of my favorite selections. Rudbeckia are wonderful and produce lots of flowers in colors ranging from golden yellow to mahogany brown having dark center cones. They are also called gloriosa daisies, and man, do they live up to this name. Cappuccino produces flowers up to 4 inches across with dark orangy petals with a brownish red center accent splotch. Cherry Brandy has deep maroon-red flowers with a dark chocolate center cones that are welcome in any garden. The flowers can be up to three inches across. Indian Summer was an AAS winner in 1995 and Mississippi Medallion winner in 1999. This is a 36 inch tall selection that produces golden yellow flowers that can be 6 inches in diameter or greater. The flowers of Cherokee Sunset contain a blend of sunset colors; yellow, orange, bronze, mahogany and all the shades in between. The up to four-inch flowers are double or semi-double. Prairie Sun is robust with distinctive up to five-inch flowers. This three-foot tall selection has a light green center cone surrounded by bright golden yellow petals having yellow primrose tips. These and all Rudbeckia will produce the best flowers and colors when grown in at least six hours of full sun each day. I’m horticulturist Gary Bachman and I’ll see you next time on Southern Gardening.