Rudbeckia hirta “Autumn Colors”

Gloriosa Daisy
Rudbeckia hirta “Autumn Colors”
Type: Biennial or short-lived Perennial
Exposure: Sun / Part Shade
Water: Regular

This very autumnally-colored (is that a word?) flower is closely related to the black-eyed susan, which you might remember from July 22nd. From what I can gather, the smaller, 3in (7.5cm) wide, yellow-petalled rudbeckias are referred to as black-eyed susans, while larger rudbeckias with flower colors other than plain yellow (such as this one) are referred to as Gloriosa daisies.

All are short-lived perennials or biennials, which are sometimes grown as an annual, because they will bloom the same year that they are planted, even from seed if sown in early spring. Either way, they will often last a few winters, plus they tend to self seed. Colorful, profuse blooms in shades of yellow, brown, orange, and red are held above coarse green hairy foliage. These get to about 5in (13cm) across, and are popular in fall flower arrangements. The plant itself is a mid-sized grower, reaching 2ft (60cm) tall by half as wide.These look best planted in groups in borders or in a cottage garden setting.

Cheers,

John