Whether you call them gloriosa daisies, Black-Eyed Susans or rudbeckias, one thing is certain: They are among the showiest plants in the summer garden. In last summer’s trials, it was the Denver Daisy that caused the commotion in the gardening public.
You may wonder what the public has to do with trials. The answer is voting. Not all trials are the same, but in several instances the public gets involved on specific field days. As they tour, they are given a flag to place by the flower they admired the most. The more flags, the greater the recognition for the flower. It seemed everyone loved the Denver Daisy.
But last season’s trials weren’t the only predictor for this showy new rudbeckia. It was the celebratory flower chosen for Denver’s 150th birthday in 2008. Botanically speaking, the Denver Daisy is a Rudbeckia hirta, and is a cross between the native species and a prized selection known as “Prairie Sun.”
The flowers are large, 6 to 8 inches and feature golden yellow petals with a blaze of red around the brown cone. The plants grow upright easily reaching 24 to 30 inches and are well suited to cutting for the vase. You’ll also notice they are favorites for bees and butterflies.
Rudbeckia hirtas have the opportunity to be short-lived perennials, but most gardeners treat them as annuals. You’ll notice they are good about reseeding, but the subsequent flowers, though showy, may or may not look like the parent. On the other hand, you may see some you think are just as showy. But even treated as an annual like a petunia or marigold, rudbeckias still represent one of the best buys for your gardening dollar.
Another selection getting rave comments is “Tiger Eye,” the first F1 hybrid rudbeckia. The flowers are smaller, reaching around 3 inches but the 24-inch tall plant produces them in larger quantities than you see on many Black-Eyed Susans. You’ll also notice that the flowers are semi-double, with light yellow petals that darken to gold with even a little hint of orange toward the cone.
“Tiger Eye” is also well-suited in designer artistic containers. Try using it as the center, or “thriller” plant and partnered with complementary colored flowers like blue petunias or torenias. Add a touch of a grassy element and you’ll have a stunning decorative piece for the porch, patio or deck.
Let their feet dry
Rudbeckias perform best in full sun with fertile, well- drained soil. Tight, compact clay or soggy soil yields less than satisfactory results. So if you find yourself in this situation, incorporate 3 to 4 inches of organic matter before planting.
While many plant shoppers have a tendency toward instant gratification and buy them already in full bloom, you’ll find them acclimating to your landscape better if you buy a transplant with lots of healthy foliage that is still actively growing.
Space your plants 18 to 24 inches apart, planting at the same depth they are growing in the container. Since these are tall plants, you’ll want to place them in the middle or back of the border.
Plant them in bold drifts rather than spot planting. They are the quintessential cottage garden plant and look great in combination with spiky blue flowers such as tall “Mystic Spires” salvias or “Angel Mist” angelonias and purple coneflowers. For the front of the border, use blue or violet verbenas like “Tapien,” “Lanai” or “Homestead Purple.”
Nothing adds enjoyment around the home like dazzling displays of color, and rudbeckias like “Denver Daisy” or “Tiger Eye” will certainly do their part. Put them on your list.
