Gloriosa Daisy

Gloriosa Daisy
Rudbeckia hirta

Somebody grew this beauty from seed and gave it to me. So I am not sure what variety it is. It is a nice double flowered type that seems to be perennial since it has lasted several years now. Rudbeckia is becoming a “go-to” type of plant for late summer color. The colony at the Estate has grown so big that we are starting to pull out the seedlings. That is one thing you need to watch out for when cultivating large groups of perennials. If you continue to move the seedlings to new areas pretty soon they take over and it is nice when they bloom but the rest of the season is a little boring.

Rudbeckia culture is easy. They like full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The soil needs to be well drained and a bit on the dry side. Deadheading the spent flowers is a good idea as it prolongs the flowering time. They can be used in the naturalized garden or borders. Propagation is by division or seed, both are easy ways to get new plants.