The Black Eyed Susans
Rudbeckia are also known as ‘Black eyed Susans’, ‘Brown eyed Susans’ and Cone Flowers depending on variety. They have daisy like flowers, grow well in full sun and are drought tolerant easy care group of plants.
Rudbekia can be grown from seeds, sow seeds in late winter in trays in a greenhouse, or indoors, they will take a month or so to reach a stage where they can be planted out. Buy named cultivars in late winter for planting out in spring, most species flower in late summer. If lightly pruned after flowering, they will often re bloom in autumn.
Propagation is by division, also possible from seed.
How to Grow Rudbekia
These are a plant that will perform best in good soil. Soil preparation is the key to masses of flowers sow dig in good amounts of well rotted compost and aged cow manure before planting.
You can plant the perennial varieties at any time of the yer except in the coldest climates.
- Dig over the soil and remove weeds.
- Plant at the same depth as in the container.
- Water in well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- Mulch around the plant to maintain a cool moist root run.
- Provide extra water during long dry periods in summer.
- Cut back after flowering to improve appearance and tidy up.
- Divide clumps every 3 – 4 years to improve vigour. The best time to divide Rudbeckia is in early spring.
Rudbekia Varieties
- R. fulgida is a yellow flowering daisy like flower with stunning black centre.
- Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ( Rudbeckia Goldsturm) is a popular cultivar these two are known as the ‘Black eyed Susans’ available for sale by mail order.
- Rudbeckia triloba is a taller growing species (up to 2m) with different coloration to ‘Goldstrum’ the eye is noticeably brown hence the name’ Brown eyed Susan’ also know as the thin leaved cone flower as its foliage is finer.
- Rudbekia hirta is grown as an annual.
- Rudbeckia laciniata (picture right) Height flowers 1.5-2m. Herbaceous perennial. Position full sun. Flowers summer. For late summer autumn colour in the garden this hardy rudbeckia is very hard to beat. It is seen here growing on my nature strip and has not had a drop of water all summer. Once the flowering has finished the seed heads are very fine.
- Rudbeckia californica is known as the Californian coneflower
- Thehe fascinating Rudbeckia occidentalis ‘Green Wizard’ with its green sepals and large deep red centre that will reach around 1.5m is a most unusual plant.
- ‘Black Beauty’ which has also has green sepals (no petals) is also worth looking for.
And the name ‘coneflowers’, yes they are closely related to Echinacea purpurea or the purple cone flower.
OTHER GARDEN PLANTS OF INTEREST
- rudbeckia plants for sale
- echinacea
- penstemon
- phlomis
- phlox paniculata
- russell lupins
- dodecatheon (shooting stars)
- agastache
Rudbekia plants and species are available to buy online from the following participating nurseries
Large range of Rare, Unusual and Old Fashioned Perennials. Includes Artemisias, Achilleas, Geraniums, Geums, Salvias, Penstemon and Francoa.
www.yellowhouseheritageperennials.com.au
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au
GENTIANA NURSERY
Olinda-Monbulk Rd Olinda.
PH (03) 97512363
email craigw60@eisa.net.au