Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)PEAK SEASON: Midsummer to fall; seed heads are attractive in winter
FAVORITE SELECTIONS:
- "fulgida" - longer blooming. flowers are slightly smaller and the plant is generally more delicate-looking. "Goldsturm" is descended from the native wild species. easy to grow even in clay and will spread - though not rampantly - and self-sow.
- "nitida" - sometimes called yellow coneflower. center is light green.
- "Herbstonne" - grows to 6 feet tall.
GARDEN COMPANIONS: Works well in mixed prairie or meadow gardens. Combine them with New England aster; garden phlox; ornamental grasses such as fountain grass, feather reed grass, or switch grass.
When: Plant in spring, summer, or fall. Spring is best.
Where: Full sun with well-drained, average to rich soil. Borders and meadow gardens are ideal.
How: plant in groups of 3, 5 or more, spacing plants 1.5 to 2 feet apart.
TLC: 1-2 inch organic mulch. Remove spent blossoms. divide overgrown plants every 4 or 5 years in spring, splitting them through the crown and replanting the sections with generous spacing between them.
In Landscaping
M
ass of black eyed susan greets guests, right at the driveway edge.