Rudbeckia fulgida var. speciosa (Showy Black-Eyed Susan)
Rudbeckia fulgida var. speciosa is a clump-forming, erect perennial boasting masses of orange-yellow flowers, 3-4 in. across (7-10 cm), from mid-summer through early fall. Borne on sturdy stems, each charming flower counts up to 20 rays that surround a prominent chocolate central cone.
Rudbeckia fulgida var. speciosa is a clump-forming, erect perennial boasting masses of orange-yellow flowers, 3-4 in. across (7-10 cm), from mid-summer through early fall. Borne on sturdy stems, each charming flower counts up to 20 rays that surround a prominent chocolate central cone. They are produced in such profusion that they literally cover the foliage of oval, dark green leaves. Strong, vigorous, and pest resistant, this beautiful Rudbeckia species is an excellent choice for the late summer border.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
- Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
- Thrives in full sun or partial shade in moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Best flower production occurs in full sun, although this plant will tolerate some light shade.
- Spectacular when massed in drifts, this is an excellent choice for perennial borders, cottage gardens, prairies, and meadows.
- Extremely easy to grow, Rudbeckia plays well with other hot-colored perennials or with the cool blues and purples of geraniums and asters.
- Robust, low maintenance, and highly disease resistant, it is also drought tolerant.
- Attractive to butterflies, it is deer and rabbit-resistant.
- Remove spent flowers to promote further blooms and maintain a neat appearance.
- US Native Wildflower
Requirements
| Hardiness | 3 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Rudbeckia |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Mid,Late)Fall |
| Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 18″ – 24″ (45cm – 60cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia |
| Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
| Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |