Rudbeckia hirta Rustic Dwarfs ('Rustic') (mixed)
black-eyed Susan [Rustic Dwarfs]
A mix of biennial or short-lived perennials usually grown as annuals, to around 50cm high, with oval-shaped, bristly green leaves. Daisy-like flowers, in shades of yellow, orange and red and with prominent dark brown cones, are borne on leafy, upright stems from late summer into autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow Orange Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow Orange Red | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Genus
Rudbeckia may be annuals, biennials or rhizomatous herbaceous perennials, with simple or pinnately divided leaves and large daisy-like flower-heads with yellow or orange rays surrounding a prominent conical disk
- Name status
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown as a half-hardy annual. Grows well in moderately fertile, preferably heavy but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. See rudbeckia cultivation for more detailed advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown with gentle heat in spring. Light is needed for germination. Harden off before planting out
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to remove spent flowers
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, to leaf and bud eelworms, and to slugs on young growth
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, especially on dry soils
Get involved
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