Rudbeckia hirta 'Sputnik'

RHS Plant Profile
black-eyed Susan 'Sputnik'
black-eyed Susan 'Sputnik' RHS
Plants for pollinators
Annual Biennial

A short-lived perennial, usually grown as an annual, to 45cm in height with bristly stems and lance-shaped leaves. The classic daisy flowerheads have bicoloured ray florets, each with a brown base and middle changing to yellow at their tips, clustered around a dark-brown cone of disc florets. Flowerheads appear from mid to late summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
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
Unresolved

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

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown with gentle heat in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Deadhead spent flowers

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds if air circulation is poor