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Herbaceous PerennialAnnual Biennial

Rudbeckia hirta Enchanted Embers (Enchanted Series)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

black-eyed Susan [Enchanted Embers]

A biennial or short-lived perennial, often grown as an annual, to around 50cm high, with oval-shaped, bristly green leaves. Daisy-like, semi-double flowers, in shades of gold and burnt orange, are produced from mid summer into autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Gold Orange Green
Autumn Gold Orange Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Clump forming
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, or with winter protection in colder areas. Thrives in moderately fertile, well-drained soil that does not dry out, in full sun or partial shade. See rudbeckia cultivation for more detailed advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead to remove spent flowers

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, and to slugs on young growth

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, especially on dry soils

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