| October 2007 — Rudbeckia / Coneflower |
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| Monday, 01 October 2007 03:00 | |||
 Rudbeckia fulgidaRudbeckia fulgida, a member of the Asteraceae family, is native to eastern North America. Featuring a black disk of florets surrounded by bright orange-yellow ray florets, this distinctive perennial is commonly known as either black-eyed Susan or yellow coneflower. It has hairy, ridged stems and the dark green leaves are also roughly haired. The native species grows to a maximum height of 48 inches. It is easily propagated by division, seed or stem cuttings. The seedheads are attractive to finches and add interest to the winter garden. Rudbeckias are generally considered to be hardy and insect- and disease-free plants Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' The very popular 'Goldsturm' was selected by the Perennial Plant Association as the 1999 Perennial Plant of the Year. Discovered in 1937 by German plantsman Heinrich Hagemann, the development and release of this variety was delayed for many years by World War II. 'Goldsturm' is a long-blooming, low maintenance selection that prefers moist, well-drained soils, but it will tolerate more severe conditions, including clay soils and moderate periods of drought. Plants form a bushy, upright clump with a profuse display of flowers, making this a great choice for mass planting. It thrives in a wide range of climatic zones.
This selection features double lemon yellow flowers from July to September. Although commonly referred to as golden glow coneflower, this variety is missing the distinctive center black disk of the common or Goldsturm coneflowers. It is a tall plant, growing to at least three feet in height, and in sunny conditions generally grows much taller. Its height and bright yellow color makes it an ideal back-of-the-border perennial. Rudbeckia nitida 'Herbstsonne' 'Herbstsonne' is an upright, clump-forming perennial growing anywhere from four to seven feet tall. The large daisy-like flowers feature drooping yellow rays and elongated bright green center cones. The lengthy flowering period, from late summer and into early fall can be further enhanced by deadheading spent flowers to encourage additional blooms. Tolerates a wide range of conditions, but does best in moist and well-drained soils. Attractive to butterflies. 'Herbstsonne' is also sometimes listed as 'Autumn Sun,' a translation of its German name. Rudbeckia speciosa A more compact selection of the popular coneflower, Rudbeckia speciosa var. newmanii is an ideal choice for a small garden or the front of a narrow border. Growing to a maximum height of two feet, its abundant flowers are also slightly smaller than those of 'Goldsturm'. This variety is earlier blooming than most Rudbeckia varieties, coming into bloom in early summer with a flowering period that finishes just when other Rudbeckias are coming into flower. |
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