In the past several years, new Rudbeckias have been introduced which boast exceptionally large flowers in vibrant colors. Most professionals are familiar with Rudbeckia fulgidia, the perennial black-eyed Susan. These newer varieties are members of the species hirta, and are generally considered annuals or short-lived perennials.
In 2008, the city of Denver decided to paint their city orange and gold with a new variety of Rudbeckia to commemorate the 150 anniversary of the city. Denver Daisy was developed by crossing the native Rudbeckia hirta with R. ‘Prairie Sun’.
Seeds of the Denver Daisy were distributed to schools, offices, and organizations for the public to grow. This successful campaign beautified the city with six-inch, golden yellow flowers marked with a chocolate brown halo around the central cone. The well-branched plants grow 20 to 26 inches in height with a spread of 10 to 18 inches.
Rudbeckia hirta ‘Cherry Brandy’ is the first-ever red flowering Black-eyed Susan available from seed. The compact plants reach two-feet in height and are smothered with three- to four-inch flowers from summer through fall. The daisy-like flowers are cherry-red intensifying to a deep wine red and punctuated with a black eye.
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