Rudbeckia is an annual, biennial and perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae, or Asteraceae, family. The genus includes about forty species, some of which are cultivated as ornamental plants.
Characteristics of annual species and varieties of rudbeckia
In appearance, rudbeckia resembles a plant such as Echinacea purpurea. But the difference between them is obvious and is represented not only by the main botanical differences, but also by the level of drought resistance. The natural distribution area of Rudbeckia is the territory of North America and the prairies.
Rudbeckia pilosa (Hirta) Moreno, Toto gold, Indian summer, Marmalade
Popular decorative look, characterized by the presence of hard pubescence, with yellowish-brown marginal flowers of the false-ligulate type and central tubular flowers of violet-brown color, which are located on a convex flower bed.
American variety Moreno forms an aerial part no more than 65 cm high, with burgundy-red flowers. Feature of the variety Toto Gold is a height of up to 50cm and the formation of rich yellow flowers. Medium-growing varieties are no less popular "Indian Summer" And "Marmalade" With yellow flowers.
Rudbeckia bicolor
Bushes up to 70cm high with bright inflorescences, presented in two rows. The inflorescences may consist of orange and yellow flowers, and some varieties have a black base. Flowering begins in the first ten days of June and ends only with the onset of the first strong autumn frosts. The most popular variety is "Herbstwald" no more than 50 cm high with relatively large burgundy-brown flowers.
Rudbeckia encumbrance
This species is characterized by the formation of erect and fairly powerful bushes, with the height of the above-ground part up to 70-80 cm. The foliage is bare, oval-shaped or slightly elongated. Reed flowers have a basic yellow color and a reddish base. The height of the cylinder, represented by tubular brown flowers, can reach three centimeters.
The ornamental crop is characterized by very short flowering. The species is a tall plant with a fairly well-leafed aerial part up to 13-140 cm in height. The lower foliage is three-lobed, and the stem leaves are oval in shape and dark green in color. The flowers are yellow in color and the center is dark brown.
Description of varieties of perennial rudbeckia
The decorative perennial takes root well in most regions of our country. It is widely used in landscape design and is used for both single and group plantings with other types of decorative foliage or flowering plants.
Rudbeckia brilliant (radiant) Goldshturm, Goldstar
The height of the bush does not exceed 55-60 cm. The foliage is long and narrow, and the flowers reach a diameter of 90 mm. The reed petals have orange-yellow tips, and the tubular flowers are characterized by a dark purple color. Variety "Goldsturm" forms an aerial part up to 80-90 cm high, with yellow flowers and a dark brown center. For compact and short growing varieties "Goldstar" Characterized by the formation of yellow flowers with a dark central part.
Rudbeckia gianta
Very tall perennial species, favorably characterized by increased resistance to drought and frost. The foliage is bright green in color and has a characteristic waxy coating. The flowers are very bright, yellow in color, growing on a protruding flower cone.
The subtleties of growing rudbeckia (video)
Rudbeckia occidentalis
A very original, beautifully flowering perennial perennial, slightly reminiscent in appearance of a daisy up to one and a half meters high. Some varieties of this species are characterized by the complete absence of reed flowers. and the resemblance to a cone of black color surrounded by attractive greenish bracts.
Rudbeckia purpurea Shaggy cap, Amber, Red umbrella
Better known as Echinacea. This is a light-loving and cold-resistant perennial plant up to 90 cm high, for propagation of which seeds or bush division are used.
Variety "Shaggy Cap" It is distinguished by gorgeous inflorescences, which are decorated with feather-shaped bracts of bright purple color. Variety "Amber" forms basket-shaped inflorescences with golden-yellow reed flowers and a brown-purple center, on long peduncles. Variety "Red Umbrella" is a bright focal plant up to 90-100cm high with straight and rough stems.
This view in natural conditions grows in the southeastern part of North America. Low plants up to 60cm high with fluffy leaves and very original petals with jagged edges. It looks impressive in single plantings and planted in groups, or forming decorative thickets.
Rudbeckia hybrida Mocha, Gloriosa Daisy
The perennial is no more than 1.1-1.2 m high, has a strong, highly branched, densely leafy stem part. Complex garden hybrids are represented by several very original and highly decorative varieties, among which the "Mocha" with huge inflorescences with a diameter of up to 18-20cm and "Gloriosa Daisy" with reed flowers of different shades.
Rudbeckia glossy Goldshire, Cherry brandy
Forms lush, strongly branching bushes no more than 50-80 cm high. with entire, spatulate-lanceolate, sharp-toothed and shiny leaves. Basket inflorescences are represented by star-shaped orange reed flowers and tubular ones - dark purple in color. The varieties are especially popular "Goldshire", and also "Cherry brandy" with a burgundy center and light tips.
Rudbeckia dissected Golden ball, Goldkwelle
A giant plant up to two meters high with spherical flowers, consisting of several rows of reed petals. The most popular variety is "Golden Ball" with bright yellow flowers and green tubular petals, as well as a compact double variety "Goldkwelle".
Rudbeckia terry Maya
A terry variety popular among domestic amateur gardeners, forming a low and branched aerial part with densely double flowers of bright, golden yellow color.
Technology for growing rudbeckia from seeds
You can grow an ornamental plant from seed material through seedlings or by direct sowing of seeds in flower beds in open ground. The first option is most often used when growing too expensive and elite varieties, with a limited amount of seed. Regardless of the chosen method, all seed material practically does not require preliminary preparation.
Choosing a site for planting in open ground
In order to restore full water balance in seeds, all seed material is soaked in water with the addition of aloe juice. You need to keep the seeds in water at room temperature for about a day., after which it is dried to a free-flowing state.
The basis for soil preparation in flower beds is pre-planting digging, removal of all weeds, loosening and mandatory disinfection with special chemical or biological compounds. Flower beds filled with a mixture based on garden soil and peat are optimal. Despite the fact that the crop is undemanding to soil, it grows best on humus-fertilized, medium-heavy, cultivated soil with good air permeability and water permeability.
How to plant rudbeckia seeds (video)
Features and timing of planting rudbeckia
The optimal time for sowing seed material in flower beds in open ground is mid-June. It should be noted that such ornamental plants only for next year, so it is best to apply seedling method, in which sowing work is carried out at the end of March or mid-April. Seedling boxes must be filled with nutritious soil and shed generously with water at room temperature.
The seeds are placed evenly and lightly sprinkled with soil. The average embedment depth should vary between 2-3mm. Crops are covered with film or glass and kept until germination at a temperature of 20-22 o C. Transplantation of seedlings into flower beds is carried out at the end of May or the first ten days of June.
Rudbeckia care technology
Care is standard and includes regular weeding and loosening, timely irrigation measures, as well as high-quality fertilizing with basic fertilizers. Withered inflorescences are cut off to the very top and good leaf.
In the autumn, plants are cut down to the very root, which is due to the presence of basal leaves that do not overwinter. Decorative perennials of most types are short-lived, so approximately every three years the bushes of the crop need to be renewed, removing the growth that has grown over all these years. Rudbeckia is a rhizomatous plant, therefore, it can be planted in root pieces by digging up a bush and dividing its root into several parts, which are planted in separate planting holes.
Watering, fertilizing and aerating the soil
At the very beginning of active growth and development of the plant, fertilizers must be applied. For this purpose, a tablespoon of nitrophoska, potassium sulfate and Agricola-7 are diluted in a bucket of warm water. For every square meter of flower garden, three liters of fertilizer are applied. This fertilization should be done after another two weeks.
Watering is carried out as the soil dries. It is especially important to carry out irrigation activities on dry and hot summer days. It is necessary to ensure that there is no stagnation of water in the flower beds. After watering, weeds are removed and shallow loosening is carried out, improving soil aeration.
Protection from diseases and pests
How to collect rudbeckia seeds (video)
Joint planting of a flower with other plants
It is best to plant rudbeckia in compositions with Turkish carnations, Alpine asters, and garden bells. In modern landscape design, rudbeckias are used in the arrangement of mixborders. All tall species are placed in the background or closer to the central part of the flowerbed. This planting allows you to cover the exposed stems of the decorative perennial with shorter flowers.
A cultivated resident of the North American steppe zones, in our flower beds it is called rudbeckia. In their homeland, yellow-brown flowers with a prominent dark-colored seed center are called “black-eyed Suzanne,” but in our country they are sun caps.
What is so attractive about perennial rudbeckia? What varieties is this plant famous for and are there flowers of other colors?
The flower belongs to the Asteraceae family, genus Rudbeckia. The stem is erect, pubescent, its height is from 50 centimeters to 2 meters.
The oval, elongated leaves can be whole or pinnately divided. The basket-shaped inflorescence reaches 15 centimeters in coverage and can have different shades of yellow-orange color. In the middle there is a black or brown convex center.
A perennial, frost-resistant plant that can grow in one place for up to 5 years, being unpretentious in care. It will decorate local areas and front gardens with its aerial plantings, and will be useful for flower beds and garden compositions. It looks more advantageous in group plantings and with low-growing surroundings of other flowers of contrasting color.
Species diversity
Four dozen varieties of rudbeckia with a long-term development cycle are currently known; hybrids are more common. There are bicolor red-brown, yellow-orange, dark orange multi- and biennials.
There are also low-growing species (30-35 centimeters), they have a variegated color and large flowers. These are bushes with a two-year development cycle.
Height 55-60 centimeters, leaves long, narrow. Both the leaves and the stem are rigidly pubescent. The inflorescence is 8-9 centimeters in diameter and has orange outer, reed petals, and dark red tubular petals in the middle. The middle of the flower basket is convex and brown. Prominent representatives This species are the varieties Goldstar and Goldshturm.
High variety, grows more than 2 meters in favorable conditions. It stays firmly in the ground thanks to its highly branched rhizome. The inflorescences, located on an erect stem, reach a diameter of 7-10 centimeters and consist of several rows of yellow petals, creating a double appearance. In the center are lighter, greenish tubular petals. The most widely known plant of this species is the famous Golden Ball.
It is an unusual flower shape - it consists of a central cone-shaped inflorescence. It does not have reed leaves, or they reach 1-2 millimeters. The middle is located on the green receptacle. The height of the plant is quite large - 100-150 centimeters. The original appearance of this variety adds piquancy to the bouquet and other compositions. It looks unusual, reminiscent of dried flowers. A new variety, Black Beauty, is known.
Tall, colorful plant. A dark, prominent center of tubular petals is surrounded by bright yellow flat flowers. The leaves are green and have a bluish tint. Representatives of this varietal variety are cold-resistant and tolerate drought well. Inflorescences are beautiful cutting material.
The bush is up to 2 meters high and has smooth, shiny narrow leaves. The color basket, 10-12 centimeters in coverage, is represented by yellow-colored flat flowers surrounded by dark green tubular petals. Noble varieties of glossy appearance Goldshirm and Herbston.
A compact half-meter plant with elongated, rounded leaves. The flowers are large, 10 centimeters in coverage. In the middle there is a tubular inflorescence, dark brownish. The outer leaves are flat, yellow-orange (three-toothed at the ends).
A breeding name that combines several varieties (glossy, dissected, hairy rudbeckia). Hybrids have solid flowers, 19 centimeters in size. Only the length of the reed petals can reach 12-14 centimeters; they are yellowish-brown in color. The middle petals are colored purple. Tall varieties of this species are Gloriosa Daisy and Double Daisy.
Rudbeckia is often classified as a species medicinal plant Echinacea purpurea and its varieties white swan. This is a false statement, the flowers are simply similar. They belong to the same Asteraceae family, but are classified into different genera: rudbeckia and echinacea. In addition, the former is not considered as a medicinal plant.
How to grow
The technology for cultivating rudbeckia is simple, suitable for a novice gardener and convenient for those who do not really like caring for plants. This is why this flower has gained popularity among lovers.
Planting and propagation
This procedure is carried out by sowing seeds in open ground, seedlings and dividing the bush.
Seeds are purchased at a specialized store or collected from dry, faded baskets by shaking them onto thick cloth or paper. Well dried planting material planted in the ground. Plants grown from such seeds can be significantly inferior in decorative value to the mother flowers.
Sow in open ground
Seed material is sown during the summer, by direct sowing into prepared soil in a garden bed. Soil requirements: a mixture of compost, peat and sand, or it can be the soil that is available. However, more fertile and well-drained soil favors especially lush and friendly flowering.
Make small furrows, sow seeds and cover with soil. This perennial will bloom next year, and this season it will only gain green mass. The advantage of this method is that these seedlings will come to life next spring and begin to bloom earlier than those planted as seedlings.
To get flowering this year, they use the seedling method. Sowing is done in March.
- The container, box or pots are filled with soil mixture;
- Seeds are sown in shallow grooves and sprinkled with a thin layer of earth;
- Spray with a spray bottle, moisturizing;
- To create a greenhouse effect and better germination, cover the containers with film;
- Shoots will appear in 10-14 days; if necessary, they are planted when two true leaves appear;
- Before planting, the seedlings are hardened off by taking them to a cool room;
- It is necessary to plant in open ground in May-June (when frosts have passed) after the plants reach a height of 15-20 centimeters.
Rudbeckia bushes are quite spreading; to mark the place for planting, an interval of 50 to 100 centimeters is left between the bushes, depending on the height of the plant. Some of them need garter and support.
Division of rhizomes
From spring to late summer, as well as in September, the flower can be replanted by dividing the bush. For this purpose, plants that have reached 2 years of age and above are used. The root of the plant is separated from the stems, leaving the buds. The separated parts of the root are planted in a permanent place.
This procedure is performed at least once every 2-4 years. Otherwise, the flower loses its attractiveness and degenerates.
Care and feeding
- It is better to plant flowers of this species in sunny areas; in the shade it will stretch out and bloom later.
- The plant needs watering only in dry times.
- Weeding is done regularly, which loosens the soil.
- Plants 1 meter high and above need staking, although they have rigid stems.
- Faded flowers and dry leaves are removed as they appear, which has a beneficial effect on the setting of new flower stalks.
- Fertilizing is done 2 or 3 times per season, with special complex fertilizers, this is useful both for flowering and for better wintering.
- In order for the plant to survive the winter well and not freeze, in the fall the above-ground part is pruned to the root, leaving a rosette of basal leaves. It is advisable to mulch the planting sites with humus. You need to rake the shelter carefully in the spring, trying not to damage the rosette, which will give rise to the growth of new stems.
Protect from pests and diseases
Rudbeckia is rarely affected by flower diseases. Sometimes powdery mildew “attacks”. You can get rid of infected areas by removing branches, as well as by spraying the plant with a solution of copper sulfate.
Other pests: nematodes, leaf-eating insects are removed using special preparations, as well as folk remedies. You can use infusions of garlic, tobacco dust, and celandine. Diseased bushes are burned, and the area under them is disinfected with manganese.
Prevention of problems is timely watering, loosening and fertilizing of plantings.
By planting rudbeckia you can disguise unsightly places and abandoned corners of the garden and vegetable garden. Everyone knows the golden ball that grows in every palisade and conquers a huge area, forming a yellow, sunny blanket.
Low-growing hybrids are even planted as a border or fence. The plant looks attractive both alone and in groups.
Surrounded by other low-growing flowers, the tall rudbeckia stands out. It can be planted in the background or in the center of a mixborder.
A good combination is obtained with colors of blue, pink, red and white color. Cereal plants will also make excellent company. It is worth remembering when composing a composition that a spreading bush will grow and provide shade to its surroundings. Therefore, flowers planted nearby should not be too demanding on lighting.
The rudbeckia flower, to which the article is devoted, belongs to the herbaceous flowering plants. It, reminiscent of the bright sun in a flowerbed, is undemanding to growing conditions, and blooms in the garden from June to late autumn. It has a variety of colors and flower shapes - it can be solid yellow, yellow-orange or with a dark border in the middle. That is why it is doubly pleasant that planting and caring for perennial rudbeckia does not require special efforts from the gardener.
There are several dozen varieties of rudbeckia.
They can be divided into groups according to height:
- the tallest three-meter ones, which are popularly called “yellow balls”;
- medium-sized plants, one and a half or two meters tall;
- low varieties, from 30–40 cm to a meter.
Rudbeckia is one of the most unpretentious flowers; it winters well in a temperate climate. Prefers sunny places, showing all the beauty of its flowers here. In the shade, the flowers will be smaller and not as bright. Loves drought more than overwatering.
It is advisable that the soil in which the flowers grow does not dry out - it is moist, but not too wet.
The ground around the flowers is covered with mulch, this allows the soil to maintain optimal moisture.
Perennial rudbeckia is fertilized, cut in the fall and rejuvenated by dividing the bush after several years of cultivation in one place.
Reproduction methods
All varieties of perennial rudbeckia are propagated by seeds and division of rhizomes.
- For the latter method, in August or at the very beginning of spring, the bush is dug up and divided into 2 halves. If it is large, you can divide it into more parts. The resulting plants are planted in a new place. Rudbeckia is propagated by division in adulthood, when the bush reaches the age of 3 years and it has formed a good, powerful root system.
- Rudbeckia can be propagated by seeds. They are collected after the plant has finished flowering and its inflorescences are completely dry. The flower head with mature seeds is picked, collected, dried and stored until sowing. Seedlings are grown from seeds indoors or directly in a flower bed. To do this, they are planted in April or late March - there is no need to do this earlier so that the seedlings do not outgrow. The seeds germinate in about 2 weeks. When the sprouts have 2 true leaves, they are thinned out so that healthy seedlings can form.
Planting in open ground
Seedlings grown on a windowsill or in a greenhouse are planted in open ground when persistent warming occurs. In central Russia, rudbeckia is planted in a flowerbed at the end of May or beginning of June, in southern regions- early or mid-May.
Seedlings grown from seeds in open ground are transplanted to a permanent location in the fall. Young bushes are trimmed and covered with mulch or spruce branches. The distance between seedlings should be at least 30 cm.
When propagated by dividing the rhizome, rudbeckia older than 3 years is dug up in April or May, the bush is divided into two or more parts, leaving a renewal bud on each, and immediately planted in the ground. You can propagate rudbeckia by dividing the bush in the fall, but if there is a harsh winter, the newly planted bushes may freeze.
Preparing the site and soil
Before planting rudbeckia, the flowerbed is dug up, freed from weeds, and fertilizers are applied. The seedlings are placed in dug holes without breaking the earthen coma - then they quickly take root in a new place.
- Rudbeckia loves fertile, light soil. A little sand is added to the loamy soil so that it allows moisture to pass through better, and peat or humus is added for fertilizer.
- The seedling is placed in a well-watered hole.
- A month after planting, rudbeckia can be fed with mineral fertilizer.
- It blooms in the second year.
How and when to plant?
Strong seedlings are planted in open ground on warm May or June days.
At the time of transplantation, young plants should have 2–3 pairs of true leaves and a well-formed root system. Seedlings are sensitive to cold, so two weeks before planting in open ground, they are taken out into the fresh air during the day for hardening.
Rudbeckia is planted early in the morning or in the evening after sunset in the last ten days of May or early June. If the place is sunny, shade the plants during the day for the first two weeks, until they take root and get stronger.
Rudbeckia perennial: care
Perennial rudbeckia flowers are surprisingly unpretentious and durable. A blooming flower lives for more than 2 months, so the flowerbed does not lose its decorative effect all summer. In order for rudbeckia bushes to be healthy and bloom beautifully, during the growth period they are regularly watered and fed universal fertilizers or liquid organic matter (a solution of rotted grass).
- Tall varieties of rudbeckia require garter. Strong stems can fall over in strong winds, so tying them to a support is mandatory.
- In the summer, the soil is loosened, weeds are removed and care is taken to ensure that rudbeckia is not favored by pests.
- In the fall, ripe seeds are collected, and for the winter, the stems and flowers are cut off and covered from the cold with mulch or spruce branches.
- In spring, seedlings are planted in open ground.
Watering and fertilizing
Rudbeckia must be fed 2 times per season. The first time in the spring and the second time at the time of bud set. Feed with complex mineral fertilizer, which includes potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus. You can take nitrophoska with the same ratio of these mineral elements. The solution is made from 1 tbsp. l. nitrophoska per 10 liters of water.
An infusion of mullein or green grass, a solution is also used as a top dressing. wood ash. Large quantity fertilizing will be to the detriment of flowering. In the fall, they are fed with phosphorus-potassium fertilizer so that rudbeckia overwinters well.
The plant must be watered without allowing the soil to dry out too much. On hot summer days, when there is a threat of drought, the soil is abundantly moistened and mulched.
Plant pruning
Rudbeckia can grow in one place for 3–5 years.
After this, you need to renew the plant from seeds or divide it, rejuvenating the bush.
After flowering, dried flowers are cut back to the first healthy leaf - then the plant will produce new side shoots, which will begin to bloom beautifully again.
Perennial rudbeckias are pruned at the root in late autumn. In cold winters and frosts, they need shelter. For these purposes, you can use spruce branches or dry grass. If the winter temperature does not drop below 0°C, covering the plant is not necessary.
Care after flowering, in winter
After flowering, rudbeckia seeds fall into the soil and germinate by self-sowing. To prevent this, faded flowers are removed in time or tied with gauze until the seeds ripen. Dried flower stalks are cut off.
For wintering, it is advisable to cut the plant and mulch it with a layer of peat or sawdust to protect the roots from freezing. You can cover it with spruce branches or hay.
Protection from pests and diseases
- If the soil is too wet, the flower may develop powdery mildew. At the first signs of disease, the plant should be treated with the fungicide “Skor”, a solution of colloidal sulfur or copper sulfate at the rate of 80 g per 10 liters of water.
- If brown spots appear on the leaves, you can suspect that the flower has been damaged by a leaf nematode. “Bazamid”, “Nemafos” and “Nemagon” are effective against this insect. Sick plants are cut and burned.
- Rudbeckia and caterpillars can damage it.
But in general, the plant is resistant to diseases. It tolerates minor inconveniences well - bright sun, dry soil and high humidity.
Use in landscape design
Blooming rudbeckia flowers do not fade for a long time, which is why it is an excellent plant for landscape design. It looks very decorative and cheerful in the flower garden. All types are unpretentious in care and do not require much knowledge and skills from the gardener.
- In a flower garden, rudbeckia can be planted as a single plant in order to decorate an unsightly fence or outbuilding.
- The plant combines beautifully with tall perennials in the flowerbed - bright yellow goldenrod, purple Septemberflowers, multi-colored phlox.
- You can grow perennial rudbeckia as a lush bush in large flower pots, placing them in different places in the garden as desired.
- Beauty bright colors Rudbeckias are shaded by evergreen spruce and juniper trees.
- With low-growing annuals or perennials, tall rudbeckia bushes are planted in the background or in the center of the flowerbed.
Throughout the warm season, from the end of June, rudbeckia will delight beautiful flowering. Sometimes bright flowers decorate the garden until late autumn, until the cold weather sets in.
Rudbeckia is a wonderful flower that will appeal to both the novice gardener and the experienced gardener. Experienced flower growers love rudbeckia for its excellent ability to complement flower arrangements on the site and add unusually bright colors to boring landscapes. Well, novice gardeners will be delighted with the unpretentiousness of this flower. Of course, it will not do without basic rules of care and planting, but in general, rudbeckia is not demanding in care.
This flower, amazing in its beauty, was brought to Europe by settlers from North America. It was there that he was first noticed. Fascinated by the colorfulness of rudbeckia, settlers initially called it Black-Eyed Suzanne. In Europe, this flower began to be actively grown. Perennial rudbeckia owes its modern name to Carl Linnaeus. He named this plant after his friend Olaf Rudbeck, who was a botanist. Linnaeus was so delighted with this flower that he prophesied a great future for it - it will exist as long as the world and nature exist in it. By the way, one of the American states, Maryland, considers the hairy rudbeckia as its symbol. If you choose the right soil for rudbeckia, it will certainly delight you with its flowering almost until frost. In this article, we will look at the basic rules for planting, caring for and growing perennial rudbeckia, and also learn about methods of its propagation.
Perennial Rudbeckia in the photo
Just from one photo you can see what a colorful flower this is. In appearance it strongly resembles a chamomile. But it is the bright yellow color that makes rudbeckia stand out from other garden flowers. Due to its rich color, perennial rudbeckia is often called the “golden sun”, “golden ball”, “golden tower”, “sun hat”. The narrow and sometimes wide petals of rudbeckia modestly bend down, revealing a chic velvet center for all to see. Do not think that this flower is boring in appearance, because... has only one yellow color. You can find the most rudbeckias different shades and halftones of yellow: soft lemon yellow, golden yellow, copper yellow, orange yellow, brown yellow. This “sun” will really bring bright colors and a sunny mood to your garden.
Types and varieties of perennial rudbeckia
Rudbeckia belongs to the Asteraceae family and can be grown not only as a perennial, but also as an annual. The stem of rudbeckia is straight and tall, ending in an inflorescence up to 15 cm in diameter.
1. Rudbeckia dissected. This is one of the most unpretentious varieties of rudbeckia, which, moreover, is considered the highest, because can reach 2 meters in height. The rhizome of this rudbeckia is horizontal and quite impressive in size.
- variety "Golden Ball" (GoldBalL). One of the most common and unpretentious varieties. If you need to decorate some unsightly place on the site, or hide not very aesthetic buildings, then feel free to choose this variety. The rhizome of this rudbeckia grows at high speed. Try not to plant other plants near it. To prevent further growth of the rhizome, you can drive slate into the ground. The inflorescences of the “Golden Ball” are double or semi-double. Flowering can continue until frost;
- Variety Goldkwelle. This variety is low-growing, reaching 80 cm in height. Looks great in combination with other bright plants in flower beds. Blooms from August to September.
2. Rudbeckia shiny. This rudbeckia is sometimes called radiata because of the splendor of its flowers. The plant is considered short, up to 80 cm in height. It branches very strongly and blooms for 40-45 days.
- variety Vanabilis. This variety has inflorescences up to 9 cm in diameter. The leaves are quite narrow and entire. Flowering begins in August and continues until September;
- variety Sullivantii. Rudbeckias of this variety do not tolerate dampness well and are a little picky about the soil. Although the plant loves hot sun, it doesn’t like dry soil very much. This perennial will have to be renewed after 3-4 years of growth. It reproduces by young rosettes on the roots.
3. Rudbeckia pilosa. This rudbeckia can be grown and how annual plant, and two-year-old. This species received its name due to its heavily pubescent stem. Rudbeckia pilosa can grow up to 1 meter in height. Great for cutting bouquets, because... has long peduncles. Flower growers love this species for its abundant and long flowering.
- goldstrum. A low-growing variety of rudbeckia with stiff hairs all over the stem. The leaves are dark green in color;
- gloriosa Desy. The variety can be grown as an annual and biennial. It reaches a height of 120 cm. Rudbeckia of this variety looks like a highly branched bush that has huge flowers with a diameter of up to 16 cm. It bears fruit and can reproduce by seeds.
- maine Froide. One of the most spectacular varieties of rudbeckia. Dark orange flowers with a black center abundantly cover the entire bush and together look like a huge colored spot on the site. Ideal for decoration.
4. Rudbeckia glossy. Tall look rudbeckia, which can grow up to 2 meters in height on your site. It owes its name to the ovoid and shiny flowers 12 cm in diameter.
- goldschirm. Strongly branched bush up to 2.5 m in height. They are grown in ridges on the south side. Ideal for cutting;
- herbstzonne. Another variety of rudbeckia, which is distinguished by its high growth - 2 m in height. Beautiful yellow flowers with a diameter of 12 cm have petals slightly bent downwards.
5. Rudbeckia purpurea or Echinacea purpurea. Rudbeckia purpurea is the most controversial species among all rudbeckias. Currently, it exists as a completely different species - Echinacea purpurea. Initially, Echinacea was classified as a rudbeckia by Carl Linnaeus. But later, one German botanist identified a number of differences between these flowers and classified rudbeckia purpurea as Echinacea purpurea. Since then, the flower has had this name. Appearance Echinacea is quite bright and noticeable. In addition to the bright purple color, the huge “bump” in the center of the flower catches your eye. Because of this structural feature, Echinacea is called the “purple cone flower” in America. This is a short story of the emergence of two somewhat similar flowers - rudbeckia purpurea and echinacea purpurea.
6. Rudbeckia bicolor. One of those Rudbeckia species that proves that this flower can be grown in a “not boring” yellow color. It can combine bright yellow, dark orange and black-purple. It has a characteristic strongly convex receptacle of a dark color.
We grow rudbeckia on our site
Planting perennial rudbeckia with seeds
All varieties of rudbeckia, except terry rudbeckia, are able to reproduce generatively. Perennial rudbeckia is successfully grown by sowing seeds directly into open ground.
- To do this, you need to choose the right landing time and landing location. Since rudbeckia is not at all picky about the soil, any cultivated and fertile soil will do. This sunny-colored flower can grow both in the shade and in a sunny place. However, if you choose a sunny area for rudbeckia, then remember that you will have to water it more often and monitor the soil moisture.
- The best time to sow seeds is mid to late June.
- Prepare seed rows and place them shallow in the ground, 6 inches apart.
- After this, lightly sprinkle them with soil and spray with water.
By autumn you will have small rosettes that... next year will turn into chic and branchy bushes. But the simplest and least troublesome way to propagate perennial rudbeckia from seeds is to self-sow it. All you have to do is thin out the grown rosettes, and nature will do the rest for you.
Planting perennial rudbeckia in seedlings
The seedling method of propagation also does not require complex actions.
- Sow the seeds into the seedling boxes in the same way as you would sow them outdoors. This is best done at the end of March or beginning of April.
- Lightly sprinkle the seeds with soil, spray with water and cover with film.
- The temperature of the room where the boxes will be stored should be 21-22 degrees. Ventilate the seedlings regularly and remove condensation.
- Shoots should appear in 1-2 weeks.
- After two pairs of leaves appear on the seedlings, they need to be plucked for more comfortable growth.
- Gradually harden the seedlings - take them out onto the balcony or terrace for a couple of hours.
- When the threat of night frosts has passed, and this is usually the end of May - beginning of June, the seedlings can be planted in open ground.
- The soil can be fertilized with compost before planting.
- Plant rudbeckia at a distance of 30-40 cm from each other.
If spring turns out to be protracted, then rudbeckia may take longer to take root. If the flower has not yet begun to bloom, but frost has returned, then it is better to cover the rudbeckia. But when she finally takes root, she will not be afraid of any low temperatures.
Reproduction of rudbeckia by perennial bush division
Perennial rudbeckia can reproduce well by dividing its rhizome. This will not only be a method of reproduction, but also a healing procedure for the flower. Approximately once every 3-5 years it is necessary to divide the bushes. This should be done either in the spring, when shoots begin to appear, or in the fall, when the bush has faded. By performing this procedure, you will preserve the decorative appearance of the flower and prevent the roots from growing too much, which grow too quickly.
Caring for rudbeckia on the site
Simple care for rudbeckia can be described by the following rules:
- Regular watering. If your plant grows in a sunny place, then it will need more frequent watering. It is best to water in the morning or evening.
- Loosening the soil after watering. Perform this procedure as needed.
- Creating support for tall plants.
- Removing faded inflorescences.
- Removing weeds.
- Replanting perennial rudbeckia. It is carried out once every 3-5 years, depending on the size and branching of the bush. Root system This plant develops very rapidly, and in order not to litter the area, it is recommended to replant it in a new place. To do this, you need to dig up the bush and divide it into several parts. After this, plant the separated parts in new places at a distance from each other.
These simple rules of care will allow you to grow gorgeous rudbeckia bushes on your site. It is safe to say that all these manipulations can be performed by a person who has never been involved in growing garden flowers before, i.e. beginner gardener.
Feeding rudbeckia
Feeding rudbeckia is carried out in the following stages:
- Fertilizing the soil with compost. This type of feeding is carried out for all types of planting rudbeckia in the ground: seedlings, through seeds, by dividing the bush.
- Feeding at the beginning of the season. Prepare a solution from 1 tbsp. nitrophoska, 1 tbsp. potassium sulfate, 1 tbsp. Agricola-7 and 10 liters of water. Calculate the volume of such a solution based on 3 liters per 1 sq.m.
- Next feeding in 2 weeks. It is carried out with a similar solution.
Rudbeckia after flowering and in winter
So, your beautiful rudbeckia bush delighted you with its bright blooms all summer and autumn, and now it has bloomed. What to do next?
- If you do not plan to collect seeds, then faded inflorescences can simply be removed. But you can collect them. Then you will have your own planting material.
- Wear gloves and carefully pick up the dry seeds. They will need to be dried thoroughly.
- It is advisable to store seeds in paper bags or ventilated fabric bags in a cool room.
- Remember that even if you decide not to collect the seeds, they can be carried by the wind and sow on their own.
- Since rudbeckia is a perennial, it can withstand winter. But to do this, after the end of the flowering period, you need to cut off the entire above-ground part of the plant. Cover the rudbeckia with a 5-7 cm layer of humus, spruce branches or dry grass. With the arrival of winter, snow will be the best shelter.
We protect rudbeckia from pests and treat diseases
Perennial rudbeckia is a tempting flower to grow for inexperienced gardeners due to the fact that it is practically not susceptible to pests, and diseases rarely affect rudbeckia. However, in order to fully understand the picture of caring for and growing rudbeckia on your site, you need to familiarize yourself with information about diseases and pests in order to recognize the symptoms in time.
Most diseases are treatable, as are pests, which can be successfully eliminated from a plant if treatment is started in a timely manner.
- Sometimes perennial rudbeckia may appear leaf nematodes. In addition to the fact that they slowly destroy the plant, they significantly spoil the decorative value of this plant. Nematodes are small worms that live in the soil or in the plant itself. Due to the fact that the worms are microscopic, they are discovered when they have already significantly damaged the plant. Nematodes inhibit the growth of rudbeckia and settle on all its parts.
- Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can destroy a plant if it is not noticed in time. Manifested by the appearance white plaque, similar to dust, on the leaves of the plant. This plaque can be wiped off with your finger, but then it will appear in even greater quantities and cover even more parts of the plant. Leaves become limp and new leaves grow in an ugly and irregular shape. The fungus gradually “eats” the entire plant. There are special preparations that need to be sprayed on the plant. Spraying should be abundant, wetting all parts of the plant. One of good options- this is a complete “bathing” of the bush in the solution. It is also necessary to replace the top layer of soil around the rudbeckia, because Entire colonies of fungi can settle there.
- Perennial rudbeckia can sometimes get sick with a fungal disease such as rust. This disease can be easily recognized. Yellow, orange or rust-colored blisters appear on the leaves. Then these bubbles burst and rusty powder spills out - fungal spores. Treating the plant with fungicides is the only treatment method. Also, do not forget about prevention: correct agricultural practices, regular weeding.
As you can see, caring for perennial rudbeckia is not at all difficult and growing this sunny flower in your own area is not a labor-intensive process. Try growing this plant as an independent “soloist” in your flowerbed, or in combination with other groups of plants. Good luck in your gardening!