Rudbeckia hirta 'RUDY FIRE'

Gloriosa daisy is a North American species of black-eyed Susan. It is found on moist meadows and other insolated locations with free draining soil that does not get too dry. It is commonly classified as a short-lived perennial or even an annual that seeds itself reliably. So in spite of a single plant lifespan it remains in situ for a long time, be it the mother plant or new baby seedlings.

Rudy Fire is a mind-blowing, large-flowered gloriosa daisy with flowers that are extreme in every sense. They are semi-double, 12-13 cm across, individual ray florets are broad, glowing golden yellow from the middle towards the tip and deep mahogany red from the middle towards the centre. They are assembled in two tiers, one above the other. Central discs are dark like bitter chocolate. Flowers appear in profusion atop 60-70 cm tall, well-branched stems from about mid July until the last sunny and warm days of autumn. Longevity of individual flowers is remarkable, too, as they last for two weeks, sometimes even longer like coneflowers. The leaves are large, ovate, light green, and hairy. Rudy Fire is from Rudy series developed by Florensis from the Netherlands.

Gloriosa daisy will NOT tolerate heavy clay or wet/boggy soil. It needs good drainage yet sufficient moisture during the growing season. Grow it in full sun only. Deadheading will prolong flowering time and encourage formation of new buds. It is suitable for mixed borders with perennials or can be used as a flowering feature among low shrubs and conifers and looks lovely when planted in a mass in a container on patios and balconies. It is considered a short-lived perennial which for best results should be grown in an open bed without mulching sheets so it can seed itself. Seedlings flower in their first year. Under ideal conditions it is fully hardy to about -34 °C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 15-07-2024