Rudbeckia 'Prairie Sun' (Black-Eyed Susan)

Where to Plant:

This is a spectacular Black-Eyed Susan, producing enormous, golden-yellow, daisy-like flowers with distinctive pale green centres. For a prolific display that lasts from mid-summer until the first frosts, it must be planted in a position that receives full sun. It prefers a fertile, moist but well-drained soil and will benefit from the addition of some organic matter at planting time. It is a superb choice for adding a bold splash of late-summer colour to borders and large containers.

How to Plant:

You can plant container-grown plants from late spring through summer for instant impact. Dig a hole the same depth and width as the pot. Gently remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole, ensuring the top of the rootball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, firm the soil gently around the plant, and water it in thoroughly. Space individual plants about 30-40cm apart.

Aftercare:

Water the plant regularly during dry spells to keep the flowers coming. The most important task is to deadhead the faded blooms frequently. Snip the spent flower stem back to the next leaf or side shoot, as this will significantly prolong the flowering period well into autumn. In the UK, this variety is best treated as a half-hardy annual and replaced each year, although it may survive a mild winter in very well-drained, sheltered gardens.