Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
Rudbeckia refers to plants in the genus Rudbeckia, part of the daisy family, Asteraceae. Native to North America, they are valued for daisy-like flower heads, often yellow with a contrasting centre. The name covers several species and many garden selections. It does not automatically mean a long-lived, hardy yellow perennial: the life cycle, height and flower appearance depend on the plant’s more precise identity.Perennial forms develop clumps that persist for several years, usually with seasonal above-ground growth. Other rudbeckias are annuals, biennials or short-lived perennials. Rudbeckia hirta, for example, has this variable character and is often offered as an annual for summer flowers. These differences make the species name especially useful for understanding how long a plant is likely to persist.The stems carry green leaves whose shape and texture differ between species. They may be broad, hairy or divided. Plants generally grow upright and branch, carrying flowers above the foliage.…
