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Annual Biennial

Rudbeckia hirta 'Prairie Sun'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

black-eyed Susan 'Prairie Sun'

An erect biennial with bristly stems and leaves, and classic daisy-shaped flowerheads, 60-80cm, from high summer through to autumn. Flowerheads have a green centre surrounded by a warm gold ring and yellow-tipped petals

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer Gold Green Yellow Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Rudbeckia may be annuals, biennials or rhizomatous herbaceous perennials, with simple or pinnately divided leaves and large daisy-like flower-heads with yellow or orange rays surrounding a prominent conical disk

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Best grown as an annual. Young plants can be hardened off and planted out after danger of frost has past. Rarely survives winter wet and cold

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown with gentle heat in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead spent flowers

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds if air circulation is poor

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