Rudbeckia 'Denver Daisy'

Bred for the 150th anniversary of the city of Denver, CO, Rudbeckia 'Denver Daisy' is a biennial or short-lived perennial, typically grown as an annual, offering summer through fall interest. This large-flowered cultivar is long- and heavy-blooming, setting huge 3- to 4-inch daisylike flowers with golden-yellow rays and a rich mahogany center and cone. Borne singly on sturdy stems that will not flop, the blooms make excellent long-lasting cut flowers. Bright and nectar-rich, the flowers attract bees and butterflies to the garden for months on end, and the seed heads that follow offer winter interest as well as sustenance for songbirds, such as American goldfinches.

A Rudbeckia hirta, commonly called black-eyed Susan and sometimes called gloriosa daisy, 'Denver Daisy', an herbaceous plant, has a compact, upright, bushy habit and a rapid growth rate. Black-eyed Susan is shown to best effect when massed. It is a classic bedding and border plant but also works well in decorative patio pots.

Easy to grow and low maintenance, 'Denver Daisy' prefers a sunny location with organically rich, moist, well-draining soil, having a neutral, acidic, or alkaline pH. It adapts to a wide range of soils, even clay, and tolerates dry soils, heat, and moderate drought; but it will not tolerate wet, soggy soils. Relatively trouble free, it forgives neglect and is deer resistant. The plant freely self-seeds and typically returns year after year. However, deadheading spent flowers will not only promote more blooms but also prevent unwanted self-seeding.

A native plant, black-eyed Susan is indigenous to North America. Native plants are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. Naturally adapted to the climate and soil conditions of the region, they thrive without fertilizers or extra watering, once established. They also act as natural pest controls, reducing the need for pesticides in the garden. Landscaping with native plants promotes biodiversity and provides shelter and quality food for wildlife and pollinators, bringing gardens to life.