Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia bring warm tones to the garden just as summer is slowly coming to an end. These sun-loving plants, native to the North American prairies, are a popular feature of both cottage gardens and modern plantings with ornamental grasses. They love warmth and thrive best in full sun in standard garden soil. Some we grow as reliable long-lived perennials, others more as annuals, but they all delight with their rich blooms and typical prominent centers right up until the first frosts. What's more, the central discs look great in the flower bed even throughout the winter. They are also fantastic cut flowers. To make them last as long as possible in a vase, it helps to dip the freshly cut stems into hot water for about three minutes and then cool them immediately. You'll create autumn bouquets full of prairie energy.