The Reiger Begonias

Eye on Rudbeckia

FN 2.1 RUD rudbeckia hirta cherry brandy 3 gardening express
Charming ‘Cherry Brandy’

Embrace the concept of classic charm and make rudbeckia the focal point in a whiskey barrel for fall. Stick with one variety or create a festive mix—our autumn line was grown with a harvest-themed palette in mind. When choosing a cultivar, remember that both the shade of the petals and the color of the eye affect the mood you’re trying to create. Here are two selections that can take you in different directions:

‘Cherry Brandy’—deep cherry red petals surround a dark chocolate center. Flowers measure 3–4 inches across and plants reach about 2 feet tall. 

‘Prairie Sun’—golden apricot petals fade to yellow at the tips and surround a pale green eye. Flowers measure up to 5 inches in diameter and plants grow to about 3 feet.

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Pale green eyes of ‘Prairie Sun’

Both have large flowers. One plant is a bit taller than the other but you can see the difference that the color makes—almost like night and day. Go with a darker or brighter design, or combine them to play up their differences, adding ‘Indian Summer’ to tie them together or some fountain grass to vary the texture. Rudbeckia is a pollinator-friendly plant, which is also important to remember as we head into the fall season.

‘Cherry Brandy’ and ‘Prairie Sun’ come in the 4.5 and 8-inch pot sizes. Please see the Availability section of our web site for the full line of rudbeckia for fall. To read more about Fresh Rudbeckia for Autumn, please click here:

http://www.dgiplants.com/2013-reviews/autumn/223-fresh-rudbeckias-for-autumn