Rudbeckia is a “sunny” flower, in honor of which poems were composed. Rudbeckia belongs to the Aster family, native to North America. Originally the flower was called “black-eyed Suzanne”, often referred to as “sun hat”. The unusual name is derived from the surname of the botanists Rudebekov.
Appearance
Today, there are more than 40 species of these children of Flora, all of them differ in the size of the flower, which can reach 15 cm in diameter, and in the shades of the inflorescences-baskets. But it is not for nothing that Rudbeckia is called “the black-eyed Suzanne.” Regardless of the color of the petals, the center of the inflorescences is always dark. This is a striking feature and the main charm of plants.
“Sun hat” is a fairly tall plant – from 50 cm to 2-3 m. Leaves (oval) reach 15-20 cm in length. The color of the petals is from bright yellow to two and three colors: a smooth transition from a light shade at the tips to a darker one in the center of the flower.
Landing and its features
Rudbeckia is very fond of sun, warmth and humidity. But at the same time, it tolerates shade and slight drought well enough. Plants are recommended to be planted in fertilized soil, but they take root well and bloom in any soil. If the soil is too clayey, it is recommended to add a little sand and black soil to the flower beds before planting.
The sun hat can be planted directly into the ground. This should be done in May-June, when the constant temperature is stable around +18 degrees. The sprouts will appear in just 14-20 days.
Have you decided to grow seedlings? The seeds can be planted as early as March. For this, conventional containers with enriched soil are suitable. You will see sprouts after 10 days. The “sun hat” can be transplanted into a flower garden in early May.
Advice. Covering seedlings is recommended on cool nights. When it takes root well, you no longer need to do this.
Rudbeckia is pleasing to the eye until the first autumn frosts. It is noteworthy that throughout the entire flowering period, the petals can change their shade. It depends on how sunny the place is chosen for planting, soil moisture and air temperature. That is, bright yellow inflorescences closer to autumn can turn orange or even with a brownish-red tint.
Rudbeckia care
Caring for “sun hats” is extremely simple.
In order for Flora’s children to please you with their flowering until late autumn, you need:
- abundant watering 1-2 times a week;
- top dressing. At least twice (at the very beginning of growth);
- it is necessary to cut off dried inflorescences. This will significantly extend the flowering period.
If you follow these simple rules, rudbeckia will decorate your site until late autumn.
