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Rudbeckia hirta 'Marmalade'
black-eyed Susan
Bold golden flowers with dark centres make this variety a standout choice for brightening summer borders. The daisy-like blooms are...
approx 450 seeds
available to order from spring
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Plant description
Bold golden flowers with dark centres make this variety a standout choice for brightening summer borders. The daisy-like blooms are large, long-lasting, and highly weather resistant, appearing in succession from mid-summer into autumn. Sturdy stems rise to around 60cm (2ft) and carry bristly green leaves that provide a strong base for the display.
Rudbeckia hirta ‘Marmalade’ is most often grown as an annual, though technically a short-lived perennial, and is valued for its reliability and easy growing nature. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and works well in beds, mixed borders, and large containers.
The flowers are also excellent for cutting, holding their colour and form in arrangements, while in the garden they attract bees and butterflies throughout the season.
Rudbeckia hirta ‘Marmalade’ is most often grown as an annual, though technically a short-lived perennial, and is valued for its reliability and easy growing nature. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and works well in beds, mixed borders, and large containers.
The flowers are also excellent for cutting, holding their colour and form in arrangements, while in the garden they attract bees and butterflies throughout the season.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun
Rate of growth
Fast-growing
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness
Frost tender
How to care for Rudbeckia hirta Marmalade:
Plant out after the last frost, choosing a sunny position with well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry spells in their first few weeks to help them establish, but avoid waterlogging. Apply a general-purpose fertiliser in early summer to encourage strong growth and flowering.
Deadhead faded blooms regularly to prolong the display, or leave some seed heads in late autumn for wildlife and self-seeding. Tall stems may need staking in exposed sites to prevent wind damage. Remove spent plants after flowering if you don’t want them to self-seed, or allow them to drop seed for future plants.
Deadhead faded blooms regularly to prolong the display, or leave some seed heads in late autumn for wildlife and self-seeding. Tall stems may need staking in exposed sites to prevent wind damage. Remove spent plants after flowering if you don’t want them to self-seed, or allow them to drop seed for future plants.
Sowing instructions:
Using seed trays and good-quality seed compost, sow from late winter to mid spring, covering the seed very lightly or just pressing it into the surface, as light can help germination. Keep the compost moist but not wet and maintain a temperature of 18-20°C (64-68°F).
Transplant seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on in cool, frost-free conditions. Harden off before planting outside after last frost, spacing plants to allow good airflow.
Transplant seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on in cool, frost-free conditions. Harden off before planting outside after last frost, spacing plants to allow good airflow.
Please note:
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
