Rudbeckia hirta 'PRAIRIE SUN'

Gloriosa daisy is a North American species of black-eyed Susan. It is found on moist meadows and other insolated locations with free draining soil that does not get too dry. It is commonly classified as a short-lived perennial or even an annual that seeds itself reliably. So in spite of a single plant lifespan it remains in situ for a long time, be it the mother plant or new baby seedlings.

Prairie Sun is a glowing large-flowered gloriosa daisy producing flowers that are 11-12 cm across. They are bright golden yellow with a large orange eye. Centres are decorated with small, pale green discs. Flowers appear in profusion atop 80-90 cm tall stems from about mid July until the last sunny and warm days of autumn. Longevity of individual flowers is remarkable, too, as they last for two weeks, sometimes even longer like coneflowers. The leaves are large, ovate, light green, and hairy. In 2003 Prairie Sun gloriosa daisy was awarded Gold Medal at FleuroSelect in England and was also a winner at All-America Selections in the same year.

Gloriosa daisy will NOT tolerate heavy clay or wet/boggy soil. It needs good drainage yet sufficient moisture during the growing season. Grow it in full sun only. Deadheading will prolong flowering time and encourage formation of new buds. It is suitable for mixed borders with perennials or can be used as a flowering feature among low shrubs and conifers and looks lovely when planted in a mass in a container on patios and balconies. It is considered a short-lived perennial which for best results should be grown in an open bed without mulching sheets so it can seed itself. Seedlings flower in their first year. Under ideal conditions it is fully hardy to about -34 °C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 06-08-2021; 15-07-2024