Rudbeckia hirta 'MAHOGANY 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.

Mahogany Sun is a glowing large-flowered gloriosa daisy producing bright golden yellow flowers with a large, deep orange eye which matures to light mahogany brown. Centres are decorated with small, elevated, chocolate brown discs. Plants are dense and compacts and flowers appear in profusion atop about 60 cm tall stems from mid July until the last sunny and warm days of autumn. The leaves are large, ovate, light green, and hairy.

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