Looking at Rudbeckia

As you may or may not know, there are more Rudbeckia in the world than 'Goldsturm'. Though 'Goldsturm' has proven to be a successful plant for many, and was even given the Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association, there are more out there worthy of your attention. Now it has become overplanted a bit, and we need to look at other options. Have we learned from Elm, Ash, and Chestnut that monocultures can sometimes be a bad thing? Here are some Rudbeckias that we are looking at in our gardens.

Rudbeckia subtomentosa 'Henry Eilers'

Truly unique flower on this plant. Quilled new petals rise above very clean, dark green foliage. Should be used more as a specimen plant rather than planting en masse. This was planted in spring this year, and is already 4 feet tall. Sizing up nicely, this is definately a keeper!

Rudbeckia laciniata 'Goldquelle'

This is a double flowering form that I first saw growing at the Minnesota Landscape Arboreteum. Foliage has stayed clean, and it is flowering prolifically. It is something different, that I'll have to keep my eye on. Plants right now are in the 3' range, smaller than 'Henry Eilers' and 'Herbstonne', but larger than 'Viette's Little Suzy' and 'Dibbles'.

Rudbeckia nitida 'Herbstonne'

A giant among the rest, 'Herbstonne' reaches up to 6 foot in the air and shows off nice lemon yellow flowers with a green cone. A tough plant for the back of the border, but can require some staking in shadier areas. Quite "Outstanding in the Garden" is what one garden writer said. For larger spaces, this one deserves consideration.

Rudbeckia fulgida 'Dibbles'

A very special selection of R. fulgida from Roy Diblik. Upward curving petals on a more compact plant, distinguish this from the rest. The foliage has a blue cast, and is smaller than any other Rudbeckia I've seen. It is later flowering than the aforementioned varieties, but worth the wait. In fact that would make it a good combination plant with some fo the others because of the different bloom time.

Stay tuned as I try real hard to give them all black spot. So far they have not succumb to the bacteria that typically makes 'Goldsturm' so disfigured. They are all planted very close with the intent that I want to make it as hard as possible for them not to get it. This fall I will be planting Rudbeckia Goldsturm side by side with these in the hopes that something gets it. They can't all be good plants can they? Have a great day!