My rudbeckias were a sorry lot this summer. In May they were continually “pruned” by bunnies, and during the remainder of summer “Mother Nature” tried to drown them. By late in the season many of them had shriveled up and disappeared.
One cultivar that happily bucked the weather (and the bunnies) was ‘Cappuccino.’ I tried ‘Cappuccino’ because the plants are supposed to have a higher bloom-to-foliage ratio than other rudbeckias. It’s not an advertising gimmick, the plants really do crank out an abundance of flowers.
‘Cappuccino’ grows 18 to 20 inches tall. The blooms are supposed to be 4 inches across, but many of mine reached 6 or even 7 inches in diameter. I sprouted more than a dozen rudbeckia cultivars and ‘Cappuccino’ was the only one that didn’t develop powdery mildew or wilt.
While everything in my garden is winding down now, I can still see the big blooms of ‘Cappuccino’ from my window. This is one impressive rudbeckia.
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They look great. Maybe I’ll try these this year. Especially after the poor showing of Autumn Colours this past season. James
Sorry to hear ‘Autumn Colors’ was a bust for you. I’ve never had a problem with that cultivar (‘Prairie Sun’ on the other hand…).
I’ve decided to go with Cappuccino and for contrast Prairie Sun or some yellow plant. Any suggestions will be appreciated. James
‘Prairie Sun’ is pretty and I’ve grown it for years (although the last few times I’ve sprouted it from seed it has grown at a frustratingly slow rate—I’m not sure what that’s about). Rudbeckia ‘Indian Summer’ (36″) has always done well for me. I also really like the new ‘Profusion Yellow’ zinnias (or ‘Profusion Double Golden’ is nice too) if you’re looking for something shorter (12-15″).
http://emsgarden.com/?p=9734
The most reliable companion plant would be a mid-range yellow or gold marigold (First Lady, Inca II, Whopper, etc.), but I know some people find them boring. I actually miss being able to grow the large-flowered marigolds (beetles ravage ’em to shreds here, so there’s no point) because I could always count on them for a solid splash of color.
Purple looks nice with the brown rudbeckias too. ‘Evolution’ (farinacea) is my favorite.
http://emsgarden.com/?p=8412
I find marigolds delightful flowers and there is such a variety. But the European Earwigs are attracted to the flowers and like your beetles destroy them. I’ve tried Zinnias, but they are prone to mildew in our high humidity climate. I know that some Rudbeckias are much taller than others. Maybe I’ll try Rudbeckia Gold(2 feet) as a background. Any suggestions appreciated. James
There’s a smaller version of Rudbeckia ‘Indian Summer’ (gold flowers, black button eye) called ‘Corona’ that grows 18-20 inches tall (Stokes has it). I really like the AAS-winning, double-flowered Rudbeckia ‘Maya’ which also grows 18 to 20 inches tall (Stokes has that one too). I’ve never grown ‘Irish Eyes (gold flowers, green button eye), but I’ve seen it a lot at botanical gardens and on garden tours around here. It grows a little taller (27-31 inches) and is available at Stokes and Swallowtail.
We have very humid summers too. Usually my tall zinnias and rudbeckias develop powdery mildew during some point in the season. I’ve never had a problem with powdery mildew on the Profusion zinnias, but I think they are shorter than what you are looking for (12-15″).
Sowed Rudbeckia seeds today: Rustic, Marmalade, Eclipse, Cappuccino, Tiger Eye Gold. Not too certain about Rustic and Marmalade (older seed I found). As per directions I didn’t cover seeds. Checked online, but get varying answers. Do you cover your Rudbeckia seed? Going to use the Baggie Method for my Dahlia seeds and a few larger seed. Plan to try a few Marvel of Peru for our summer place. Lots of sun (when we get it) there. James
Hopefully your older seeds will surprise you and sprout. I once got a 10-year-old pack of tomato seeds to sprout, so anything’s possible! 🙂
I don’t cover my rudbeckia seeds, but I do push them into the soil a little bit with a plastic seed spoon so they make good contact with the soil.
I transplanted my Rudbeckia in four packs on Saturday. Kept 4 each of the plants noted in previous comment Save a few for friends. A local nursery has Prairie Sun and other Rudbeckias if I decide to get other types. Also transplanted my Petunias in larger pots. My dahlias from seed have been in larger pots for some time; they are doing well. Have to get at the tubers next. My broken wrist is gradually improving, but has slowed my seeding and transplanting. James
Some of my seedlings are getting a little big, but I’ve resisted transplanting any so far. I’m trimming them back and hoping they stay manageable. I worry planting season will run at least 2 weeks late this year unless we warm up fast in the next week or so. In that case things are going to get a little wild under the grow lights!
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