Rudbeckia 'Prairie Sun'
5
(6)

Radiant Rudbeckia ‘Prairie Sun’: A Guide to Growing ‘Prairie Sun’ in Your Garden

Rudbeckia ‘Prairie Sun’ is a stunning perennial with unusually large, daisy-like flowers. These flowers can reach up to 5 inches (12 cm) in diameter. The blooms are bright orange rays with yellow tips surrounding a light green central disk, providing a striking contrast and vibrant display. The flowers bloom profusely from early summer to frost, creating a long-lasting spectacle of color in the garden.

The plant grows upright, forming clumps that reach 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) in height and 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) in width. The bright green leaves are 3 to 7 inches long. Short hairs cover the leaves, giving them a rough texture. The strong, sturdy stems make ‘Prairie Sun’ an excellent choice for cut flowers.

Plant Family

Rudbeckia hirta belongs to the Asteraceae family, which includes a wide variety of flowering plants known for their composite flower heads.

Rudbeckia hirta, commonly known as Black-Eyed Susan or Gloriosa Daisy, is a vibrant and versatile plant native to North America. The cultivar ‘Prairie Sun‘ is a standout variety bred in Germany, known for its distinctive blooms and robust growth. It received the All-America Selections award and the Fleuroselect Gold Medal in 2003, showcasing its unique qualities and garden performance.

Care Instructions for Rudbeckia ‘Prairie Sun’:

Rudbeckia ‘Prairie Sun’ is relatively easy to grow and maintain. Here are the key care instructions:

  • Sunlight: Thrives in full sun.
  • Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but is adaptable to various soil types, including clay, sandy, and acidic soils.
  • Watering: Requires medium moisture. Although drought-tolerant once established, regular watering will promote better blooming.
  • Spacing: Plant 12 inches apart to allow for air circulation and prevent disease.
  • Staking: Typically does not require staking due to its strong stems.
  • Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent excessive self-seeding.
  • Winter Interest: Leave flower heads at the end of the season for winter interest and to provide food for birds.
  • Pests and Diseases: Generally trouble-free but watch for slugs on young plants and powdery mildew, which can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation.

Propagation

Rudbeckia ‘Prairie Sun’ can be propagated by seeds, which is the most common method:

  • Seed Starting: Sow seeds indoors in early spring or directly outdoors before the ground freezes (winter sowing). Barely cover the seeds as light aids germination.
  • Germination: Seeds typically sprout in 10-21 days at room temperature (68-72°F).
  • Transplanting: When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into 3-inch pots and then into the garden after hardening off once the risk of frost has passed.
  • Self-Seeding: Allow some flower heads to remain at the end of the season to self-seed and produce new plants the following year.

Additional Notes

  • Deer Resistance: ‘Prairie Sun’ is deer-resistant but may require protection from rabbits and slugs.
  • Pollinators: The flowers attract butterflies and other pollinating insects, enhancing garden biodiversity.
  • Climate Adaptability: Performs well in both hot, humid summers and cooler climates, standing up well to heavy rains.

In conclusion, Rudbeckia hirta ‘Prairie Sun’ is a beautiful, robust, and versatile addition to any garden, providing a long season of vibrant color and attracting a variety of pollinators. Its ease of care and adaptability make it an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

Rudbeckia 'Prairie Sun'
Rudbeckia ‘Prairie Sun’

How useful was this page?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 6

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Share This Page: