Rudbeckia hirta Prairie Sun Seeds

The Rudbeckia 'Prairie Sun' is a perennial ephemeral plant grown as an annual or biennial, known for its ease of cultivation. In the garden, it will not last more than 2 to 3 years, but it self-seeds quite easily.
Originating from the centre of the United States, the Rudbeckia hirta is synonymous with Rudbeckia gloriosa.

The Rudbeckia gloriosa Prairie Sun is distinguished by its large size of 75/80 cm (30/32in), a bit shorter than other varieties of the species (which reach 100 cm (39in)) and especially by the original colour of its large daisy-like flowers, lemon yellow and orange with a green olive heart.

The exceptional qualities of this variety have been rewarded with a gold medal at the Fleuroselect competition.

The foliage consists of a tuft of lanceolate basal leaves, dentate, dark green, measuring 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4in), from which rise robust and ramified flower stalks. The stalks bear narrower and rather oval-shaped cauline leaves.

The 'Prairie Sun' Rudbeckia flowers are large daisies (heads) with a prominent green centre and a lemon-yellow and orange corolla. The long petals regularly arranged around the flower's centre give it a diameter ranging from 10 to 13 cm (4 to 5in). The many flowers that bloom from July to October form a mass of undulating flowers in the wind. This mass provides a source of fresh flowers for making bouquets.
At the end of the summer season, the yellow and orange petals fade and fall while the flower's centre dries and shrivels. Again, the flowers can be picked and incorporated into a dried bouquet.

Hardy, the 'Prairie Sun' Rudbeckia hirta likes sunny or semi-shaded locations. It prefers a rich, heavy, and moist soil, but above all, well-drained.

An ecological asset: Throughout the summer, the nectar-rich flowers of Rudbeckias attract pollinating insects and butterflies to your garden. A good way to improve your garden's ecosystem and promote the production of fruits and vegetables in your garden. In autumn, you can admire the incessant ballet of birds that come to feed on the mature seeds they find in the hearts of the dried flowers.