Rudbeckia hirta Caramel mixed

The Rudbeckia x hirta 'Caramel Mixed' is a mix of rudbeckias shaded in unusual colours, in tones of amber, copper, and burnt rose, with the colour combination constantly changing depending on the plants. These short-lived perennials created by Thompson & Morgan are part of a new generation of hybrids that bloom from July on compact plants with sturdy stems. Their double daisy-like inflorescences continually renew until October, unaffected by heat and poor soils. They thrive in borders, both in sunny and semi-shaded spots, and are perfect for container gardening.

The Rudbeckia (x) hirta Caramel Mixed is a recent selection of plants resulting from, among others, the Rudbeckia hirta, a wild species from the aster family native to North American prairies. It is a short-lived perennial often grown as an annual or biennial plant. In the garden, it usually lasts no more than 2 to 3 years, but it readily self-seeds. These hybrids, shorter than their ancestor, reach a height of 50 cm (20in) and spread about 30 cm (12in). This cultivar also stands out for its early flowering and the sensational colours of its flowers, which vary like those found in the countryside.
The inflorescences are large solitary daisies (heads) with a diameter of 7 to 10 cm (3 to 4in), centred around a prominent blackish-violet cone. From July to October, numerous flowers succeed each other on the plant, forming an impressive mass. At the end of summer, the petals fade and fall, while the centre of the flowers dries and becomes papery. The flowers can then be picked and incorporated into a dried bouquet. The foliage consists of a tuft of lanceolate, dentate, dark green leaves measuring 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) from which robust and branched floral stems emerge. The stems bear narrower cauline leaves that are somewhat oval.

The compact shape of the 'Caramel Mixed' Rudbeckias allows them to be used in perennial borders, edging, and large flowering pots. They can be combined with other varieties or accompanied by inulas, asters, yarrows, shrubby salvias, echinops, and phlox. Lighten the scene by mixing ornamental grasses such as Stipa tenuifolia and Muhlenbergia capillaris... Add the blue colour lacking by sowing, for example, perennial flax or powder blue Ageratum between their feet against a backdrop of Caryopteris. Splendid in borders, their astonishing colours are also beautiful in fresh or dried flower arrangements from summer to autumn. Hardy, the mixed caramel rudbeckia thrives in sunny or semi-shaded locations and is not picky about soil; it is a particularly heat-resistant variety that tolerates dry and poor soils.

An ecological asset: Throughout the summer, the nectar-rich flowers of Rudbeckias attract pollinating insects and butterflies to your garden.An excellent way to improve the ecosystem and promote fruit and vegetable production in your vegetable garden. In autumn, you can admire the constant ballet of birds feeding on mature seeds found in the dried flower heads.