Rudbeckia hirta Summerina Electra Shock

Rudbeckia 'Summerina Electra Shock'®, also known by the sweet name 'ET RDB 404', is a surprising and highly ornamental variety. Its narrow and upright petal flowers, around an almost black central cone, are a golden orange-yellow in warm weather and turn brown-bronze as temperatures cool. This Rudbeckia blooms for a long time, from May to November, on a rounded clump of dark green foliage. Give it full sun, in good garden soil that is not too dry or poor, or plant it in a pot.

A must-have in gardens, Rudbeckias belong to the Asteraceae family, just like asters, Centaureas, and yarrows. 'Summerina Electra Shock'® is the result of cross-breeding between a Rudbeckia and an Echinacea. It combines the appearance of Rudbeckia with the hardiness of Echinacea. These two species are native to prairies in the eastern United States, where competition, full sun, and heat are prevalent. They are therefore reliable and very robust plants in the garden. They produce large "sun" flowers throughout the summer, which are actually inflorescences: the peripheral flowers are yellow and attract pollinators, while the central flowers are dark and produce seeds. The tall clump has dark green, elongated, and pointed leaves.

'Summerina Electra Shock'® is distinguished by a fairly compact habit, with a tendency to be rounded, reaching a height of 60cm and a width of 45cm at maturity. Very floriferous, it provides an extra-long flowering period from May to November, with typical species flowers measuring about 10cm in diameter, numerous and borne on strong and branched stems.

Provide Rudbeckias with a well-situated spot in full sun, in ordinary, well-drained, and not too poor soil. They appreciate limestone. While a well-established clump can withstand drought, the flowering will be more beautiful if the soil does not dry out during the summer. Maintenance, which is minimal, simply involves removing faded flowers from time to time. However, you can also leave them for their autumnal charm once they are dry, especially as they then provide a good food source for birds.

Plant 'Summerina Electra Shock'® in a beautiful pot, showcased on the terrace or balcony. In the garden, place it in borders, mixed borders, accompanied by colourful Kniphofias, grasses like Panicum or Pennisetum, salvias, and verbenas. Cut flowers hold up very well in a vase.