Rudbeckia hirta Sunbeckia Mia

The Rudbeckia 'Sunbeckia Mia' is part of the Sunbeckia series, which produces large, long-lasting flowers. This one has a bicolour flower, yellow on the outer part and deep red near the centre, which is brown. The plant forms a compact and branched clump with sturdy stems, making it an ideal variety for pots and borders. Easy to grow as an annual, this short-lived perennial quickly forms a beautiful clump that easily multiplies through spontaneous sowing, although not always true to the parent plant. It prefers full sun and can tolerate ordinary soil, preferably fertile, ranging from moist to occasionally dry.

The annual Rudbeckia 'Sunbeckia Mia' belongs to the asteraceae family. It is a cultivar derived from, among others, the Rudbeckia hirta, a short-lived perennial native to the United States. In nature, this plant grows in meadows, pastures, and cultivated fields where it is considered an adventive species. It is a herbaceous plant that develops mostly unbranched stems, covered with large, stiff, upright hairs that are slightly rough to the touch. The 'Sunbeckia Mia' selection reaches a height of 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24in) when in bloom, with a spread of 40 cm (16in). The plant has an upright and bushy habit. The flowers bloom from July to October. Each head measures 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5in) wide, and consists of a flat and rounded cone-shaped central disk in brown colour. This cone is surrounded at the base by a collar of ligulate flowers. The collar is divided into two concentric zones of different colours, a bright yellow border surrounding a deep red central zone. The lower leaves are ovate and pointed (10 cm (4in) long), with toothed edges, and appear in basal tufts. The cauline leaves are smaller and sessile (without petioles) with a rounded to cordate base; they are a light and vibrant green in colour.

Both an architectural plant and an accent plant, the Rudbeckia quickly structures your flower beds and fits well in flower pots due to its compact and rounded habit, offering a beautiful and abundant flowering until late in the season. It can be accompanied by plants with light flowering, such as perennial flax, evening primroses (oenothera versicolor Sunset Boulevard), nemesias, or lobelias in flower pots. In a country garden, it keeps company with inulas, Ammi visnaga, ornamental carrots, and tall thistles. Its sunny flowers are also enhanced by the graphic design of tall miscanthus. It is also a perfect flower for making homemade bouquets.

All Rudbeckias are dye plants (especially R. hirta and R. laciniata) due to the presence of flavonols in their tissues. The inflorescences alone produce yellow-orange colours, while the whole plant provides yellow-green shades.

Note: Please be aware that our young plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, repot and store them under cover (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before being planted outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.