Rudbeckia hirta 'Enchanted Summer Sunset'
coneflower
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or general-purpose potting compost for containers
- Rate of growth: average to fast
- Flowering period: July to October
- Hardiness: frost tender (will need winter protection)
A neat, multi petalled coneflower with chartreuse-coloured ray florets, transitioning to raspberry tipped, amber tones, surrounding a bright golden ring of stamens encircling a prominent ‘pincushion’ brown eye. Busy with bees and butterflies, ‘Enchanted Summer Sunset’ will be loved by all nectar-seeking insects. Originally from the prairies of North America, they are best grown as a stunning half-hardy annual where they will thrive in pots on your patio to create a striking late summer display.
Grow on under glass until all risk of frost has passed and they can then either be planted outside into a well-prepared bed, or used to fill decorative pots for the patio. Pinching out the growing tips will encourage them to become bushier, and feeding with a high-potash fertiliser at regular intervals throughout the summer will promote even more flowers to form.