Rudbeckia triloba 'Prairie Glow'

Sizes available: #1 (Trade gallon)

Basics: zones 3-9, 24-40" x 18", full sun, numerous two-toned yellow and orange daisy flowers about 1" wide on branching structures, from mid summer into fall, likes medium-wet to medium-dry soils, is quite adaptable, and not picky as to soil type

Common names: Brown-eyed Susan, Three-lobed Rudbeckia

Family: Asteraceae

Origin/Distribution: The species is native from New York to Georgia and parts of Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and Oklahoma. According to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, it is establishing itself northeastward. 'Prairie Glow' is a seed-selected cultivar.

Habitat: damp, open woodland, roadsides, the base of rocky slopes, alluvial thickets (I have not found it requiring this much moisture and it is interesting that its native sites are typically at least partial shade, yet sources call for full sun for R. triloba to grow well. I will definitely test its limits and keep you posted)

More: This cultivar will definitely self sow, but the resulting plants may or may not exhibit the same traits as 'Prairie Glow', which could be interesting or annoying depending on the type of gardener you are and the style of garden you have. It may also behave as a short-lived perennial. I like this smaller-flowered Rudbeckia planted with other larger, single flowered Rudbeckias and grasses. Its branching structure with numerous flower heads (reaching up to 5' tall) makes for a great bouquet ingredient. Cut as a full spray for larger arrangements. Deer resistant and very attractive to pollinators.

Nursery: Van Berkum

Image credits: North Creek Nurseries