Rudbeckia hirta ‘Cherokee sunset.’

Rudbeckia hirta is a wonderful, free-flowering daisy in colors from yellow to bronze and mahogany. You can have them for years, but the original plants will only last a few seasons. But wait! The plants self-seed readily, and if you learn to recognize the slightly hairy seedlings and allow a few to develop where you want them, you can have as many as you want for many years.

They prefer moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Although drought-tolerant, Rudbeckia blooms better with ample moisture. Pinching can produce more compact plants in taller varieties. Allow seeds to fall to ensure permanence in the garden. Spent flower heads can be cut back to prevent too many volunteers. It can be divided every four years in spring. Spent foliage can be cut back to 6" to flush new growth.