'Cherry Brandy,' a new rudbeckia from Thompson & Morgan, has bright red blooms. / Thompson & Morgan
This spring, Thompson & Morgan is introducing a new rudbeckia called 'Cherry Brandy,' the first red-flowered rudbeckia grown from seed.
This handsome new introduction will reach a height of about 24 inches, with single cherry-red blooms, and should grow into a robust, bushy plant by mid- to late summer. Try planting it in large drifts for a big pop in the perennial border.
Commonly known as black-eyed Susans, half-hardy rudbeckias are usually grown as annuals or short-lived perennials in the Hudson Valley.
They will often self-sow, though.
Rudbeckias want full sun and are not fussy about garden soil. If the soil is too rich, you'll get fewer blooms.
Butterflies and bees love them and birds, especially finches, will seek out the leftover seed heads in winter.