Rudbeckia hirta Becky Mixed

The Rudbeckia dwarf 'Becky' Mixed is a perennial plant cultivated as an annual or biennial known for its easy cultivation. It will not last more than 2 to 3 years in the garden, but it readily self-seeds quite easily.

Originating from the United States centre, the Rudbeckia hirta is also known as Rudbeckia gloriosa.

The Rudbeckia gloriosa 'Becky' Mix stands out for its small size of 20/25 cm (8/10in), much shorter than other varieties of the species (which can reach 100cm (39in)) and for its abundant yellow-orange flowering.

The foliage consists of a tuft of basal lanceolate leaves, toothed, dark green, measuring 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4in), from which strong and branched flowering stems rise. The stems bear narrower cauline leaves, somewhat oval.

The Rudbeckia flowers are large daisies (heads) solitary with a prominent black centre and yellow or orange corolla, marked with a darker disk in its centre. The long petals regularly arranged around the flower's heart give it a diameter of approximately 15 cm (6in). The many flowers that repeat from July to October are particularly appreciated as a border in flower beds, pots on the terrace, or planters on the balcony. At the end of summer, the yellow petals fade and fall while the heart of the flowers dries and withers.

Hardy, the Rudbeckia hirta 'Becky' Mixed likes sunny or semi-shaded locations. For the soil, it prefers rich, heavy, and moist but, above all, well-drained soil.

An ecological asset: Throughout the summer, the nectar-rich flowers of Rudbeckias attract pollinating insects and butterflies to your garden. This is an excellent way to improve your garden's ecosystem and promote the production of fruits and vegetables in your garden. In autumn, you can admire the constant ballet of birds that come to feed on the mature seeds they find in the dried flowers' hearts.