Rudbeckia 'Cherry Brandy'

Rudbeckia hirta 'Cherry Brandy': Rich Hues, Bold Presence

With its velvety petals in shades of deep cherry red, burgundy, and maroon, Rudbeckia 'Cherry Brandy' brings a sultry twist to the classic Black-Eyed Susan palette. Each flower is unique, with subtle tonal variations that lend a painterly effect across the plant. Blooming from midsummer into fall, it forms a tidy, upright clump covered in bold, daisy-like blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and admiration. This vibrant cultivar adds warmth and unexpected richness to sunny garden palettes.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 50–60 cm
• Spread: 40–50 cm
• Flower Colour: Cherry red to deep maroon with dark centres
• Flowering Period: Midsummer to fall
• Foliage: Medium green, slightly hairy leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Average, well-drained soils

Uses and Benefits: Ideal for sunny borders, cutting gardens, and mixed containers, 'Cherry Brandy' offers rich contrast in colour-themed plantings and fall displays. Its long bloom period and upright habit make it a useful focal point or companion in layered perennial beds. Easy to grow and quick to flower, it brings instant drama and seasonal flair to gardens aiming for a bolder palette.

Companion Plants: Pair Rudbeckia 'Cherry Brandy' with the magenta tones of Salvia 'Bumbleberry', the dusky red-tinged blades of Panicum 'Prairie Fire', and the soft, cheerful blooms of Aster 'Wood's Pink' for a vibrant and colour-coordinated display that sings from midsummer into fall.

Care Instructions: Grow in full sun with well-drained soil and moderate moisture. Deadhead regularly to extend the bloom period. Though technically a short-lived perennial or biennial, it’s often grown as an annual in northern gardens. Allow a few flowers to go to seed if naturalizing is desired.

History: A unique seed-grown cultivar developed for its rare red flower tones, 'Cherry Brandy' was one of the first widely available red-flowered Rudbeckias. It represents a horticultural breakthrough in colour breeding within the species Rudbeckia hirta.

Final Thoughts: Moody, memorable, and marvellously floriferous, Rudbeckia 'Cherry Brandy' brings rich colour and pollinator appeal to the summer garden. It’s a showstopper with an edge—perfect for gardeners seeking something beyond the golden norm.