Double Black Eyed Susan - Rudbeckia laciniata 'Hortensia' (ID# 1028, 1029, 1030)

This Double Black-Eyed Susan, also known as Cutleaf Coneflower for its lobed leaves, is an heirloom that's been in cultivation since 1897, when its introduction wowed the gardening world. Over 100 years later, it's still impressive! Plants form a 4-6' tall clump of bright-green leaves, bursting into color in summer when loads of fluffy, double golden-yellow daisies (looking a lot like chrysanthemums) appear on long stems. Makes an excellent cut flower and is a good pollinator plant. Long bloom time. Flowers in July-August, at the same time as purple coneflower, great blue lobelia, tall summer phlox and other late summer flowers and grasses (see floral arrangement from my garden, above). Full sun to part shade, easy to grow. To promote bushiness and reduce plant height, consider pinching the growth back in June. A vigorous spreader, plant in an area of the garden by itself, or remove unwanted shoots as they come up in spring.