Rudbeckia hirta 'SmileyZ Big Cheerleader' is a delightful perennial that infuses gardens with its striking yellow blooms and contrasting dark central cones. As a member of the Asteraceae family, this plant is not only visually appealing but also serves as a vital resource for pollinators, making it a favored option for those looking to create a vibrant, eco-friendly garden. The large, daisy-like flowers are a standout feature, showcasing a brilliant yellow hue that captures the eye and brightens any landscape.
This cheerful plant typically begins to bloom from mid to late summer, offering a prolonged display of color that can last well into the season. Its ability to attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, significantly contributes to the local ecosystem, enhancing biodiversity in the garden. For optimal growth and flowering, 'SmileyZ Big Cheerleader' thrives in full sun to light shade, making it versatile enough to fit into various garden settings. It is also adaptable to different soil types, flourishing in well-drained soils while being capable of tolerating both clay and sandy conditions.
Once established, this perennial exhibits moderate drought tolerance, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. It can be effectively used in borders, meadows, wildflower gardens, or even in containers, providing flexibility in design. Minimal care is required, with deadheading recommended to encourage extended blooming. Hardy in the UK, this plant can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C, ensuring that it remains a reliable and cheerful addition to any garden throughout the seasons. Height: 90 cm (35 in) Spread: 60 cm (24 in)
Growing Information
Pot up rudbeckia plants and grow them on in frost free conditions for transplanting outdoors later on. When plants are well-grown and all risk of frost has passed, acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over a period of 7 to 10 days, before planting them outdoors in sun or partial shade. Rudbeckia enjoys a fertile, preferably heavy soil that is rich in organic matter and well drained. Coneflowers resent drought and dislike soils that dry out in summer.
