Black-eyed Susan
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Cherry Brandy Rudbeckia is the first red wine-colored black-eyed susan bred from seed, earning a Fleuroselect Novelty Award for its striking departure from the classic golden yellows gardeners expect. The semi-double blooms emerge in rich cherry-rose tones with a deep, smoky character that makes them a floral shop favorite and a landscape standout. Plants reach 24-30 inches tall in a compact, tidy habit, blooming heavily from summer through fall across hardiness zones 9-10. From seed to first bloom takes 100-112 days, and once established, these rudbeckias handle drought well while attracting pollinators and resisting powdery mildew.
Full Sun
Moderate
9-10
30in H x 18in W
Annual, Biennial, Perennial
Moderate
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The color alone sets Cherry Brandy apart: a deep cherry-rose that reads almost wine-dark in garden light, utterly different from the yellow coneflowers most gardeners know. Large 3-4 inch semi-double blooms create generous landing pads for bees and butterflies, while the tidy compact plants stay around 24-30 inches without sprawling. Deadheading spent flowers extends bloom from June straight through November, and these rudbeckias reseeds readily if you let them, giving you volunteer plants year after year.
Cherry Brandy excels as a cut flower, prized by floral designers for its rich color and long vase life. The substantial 3-4 inch blooms and sturdy stems make bouquets that hold their form and color for days indoors. In the garden, its extended bloom season and pollinator appeal earn it space in borders, containers, and cottage gardens where deep reds and burgundy tones anchor the late-summer palette.
Sow seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last frost date in containers or 72 to 50-cell plug flats. Sow seeds on or just barely beneath the surface, as they require light to germinate; cover lightly without completely burying them. Keep the soil moist using bottom watering or misting to avoid dislodging seeds, and maintain temperatures between 65-75°F. A humidity dome helps retain moisture during the 7-14 day germination period. Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
Harden off seedlings gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions for increasing periods over 7-10 days before planting. Transplant after all frost danger has passed when soil temperatures have warmed. Space plants 12 inches apart in both directions to allow adequate air circulation and room for the mature 12-18 inch width.
In zones 8 and warmer, direct sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Sow seeds on the surface and firm lightly; they need light to germinate. Keep soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge in 7-10 days, then thin to 12-inch spacing.
For cut flowers, harvest blooms in the morning when they are fresh but not completely open, while still showing some red and dark burgundy coloration. Choose stems with at least 3-4 inch diameter blooms and cut just above a leaf node. Stems should feel firm and the flowers should have good substance. If you prefer dried flowers, wait until blooms are completely open before cutting and hang them upside down in a warm, dry location.
Deadheading spent blooms actively extends flowering throughout the season and encourages bushier growth. Pinching is not required for this compact variety, as plants naturally develop a tidy form. Remove spent flowers regularly from June through November to maintain vigor and continuous bloom.
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“Cherry Brandy emerged as a breakthrough in Rudbeckia hirta breeding, recognized as the first red wine-colored variety available from seed. Its Fleuroselect Novelty Award honor marked it as a genuine innovation in ornamental rudbeckia breeding, expanding gardeners' color palette beyond the traditional golden yellows and oranges. The award recognition elevated it to floral industry status, where professional florists adopted it as a sophisticated, long-lasting cut flower alternative to conventional black-eyed susans.”