Sorry, I typed in the wrong name of the new Rudbeckia at the start of this post--The correct name is 'Cherry Brandy' Rudbeckia.

Betty

I saw this too and it is lovely. Do you think it is a selection from Gloriosa daisies? That would make it an annual, and it sounds like it should come true from seed if not grown really close to the golden ones.

Hi donnabaskets,

I am going to email Thompson and Morgan and ask if they will come true from seed. I cannot wait until March to start the seeds inside under lights. We have not had frost in Louisville, Ky. where I live and my flowers for the most part are still looking pretty good. I did lose most of my zinnias during Hurricane Ike--whose strong winds reached Louisville, for 3 hours a few weeks ago.

Betty

Betty: that article linked above says the color is stable. That tells me that they should come true to seed, at least in color if not other characteristics like height, petal count, etc.

Donna: Gloriosa Daisies are rudbeckia hirtas. The name of this one is Rudbeckia x hirta Cherry Brandy. So, yes, a hybrid of rudbeckia hirta.

My rud hirtas are short lived perennials, lasting at least 2 years. Do yours really only live one year in zone 7?

I bought a pack of these as soon as they came available online. I've had great success wintersowing my rudbeckia in the past, hoping for the same this year with the Cherry Brandy.

Karen

Well, that depends. I did a bed for my best friend four years ago and put Indian Summer plus Salvia farinacea in it, carefully explaining to her that she'd have to change these "annuals" up every season, since that's how they have behaved for me. She thoroughly enjoys reminding me each and every year that they have returned and and are blooming their hearts out. Go figure.:) I might have one in 25 return from year to year.

It doesn't matter. They're so good all summer that I don't mind treating them like annuals.

I just received a reply from Thompson and Morgan concerning saving the seeds from Cherry Brandy Rudbeckia.

Their reply--"Due to the breeding work involved with this variety and although not an F1 hybrid, we cannot guarantee all saved seed will grow true to type."

Well, we shall see. I am going to place an order for the seeds soon.

Betty