Rudbeckia ‘Viette’s Little Suzy’—little in stature, striking in color.
Today’s blog features Rudbeckia speciosa ‘Viette’s Little Suzy’, which comes to Rozanne® and Friends from Andre Viette Farm and Nursery, Fishersville VA. Viette Nurseries is a nursery and garden center located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. In addition, they also have over six acres of gardens with diverse displays to demonstrate how to garden with perennials. Definitely worth a visit!
Her name says it all—she’s a smaller version of this standard species of Black-eyed Susan. Although not a lot shorter when in flower, the flowers are slightly smaller and the leaves more lanceolate in shape. Mature height is 26 to 32 inches (66 to 86 cm), with a 15 (38 cm) inch spread.
Despite her name, there’s nothing “little” about her flower power. Lots of medium yellow flowers form atop strong sturdy stems. Foliage takes on a mahogany fall color, adding to its beauty.
Flowers from mid-summer to mid-fall.
The genus name, Rudbeckia, was named by the famous botanist Carl Linnaeus, in honor of his professor Olaf Rudbeck (1660-1740). Rudbeck was a Swedish scientist, specializing in botany, zoology, pharmacology and anatomy. Guess they defined “specializing” differently back then?
For growers
- Typically plant 1 liner per 1 gallon (4 litre)
- Vernalization is beneficial for fuller, more floriferous plants
- Plant in fall then overwinter outdoors or in cold greenhouses. Allow plants to grow and flower with naturally occurring spring temperatures
- Can also plant in April/May but plants will not be as full and will flower slightly later
- Standard media pH: 5.5 to 6.5; standard media EC: 1.5 to 3.0 mmhos/cm (saturated paste).
- Generally pest and disease free
In the garden
- For front garden borders, containers
- USDA Hardiness Zone 4 to 8; AHS Heat Zone 9 to 1
- Grow in full sun in well-drained soil
- Long bloomer
- Attracts butterfly and bee pollinators