Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd
Rudbeckia Autumn Forest
Rudbeckia Autumn Forest
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Rudbeckia 'Autumn Forest' Seeds
While most Black-eyed Susans are pure yellow, 'Autumn Forest' introduces a richer, deeper palette to the late summer garden. It produces massive, 10-12cm wide blooms in varying shades of burnt orange, deep mahogany, copper, and golden yellow, often with a dark chocolate ring around the central cone.
This is a plant of substance. Standing tall on strong, branching stems (approx 60cm), it is robust enough to withstand autumnal winds without flopping. It is the ultimate bridge plant, carrying your garden effortlessly from the high heat of August into the cooler, golden days of October and November.
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🌿 Understanding the Plant
Rudbeckia 'Autumn Forest' is a Half-Hardy Annual (sometimes acting as a short-lived perennial in mild spots).
It originates from North American prairies, meaning it loves sun but needs protection from frost when young. It is grown for its speed and vigour, flowering in its first year from seed.
Top Tip: Don't be in a rush to clear them away! The seed heads stand well into winter, looking beautiful when frosted and providing essential food for birds like goldfinches.
🌱 Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow
These seeds need light and warmth to wake up.
Germination:
Sow indoors from February to April. Surface sow onto moist compost and do not cover (or use a very fine dusting of vermiculite), as they need light to germinate. Keep warm (20°C). Germination takes 10-14 days.
Where to Sow:
They demand full sun or very light shade. They flourish in rich, moisture-retentive soil. Dig in some organic matter before planting out to help the soil hold onto water during summer.
Care While Growing:
Slugs: Slugs love the young leaves. Protect seedlings when you first plant them out in June.
Deadheading: Regular cutting is essential. The more flowers you cut for the house, the more the plant will produce.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Latin Name | Rudbeckia hirta |
| Common Name | Rudbeckia 'Autumn Forest' |
| Hardiness | H3 (Half-Hardy Annual) |
| Light Required | Full Sun ☀️ |
| Height | ↕️ 50cm - 60cm |
| Spread | ↔️ 40cm |
| Spacing | 🌱 30cm apart |
| Great for | 🍂 Autumn Colour ✂️ Cut Flowers 🐝 Late Pollinators 🏺 Large Pots |
| Seed Count | Approx. 500 seeds per packet |
🤝 Perfect Garden Companions
The bronze and copper tones of 'Autumn Forest' need late-season partners that won't fade:
- 🔵 Echinops 'Metallic Blue': The Texture Clash. The spiky, steel-blue spheres of the Globe Thistle provide a cool, metallic contrast to the warm, velvet petals of the Rudbeckia.
- 💜 Verbena Bonariensis: The Height. The tall, airy purple stems of Verbena float above the chunky daisy heads of the Rudbeckia. The purple and gold combination is a classic for late summer design.
📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar
Sow indoors in spring. Plant out in June. Flowers July to November.
| Month | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow Indoors | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | |||||||||
| Flowers | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 |
🏆 Officially Recognised Excellence
This is a top-tier plant for biodiversity. Rudbeckia hirta is listed on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list, providing high-quality nectar late in the season when other sources are scarce.
