Rudbeckia 'Marmalade' is a Half-Hardy Annual.

It originates from the North American prairies, so it loves sun but needs protection from spring frosts.

The "Short-Lived Perennial" Trick: Although grown as an annual for speed and vigour, in mild winters or sheltered spots, it can sometimes survive to flower a second year. However, for the best display, we recommend sowing fresh seeds each spring.

Top Tip: The flowers are incredibly weather-resistant. The petals are thick and waxy, meaning they don't turn to mush after heavy rain like Petunias do.

Rudbeckia is easy to grow but needs a little warmth to get started.

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 thrive in rich, moisture-retentive soil (add compost!). They are fantastic in pots but remember to water them regularly as they are thirsty plants.

Care While Growing:
Deadhead: Snip off faded flowers to encourage new buds.
Slugs: Protect young seedlings from slugs when you first plant them out. Once the leaves are hairy and tough, slugs usually leave them alone.

The golden-orange of 'Marmalade' looks stunning with late-season blues and purples:

• 💜 Salvia 'Violet Queen': The complementary contrast. The vertical, deep violet spikes of the Salvia cut through the rounded, golden mound of the Rudbeckia. Purple and Gold is the classic late-summer colour scheme.
• 🌾 Briza Maxima (Quaking Grass): The Prairie Look. The rattling seed heads of the grass turn golden-straw colour at the same time the Rudbeckia blooms, creating a natural, windswept aesthetic in a pot or border.

Sow indoors in spring. Plant out in June. Flowers July to October (often until November).