What a great idea this was. For the 150th anniversary of the city in 2008, Denver decided to introduce a new twist on the native black-eyed Susan, give away seed in schools, banks, and other offices all over the city, and blanket the landscape in color. Denver Daisy was a sensation, and this hardy perennial will be beautifying the landscape for years to come. Now you can enjoy these giant blooms on drought- and pest-resistant plants too.
Bred from the native Rudbeckia hirta species Denver Daisy sports enormous 6- to 8-inch blooms with outstretched petals of purest yellow. At the base of each petal is a dab or two of dark red, creating a halo around the chocolate-brown cone. Stunning in cut flower bouquets and a huge draw in the garden (butterflies and bees take noticenot to mention songbirds, who feast on the dried seeds in those cones in late fall and early winter), it is a must have for the sunny border.
Denver Daisy reaches 28 inches high and about 24 inches wide, with good branching and very strong flower stems. Expect the blooms to begin by late summer and continue well into fall, combining well with the oranges and golds of the harvest season.
Best in average to dry soil, Denver Daisy is quite tolerant of drought after its first season of growth. Insects and other pests leave it alone, and its native vigor ensures that it can withstand tough environmental conditions. This is a plant to put front and center in the cutting garden, use as a ribbon of color through the sunny garden, and perhaps even pot up for knock-em-dead color on the deck. Enjoy.
