BEAUTY is a variety of Rudbeckia known for its bright, large flower heads that resemble big daisies. The flowers reach a diameter of 9 to 15 cm and can be yellow, orange, or reddish-brown, depending on the variety. The leaves are pinnately divided or entire, oval-shaped, ranging from 5 to 20 cm in length, giving the plant a neat appearance and ensuring good photosynthesis.
Rudbeckia prefers sunny locations with fertile, clay soils. When planting, place the plants 30–50 cm apart to ensure sufficient light and air access to each bush. To promote faster growth and abundant flowering, it is recommended to feed with a complex mineral fertilizer with a balanced nitrogen content before flowering begins. In perennial varieties, after autumn, the above-ground part can be cut off and covered with soil to protect the root system from cold.
Care for the plant is simple: regular watering, soil loosening, weeding, and removal of faded flower heads. Pests – aphids, beetles, caterpillars; diseases – powdery mildew. If leaves are affected, remove them and treat with a sulfur-containing product. Rudbeckia pairs well with daisies, phloxes, gypsophila, asters, delphiniums, and lupines, creating bright compositions in country-style gardens or as a solitaire.
The flowering period begins in the second half of July and continues until September. After flowering, the plants retain green leaves, making them attractive even in the autumn period. Due to their frost resistance and ability to hold cut flowers for a long time, rudbeckia is often used for dried bouquets and decorative compositions.
