Rudbeckia hirta 'SmileyZ Big Joy' is a delightful addition to any garden, celebrated for its striking large yellow flowers that resemble cheerful daisies, each adorned with a dark center. This vibrant plant typically blooms from mid to late summer, infusing outdoor spaces with a burst of color that can brighten even the dullest days. Its compact and bushy growth habit makes it an excellent choice for borders and container gardening, allowing it to fit seamlessly into various landscape designs while providing a lively focal point.
While 'SmileyZ Big Joy' is often cultivated as an annual in the UK due to its limited winter hardiness, it thrives best in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, this resilient plant can tolerate dry conditions, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. To encourage prolonged blooming throughout the summer, regular deadheading is recommended, which not only enhances the plant's appearance but also promotes a more extended flowering period, ensuring that the garden remains vibrant for as long as possible.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Rudbeckia hirta 'SmileyZ Big Joy' plays a vital role in supporting local wildlife. Its bright flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making it a valuable asset for any eco-friendly garden. Although it can survive mild frost and is hardy to about -5°C, it is generally treated as an annual in the colder regions of the UK, where gardeners can enjoy its beauty during the warmer months before replanting in the following season. Height: 60 cm (24 in) Spread: 40 cm (16 in)
Pot up rudbeckia plants and grow them on in frost free conditions for transplanting outdoors later on. When plants are well-grown and all risk of frost has passed, acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over a period of 7 to 10 days, before planting them outdoors in sun or partial shade. Rudbeckia enjoys a fertile, preferably heavy soil that is rich in organic matter and well drained. Coneflowers resent drought and dislike soils that dry out in summer.
